Between October 18–21, this website will move to a new web address (from health.gov to odphp.health.gov). During that time, some functions might not work as expected. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we’re working to make this transition as smooth as possible.

Doctor Visits

Preventing Osteoporosis: Questions for the Doctor

Older woman speaking with provider.

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that makes bones weaker and more likely to break. Anyone can get osteoporosis, but it’s most common in older women.

Ask your doctor or nurse about steps you can take to prevent weak bones and lower your risk for osteoporosis. If you're a woman age 65 years or older, schedule a bone density test. And if you're age 64 years or younger and you've gone through menopause, ask your doctor if you need to get a bone density test.

What do I ask the doctor?

When you visit the doctor, it helps to have questions ready ahead of time. You can also ask a family member or friend to go with you to take notes.

Consider taking this list of questions to your next appointment.

  • Am I at risk for osteoporosis?
  • What puts me at risk for osteoporosis?
  • What can I do to help prevent osteoporosis?
  • How can I help prevent falls and injuries?
  • Do any of my medicines cause bone loss?
  • How much calcium and vitamin D do I need each day?
  • Do you recommend that I get a bone density test?
  • If I have osteoporosis, what are my treatment options?
  • Can you give me some information about osteoporosis to take home with me

Content last updated May 26, 2023

Reviewer Information

This information on bone density was adapted from materials from the National Institute on Aging, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, and the Office on Women’s Health.

Reviewed by:

Leslie Rivera Quiroz, M. A.
Communications Specialist
Science Communications and Outreach Branch
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases 
National Institutes of Health

Trish Reynolds, RN, MS
Writer-Editor/Media Liaison
Science Communications and Outreach Branch
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and 
Skin Diseases
National Institutes of Health

For more information about osteoporosis, check out: