Talking with your doctor

Zoomer | January 1st, 2006

Speaking with your doctor is the best way for you to better understand your own risk for the disease, as well as prevention and treatment options. Many people find that talking with their doctor about osteoporosis is difficult, sometimes because they aren’t sure what they need to discuss.

Here are several questions to get you started; they are common concerns.

If your concern is about preventing osteoporosis:

How do I prevent osteoporosis?
How do I know if my bone density is low?
How much calcium and Vitamin D is right for me? What are the best sources of calcium and Vitamin D?
Based on my medical history, lifestyle and family history, am I at risk for osteoporosis?
How do I know if someone in my family suffered from osteoporosis? What are the signs to look for?
Am I currently taking any medication that puts me at a higher risk for developing osteoporosis?
Do men get this disease?
Am I too old/young to get this disease?
What about exercise?
Should I have a BMD (bone mineral density) test? What are the risks of a BMD test?
How do I know if Iave fractured a bone?
I have had fractures in the past; could they have been caused by osteoporosis?

If you have osteoporosis or osteopenia, or are at high risk for the disease:

What osteoporosis medications are available to help me?
What are the benefits/side-effects of these medications? Will the medications interact with other medications I am already taking for other conditions?
Am I too old/young to start medication?
Should I have a BMD test?
How can I know if the medications I am taking for other conditions will cause dizziness, light-headedness, disorientation or a loss of balance that could lead to a fall?
Are osteoporosis medications covered by my provincial drug benefits plan?
What sort of physical activity is best for me now?
How much calcium and Vitamin D do I need? What are the best sources?
How can I protect my bones from getting worse?