Osteoporosis in Men: An Often Overlooked Health Threat

Osteoporosis in men is finally being recognized as a serious health threat. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, two million American men currently have osteoporosis, and three million more are at risk of developing the disease. Despite these large numbers, osteoporosis in men often remains undiagnosed until the disease is advanced and a serious bone fracture occurs.

Osteoporosis is a disease that causes the bones to lose density, weaken, and break. During childhood, bones grow in both length and density. This growth continues until a person reaches their 30s, at which time bones slowly begin to lose density. Men typically have bigger, stronger bones and larger skeletons than women, and do not usually experience the sudden hormonal changes that women experience during and following menopause. Because sex hormones, diet, heredity, physical activity levels, and the use of certain medications affect bone density, men are less likely to develop osteoporosis than women are.

There are two main types of osteoporosis in men: primary and secondary. In cases of primary osteoporosis, there may no known cause or bone loss may be a result of aging. Age-related bone loss is the assumed cause in men older than 70 years of age. A number of things can cause secondary osteoporosis in men, including low testosterone, medications, alcoholism, smoking, COPD and asthma, cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and hyperparathyroidism. Additionally, men who do not get enough physical exercise or dietary calcium are also at an increased risk of developing osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis in Men: Diagnosis and Treatment

Because osteoporosis is considered a disease of women, the diagnosis is often overlooked in men. If you experience any symptoms of osteoporosis, such as back pain and loss of height, or have a family history of the disease, you should consult your physician. Your physician will be able to diagnose you based on your medical history and physical examination results, and will also likely order a Bone Mineral Density Test.

Bone cannot be completely replaced once it has been lost, and it is therefore extremely important to be evaluated and treated before bone loss is significant. Osteoporosis in men can be slowed, and additional bone loss can be prevented. A change in lifestyle, increased calcium intake, and the addition of weight-bearing exercises to your routine can substantially improve your bone health.