Health & Nutrition
Men and Osteoporosis
A man over the age of 50 has a greater chance of suffering a
fracture as a result of osteoporosis than of being diagnosed with prostate
cancer. And almost one in five men will suffer a hip fracture by age 90, with a
third of them dying as a result of complications during healing.
But, to most people, osteoporosis continues to be viewed as a
woman's disease, even within the medical community. The absence of a uniform
recommendation for the routine screening of men with osteoporosis can lead to
the misdiagnosis of the disease in men, as when male patients present with
symptoms of osteoporosis identical to those of female patients - such as back
pain.
For this reason, it's important for men to be aware of red
flags for the disease, such as loss of height, changes in posture, and sudden
back pain. There are a number of conditions that can raise osteoporosis risk,
including use of drugs like corticosteroids, anticonvulsants, and
chemotherapeutic agents: low testosterone levels; intestinal, liver, liver, or
kidney disorders that could affect use of calcium and vitamin D; alcoholism; and
limited mobility.
Fortunately, treatment options for men with osteoporosis
continue to expand. While the estrogens used in women's hormone replacement
therapy and the hormone-like drug raloxifene (Evista) are not considered
appropriate options, the Food and Drug Administration has given approval for men
to take alendronate (Fosamax) and, in cases of steroid-induced osteoporosis,
risedronate (Actonel). In addition, physicians may also prescribe testosterone
replacement therapy and calcitonin (Miacalcin). The latter is only officially
approved for women at the moment but may work similarly to reduce bone loss and
prevent fractures in men.
Men, like women, should do all they can to prevent osteoporosis
in the first place: avoid smoking and excessive alcohol intake; consume at least
1,000 milligrams of calcium and 400 International Units of Vitamin D each day
(1,200 milligrams of calcium if you're 51 or older and 600 units of vitamin D
if you're at least 71); and engage regularly in weight-bearing exercise, such
as brisk walking or jogging.
Tufts University Health and Nutrition Letter (September 2001)
Also see our fact sheet Osteoporosis: The Bone Thinner
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