Preparing questions in advance can help patients have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their conditions. Patients may wish to ask their doctor the following questions about osteoporosis:

1. What can I do to help prevent osteoporosis? How much exercise should I get, and what kind?
   
   
2. Does my diet need improvement? How much calcium and vitamin D should I be getting? Do I need to take supplements?
   
   
3. Should I limit cola, coffee or alcohol? Is this another reason for me to quit smoking?
   
   
4. Are there preventive medications that can help me if I’m at high risk? If I’m on corticosteroid therapy, should I be taking bisphosphonates? 
   
   
5. Are there any signs and symptoms of osteoporosis I should watch for?
   
   
6. What diagnostic or monitoring tests might I undergo? What do these tests involve?
   
   
7. Should I ask my dentist to look for signs of osteoporosis in my dental x-rays?
   
   
8. What do my test results show? Do I have or am I at risk of developing osteoporosis?
   
   
9. What are my treatment options, and which do you recommend? What are the best medications for me? Can physical therapy or occupational therapy help?
   
   
10. Will I need to my osteoporosis medication for life, or can you discontinue it at a certain point?
    
    
11. Is osteoporosis likely to cause me pain?
    
    
12. What complications can I expect from osteoporosis?
    
    
13. What will be done if I have or am at risk of fractures? If I need surgery, what type, and what will it involve?
    
    
14. What is the expected course of my condition?
    
    
15. Should I have regular screening tests, such as a DEXA scan? How often, and starting at what age? 
    
    
16. Does osteoporosis affect only older women, or can my younger sister, husband or children get it too?
    
    
17. What are the risk factors associated with osteoporosis, and which can I control?