Osteoporosis
When To Call a Doctor
Call your health professional immediately 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 health professional for an appointment if you:
- Want to discuss your risk of developing osteoporosis.
- Have symptoms of menopause or have completed menopause and want to discuss whether you should take medication 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 osteopenia, or think that you are at high risk for osteoporosis, talk with your health professional about your concerns.
Watchful Waiting
If you do not have any 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:
- Nurse practitioners.
- Physician assistants.
- Family medicine doctors.
- Internists.
- Rheumatologists.
- Endocrinologists.
- Gynecologists.
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment
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| Author: | Robin Parks, MS | Last Updated: December 1, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Carla J. Herman, MD, MPH - Internal Medicine | |
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