Osteoporosis and Thinning Bones

Cleveland Clinic describes osteoporosis as a disease that weakens bones and makes them much more likely to fracture. This guide sorts the questions that come with that diagnosis, so you can see which ones apply to you.

Articles on bone health

Both articles below say which published source stands behind any bone sign they treat as a reason to call.

• Hip Fracture Risk in Later Life: why a broken hip gets its own article, and what to tell whoever examines it.
• DEXA Scans Measure Bone Density: what the scan is for, with a separate guide to the DEXA scan behind it.

Reading the wider picture

A guide to osteopenia sits next to the full guide on osteoporosis symptoms, causes and treatment, and reading both gives you the wider picture.

A broken hip has its own article in the journal, and Cleveland Clinic's guide to hip fracture symptoms, risks and recovery can be read alongside it.

Before you call a clinician

Note any earlier broken bones, any recent falls and any new pain that has not eased. Bring a list of the questions you want answered. A clear note gives a clinician something specific to respond to.