Positive diagnoses for many conditions can lead to feelings of worry or fear — even disbelief or denial. A diagnosis of osteoporosis may feel at first like a shock, but with the right medication and lifestyle changes, loss of bone mass can be reversed. And the actions you take — or don't take — to help keep your bones strong can directly affect your chances of having a fracture (broken bone).

If you have osteoporosis, or if you’re at risk for developing osteoporosis, it’s important that you get information from a trusted source. Your primary care doctor may be the best person to consult first, because he or she is most familiar with your health history and can determine if further tests may be needed. The Surgeon General recommends discussing the following topics with your doctor or other healthcare professional about your bone health.

• Ask to check your risk for bone disease
  
  
• Discuss if you need a bone density test
  
  
• Talk about any fall, even if you were not hurt. Tell him or her about any broken bones you’ve had
  
  
• If you are over the age of 50 and you have fallen, ask about the need for a full evaluation. Tests include vision, balance, walking, muscle strength, heart function, and blood pressure.
  
  
• Go over all the medications you are taking (including over-the-counter ones). Do this at least once a year. This helps avoid dangerous drug interactions and taking higher doses of drugs than you need, which can lead to falls.
  
  
• Ask if your doctor checks vision. Annual vision checks can help eliminate bone-breaking falls.
  
  
• Monitor your calcium and vitamin D intake. Report your totals to your doctor.
  
  
• If you would like to try a new physical activity, ask about the best choices for you

Remember, it may take time to accept the diagnosis of osteoporosis, and to make the lifestyle adjustments needed to keep your bones strong. Try to learn as much as you can, so you can understand how to best take care of yourself.

Choose from the links below to learn more about an osteoporosis diagnosis.

Bone Mineral Density Test

Who Should be Tested

Bone Mineral Density Test

To help diagnose osteoporosis, a doctor may first conduct a full medical exam, then order a specialized test known as a bone mineral density (BMD) test. A BMD test is quick, accurate, painless, and safe. It is commonly used to measure the density of various bones throughout the body, including the spine, wrist, hip, heel, or hand. A BMD test can:

• Detect low bone density before a fracture occurs
• Confirm osteoporosis after a fracture occurs
• Predict the risk of experiencing a fracture in the future
• Determine the response to treatment

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Testing for Osteoporosis

Should you be tested for osteoporosis? Keep in mind that the risk for osteoporosis increases with age, and if you have any risk factors, testing becomes even more important as you grow older. Your doctor can perform these tests.

Although osteoporosis is less common in men, the problem of osteoporosis in men has been recognized as an important public health issue.

Learn more about risk factors for osteoporosis.

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