Osteoporosis does not discriminate! Men are at risk too!
For a long time osteoporosis has been considered primarily a disease of postmenopausal women.
This is not true! It possibly was true when the average age expectancy of men was much lower
than it is today. In fact, the life expectancy of men is now increasing at a faster rate than that of
women. It is a sobering fact though, ‘that men having about twice the 1-year fatality rate after
hip fracture, compared to women.’ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4472130/
and https://www.iofbonehealth.org/facts-statistics#category-15
So men! Take notice! Are you at risk!
Men are at risk of the ‘silent’ aspect of the disease any where from 50 years of age onwards and
seems to be primarily related to a drop in the hormone testosterone. A significant lowering of
testosterone tends to occur at around the age of 65 when the rate of bone loss is equal to or
sometimes greater than the average loss in women. The consequences are often greater as the
first sign in men is usually a fragility fracture. Clinical risk factors are often not detected early
enough for adequate intervention. One reason of course is that many men don’t go to the doctor
unless they really have to – like when they have fallen and sustained a fracture!
● Have you already had a fragility fracture?
● Have you been on glucocorticoids for an extended period? These include drugs such as
cortisone, betamethasone, dexamethasone prednisolone.
● Have you had prostate cancer and removal of your prostate gland?
● Have you been prescribed androgen derivative therapy for prostate cancer?
● Low levels of testosterone before the age of 65 for undiagnosed reasons? Certain chronic
diseases can affect hormone levels over time.
If you have answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions you have a high risk of a fragility fracture
related to osteoporosis. If you have not discussed this with your doctor – do so!
Other risk factors include
● Lean body weight
● Dietary factors such as poor diet and excessive alcohol intake with inadequate vitamin D,
Calcium and magnesium for example
● Smoking
● A prolonged sedentary lifestyle with little exercise
● Caucasian men seem to have a higher risk
● A genetic predisposition (both parents had osteoporosis)
● Just getting older!
Click here for a more substantial list
https://www.niams.nih.gov/health_info/bone/osteoporosis/men.asp
How can you be more proactive in managing osteoporosis?
- Firstly, read my previous three posts as much of the information relates to men as much
as women. The posts are designed to be easy reading and not full of medical jargon.
There is also a link to understanding your bone density results. - Talk to your health professional, preferably one who understands osteoporosis, if you
have any concerns related to the risk factors listed above. - Actively reduce your risks associated with poor diet, excessive alcohol and a sedentary
lifestyle
Future posts will look more closely at diet and supplements, medication and importantly – the
most beneficial forms of exercise
Stay tuned!
Reference List
International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF)
https://www.iofbonehealth.org/facts-statistics
Risk-adjusted mortality rates of elderly veterans with hip fractures.
Bass E, French DD, Bradham DD, Rubenstein LZ
Ann Epidemiol. 2007 Jul; 17(7):514-9.
Clinician’s Guide to Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis
F. Cosman,S. J. de Beur, B.Tanner et al
Osteoporosis International. October 2014, Vol 25, Issue 10, pp 2359 – 2381
Osteoporosis in Men: A Review
Robert A Adle
Bone Research. 2014 Apr 29. doi: 10.1038/boneres.2014.1
Mortality after all major types of osteoporotic fracture in men and women: an
observational study
Center JR, Nguyen TV, Schneider D, et al.
Lancet. 1999 353:878.
