Patients with osteoporosis risk factors should talk to their doctor

Osteoporosis is a silent disease, meaning it doesn't present any symptoms as it progresses. In fact, most people do not know that they have the condition until they break a bone. For this reason, experts say that people who have some common risk factors should talk to their doctors about their chances of developing osteoporosis and whether a prescription to buy Fosamax is appropriate.

"You should talk with your physician/health care provider if you have gone through early menopause, experienced a loss of height, had a bone fracture especially with a minor trauma, if you have taken steroid medications for a long time or if there is a family history of osteoporosis," Dr. Salvatore Lacagnina wrote in the South Florida News-Press.

He added that there are several different tests doctors can utilize to check a patient for weakened bones. If these tests come back positive, a round of medications and some lifestyle changes may be appropriate.

In addition to the risk factors mentioned by Dr. Lacagnina, individuals who do not consume enough foods with vitamin D and calcium, lead sedentary lifestyles and drink and smoke to excess are likely to develop osteoporosis, according to the Mayo Clinic.