Osteoporosis

Call your doctor right away if you:

• Think you have a broken bone, notice a deformity after a fall, or cannot move a part of your body.
• Have sudden, severe pain when bearing weight.

Call your doctor for an appointment if you:

• Want to discuss your risk for osteoporosis.
• Have symptoms of menopause or have completed menopause and want to discuss whether you should take medicine to prevent osteoporosis.
• Have been treated for a fracture caused by a minor injury, such as a simple fall, and want to discuss your risk of osteoporosis.

If you are nearing age 65, have Reference osteopenia Opens New Window, or think that you are at high risk for osteoporosis, talk with your doctor about your concerns.

Watchful waiting

If you do not have any Reference risk factors for osteoporosis and you are already taking preventive measures, such as taking adequate calcium and vitamin D, you may only need routine screening.

Who to see

Health professionals who can evaluate your symptoms and risk of osteoporosis include:

• Reference Nurse practitioners Opens New Window.
• Reference Physician assistants Opens New Window.
• Reference Family medicine doctors Opens New Window.
• Reference Internists Opens New Window.
• Reference Rheumatologists Opens New Window.
• Reference Endocrinologists Opens New Window.
• Reference Gynecologists Opens New Window.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Reference Making the Most of Your Appointment.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.