Talking to Your Doctor
Be Your Own Health Advocate
Being your own health advocate involves taking action and working with your doctor to make decisions about your health and your treatment. You need to be prepared to voice your concerns, ask questions, ensure your needs are addressed, and explain your preferences. A relationship built upon mutual respect, communication, honesty, and trust between you and your doctor can make all the difference.
Provide your doctor with the information they need by keeping detailed notes, including:
- Your symptoms
- A list of current prescriptions
- Past medical records, results, or prescriptions
- Personal and family history
As a self-advocate, you also need to put in the work by taking your medications as they are prescribed to you, following your doctor’s recommendations, and doing your best to lead your healthiest life.
Download the discussion guide that’s right for you
Please select which of the following options best describes you:
Please only select one of the above options.
| Help Start the Conversation |
Yes No Unsure |
|---|
| Are you a female over the age of 50 and/or post-menopausal? | |
|---|---|
| Have you previously been diagnosed with osteoporosis by a healthcare professional? | |
| Have you experienced a bone fracture? | |
| Have you noticed any height loss? | |
| Has one or both of your parents ever experienced a bone fracture? | |
| Have you ever completed a clinical risk assessment with your doctor? | |
| Have you ever completed a bone mineral density (BMD) test? |
This small questionnaire is a good starting point to initiate the conversation with your doctor about osteoporosis and risk assessment.
- I think I may be at risk for osteoporosis. Can we discuss testing and screening options?
- Are there any resources you can recommend for starting a healthier lifestyle (e.g., improvements to diet and exercise)
| Help Start the Conversation |
Yes No Unsure |
|---|
| Are you a female over the age of 50 and/or post-menopausal? | |
|---|---|
| Have you experienced a bone fracture? | |
| Have you noticed any height loss? | |
| Have you ever completed a bone mineral density (BMD) test? | |
| Are you satisfied with your current intervention? | |
| Do you feel you should be doing more? | |
| Do you fear falls and fractures? |
This small questionnaire is a good starting point to initiate the conversation with your doctor about osteoporosis and treatment options.
- Can we review my clinical risk assessment?
- When is my next bone mineral density test?
- What treatment options are available to me?
- Are there any resources you can recommend for starting a healthier lifestyle (e.g., improvements to diet and exercise)?
| Help Start the Conversation |
Yes No Unsure |
|---|
| Are you a female over the age of 50 and/or post-menopausal? | |
|---|---|
| Do you sometimes miss a dose or forget to take your osteoporosis medication? | |
| Are you experiencing any side effects with your current medication? | |
| Are you dissatisfied with your current medication? | |
| Are you on any other medications that may affect your treatment? | |
| Have you lost more than 2 cm (¾ inches) in height since starting your current treatment? | |
| Have you broken a bone or experienced a fracture since starting your current treatment? |
This small questionnaire is a good starting point to have a conversation with your doctor about osteoporosis and treatment options.
- Can we review my clinical risk assessment?
- When is my next bone mineral density test?
- Are there other treatment options available to me?
- Are there any resources you can recommend for starting a healthier lifestyle (e.g., improvements to diet and exercise)?
Learn More About the Treatment Options Available
