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Resources
Helpful tools, organizations, and further reading.
Online Tools
FRAX Calculator
The official fracture risk assessment tool. Enter your details to estimate your 10-year probability of major osteoporotic and hip fractures. Used worldwide by clinicians.
Calcium Calculator
iofbonehealth.org/calcium-calculator
Estimate your daily calcium intake from food sources.
Organizations
International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF)
Global organization dedicated to osteoporosis prevention and treatment. Excellent patient resources and educational materials.
National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) / Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation
US-based organization with patient information, support resources, and healthcare provider education.
Patient-focused organization with practical information about bone health and osteoporosis management.
International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD)
Professional organization that sets standards for bone density testing. Their official positions guide clinical practice.
Finding Specialists
Types of Doctors Who Treat Osteoporosis
Endocrinologists Hormone specialists. Good choice if hormonal causes are suspected or if you need HRT/TRT evaluation.
Rheumatologists Often treat osteoporosis alongside other conditions. Many have extensive experience with bone medications.
Orthopedic Surgeons Treat fractures. Some specialize in metabolic bone disease.
Geriatricians Specialists in older adult care. Often coordinate bone health with other age-related concerns.
Primary Care Physicians Many can manage straightforward osteoporosis. Complex cases may need specialist referral.
Questions to Ask a New Doctor
- How many patients with osteoporosis do you treat?
- Do you use bone turnover markers to monitor treatment?
- What's your approach to investigating secondary causes?
- Are you familiar with anabolic bone medications?
- How do you decide on treatment duration?
Recommended Reading
Books
"Great Bones: Taking Control of Your Osteoporosis" by R. Keith McCormick, DC The best book on bone health I've found. At 714 pages, it's incredibly comprehensive and well-researched, yet accessible. McCormick is a former Olympic athlete who recovered from multiple osteoporosis fractures and went on to complete Ironman triathlons—so he writes from both clinical expertise and personal experience. If you only read one book on this topic, make it this one.
Scientific Resources
PubMed
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Search engine for medical research. Look up specific topics if you want to read the original studies.
Support Communities
Online Forums
Reddit - r/Osteoporosis
reddit.com/r/Osteoporosis
Discussion forum with patient experiences and questions.
Mayo Clinic Forum - Osteoporosis
connect.mayoclinic.org/group/osteoporosis
Discussion forum with patient experiences and questions.
Inspire - Bone Health & Osteoporosis
inspire.com/groups/bone-health-and-osteoporosis
Active community for people with bone health concerns.
Local Support
Many hospitals and health systems offer osteoporosis support groups. Ask your doctor or check with local hospitals.
Lab Testing
What to Request
Basic bone health panel:
- Vitamin D (25-OH)
- Calcium
- PTH (parathyroid hormone)
- Basic metabolic panel
Bone turnover markers:
- CTX (resorption marker) - must be fasting
- P1NP (formation marker)
For men:
- Total testosterone (morning draw)
- SHBG
- Albumin
- Sensitive estradiol (LC/MS method)
If investigating causes:
- Celiac panel
- Thyroid (TSH)
- 24-hour urine calcium
Direct-to-Consumer Testing
Some labs allow you to order tests without a doctor's order. This can be useful for monitoring, but results should still be reviewed with a healthcare provider.
Exercise Resources
Finding Programs
Physical therapists specializing in osteoporosis can design safe, effective exercise programs.
Tai Chi classes Proven to reduce fall risk. Many community centers offer classes.
Consider working with a professional initially, especially if you have osteoporosis.
Emergency Information
Signs of Vertebral Fracture
- Sudden, severe back pain
- Pain that worsens with standing or walking
- Height loss
- Stooped posture
Seek medical attention if you experience sudden back pain, especially after minor trauma.
After a Fall
Even if you feel fine, report falls to your doctor. Falls may indicate underlying issues that can be addressed.
Disclaimer
This guide and these resources are for educational purposes only. They don't replace professional medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare providers for diagnosis and treatment decisions.