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.

Osteoporosis is known as a “silent disease,” because people do not experience symptoms. People with osteoporosis are at higher risk of breaking a bone — a bump or a fall can cause a broken bone, also known as a fracture. It can be much more difficult to recover from a fracture if you have osteoporosis. People with osteoporosis who break a bone, especially older adults, can experience long-term pain, loss of mobility, and even complications that can lead to death.

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. If you are a man, talk to your doctor about whether you should get a bone density test.

Learn more about bone density tests:

• 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?