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Osteoporosis health centre

Osteoporosis - Questions to ask your doctor

BMJ Group Medical Reference

If you've been told you have osteoporosis or a broken hip because of osteoporosis, you may want to talk to your doctor to find out more.

Here are some questions that you might want to ask about osteoporosis.

Recommended Related to Osteoporosis

Causes of osteoporosis

Are you searching for what causes osteoporosis? You may be surprised to learn that many factors contribute to osteoporosis. For instance a decrease in oestrogen at menopause is one cause. There is also a genetic component. If your mother or grandmother had osteoporosis, the chances are higher for you to have it too. Eating a diet that's low in calcium, getting little exercise and smoking cigarettes also contribute to getting osteoporosis. It's important to know all you can about what causes...

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  • How bad is my osteoporosis? Which of my bones are affected?

  • What's the best treatment for me? How does it work?

  • Does the treatment cause any side effects?

  • Can I help myself by changing what I eat? What sort of changes would help?

  • Can I help myself by taking exercise? What sort of exercise would help?

  • Are there any vitamins or other things I can add to what I eat that might help my bones?

  • What else can I do to lower my chances of breaking a bone?

  • What will happen if I break another bone?

  • Am I doing anything that could be making my osteoporosis worse?

  • Will I be tested regularly to see how my bones are doing?

  • Should other members of my family be tested too?

You may have broken your hip. If so, here are some more questions that you might want to ask.

  • Will I need an operation?

  • How will the operation affect me? How quickly will I get better?

  • What kind of help or support will I need after the operation?

  • What if the treatment or operation doesn't work?

Citations

For references related to Osteoporosis click here.
Last Updated: November 01, 2010
This information does not replace medical advice.  If you are concerned you might have a medical problem please ask your Boots pharmacy team in your local Boots store, or see your doctor.
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