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Today, 2 million American men have
osteoporosis, and another 12 million are
at risk for this disease.
Yet, despite
the large number of men affected,
osteoporosis in men remains
underdiagnosed and underreported.
Bone growth
During youth, bones grow in length and
density. During the teen years, maximum
height is reached, but bones continue to
grow more dense until about age 30 when
peak bone density is attained. After
that point, bones slowly start to lose
density or strength. Throughout life,
bone density is affected by heredity,
diet, sex hormones, physical activity,
lifestyle choices, and the use of
certain medications. Men have larger,
stronger bones than women which
explains, in part, why osteoporosis
affects fewer men than women.
Risk factors for osteoporosis
The following risk factors are
associated with osteoporosis in men:
- Prolonged exposure to certain
medications, such as steroids used to
treat asthma or arthritis,
anticonvulsants, certain cancer
treatments and aluminum-containing
antacids
- Chronic disease that affects the
kidneys, lungs, stomach, and intestines
and alters hormone levels
- Undiagnosed low levels of the sex
hormone testosterone
- Lifestyle habits:
1.
Smoking
2.
Excessive alcohol use
3.
Low calcium intake
4.
Inadequate physical exercise
- Age: Bone loss increases with age
- Heredity
- Race: Of all men, white men appear to be
at greatest risk for osteoporosis.
However, men from all ethnic groups
develop osteoporosis
How is osteoporosis diagnosed?
Unfortunately, the diagnosis of
osteoporosis in men is often overlooked.
Your physician may take a medical
history to identify risk factors and
conduct a complete physical exam,
including height, weight, x-rays, and
urine and blood tests. He or she also
may order a Bone Mineral Density Test (BMD
Test) or
bone mass measurement, a
special type of x-ray that can diagnose
osteoporosis. If you notice a loss of height, change
in posture, or sudden back pain, it is
important to inform your doctor.
How can osteoporosis in men be prevented
and treated?
- Experts agree that all persons should
take the following steps to preserve
bone health.
- Recognize and treat any underlying
medical conditions that affect bone
health. Identify and evaluate the use of
medications that are known to cause bone
loss.
- Change unhealthy habits, such as
smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and
inactivity.
- Make sure to get
enough
calcium each day to keep bones
healthy. Men under age 50 need
1,000 mg of calcium daily, and men
age 50 and over need 1,200 mg of
calcium daily.
- Make sure to get
adequate
vitamin D. Men under age
50 need 400-800 IU of vitamin Ddaily, and men age 50 and over need
800-1,000 IU of vitamin D daily. There are two types of vitamin D supplements. They are vitamin D3 and vitamin D2. Previous research suggested that vitamin D3 was a better choice than vitamin D2. However, more recent studies show that vitamin D3 and vitamin D2 are equally good for bone health. Vitamin D3 is also called cholecalciferol. Vitamin D2 is also called ergocalciferol.
- Engage in a regular regimen of
weight-bearing exercises where bone and
muscles work against gravity. This
includes walking, jogging, racquet
sports, stair climbing, and team sports.
Also, lifting weights or using
resistance machines appears to help
preserve bone density. Exercise also
improves balance and muscle tone and
imparts a sense of well-being. If you
have already been diagnosed with
osteoporosis, any exercise program
should be evaluated for safety by your
doctor before you begin. Twisting
motions and impact activities may need
to be curtailed depending on the
severity of your condition.
What medications can slow or stop bone
loss in men? Medications to treat osteoporosis fall into two main categories: antiresorptives and anabolics. Antiresorptives slow bone loss. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three antiresorptive medications to treat osteoporosis in men. These are alendronate (brand name Fosamax®), risedronate (brand name Actonel®) and zoledronic acid (brand name Reclast®). These medications are in a class of drugs called bisphosphonates.
Anabolics speed up bone formation. Only
one anabolic medication has been
approved to treat osteoporosis. This
medication is teriparatide (brand name
Forteo®), and it is approved for men.
This medication is in a class of drugs
called parathyroid hormone.
Testosterone helps protect the bones of
men. When osteoporosis is due to low
testosterone levels, testosterone
replacement therapy may be a treatment
option.
New
members of the NOF family receive our
quarterly newsletter, Osteoporosis
Report, and a copy of our newly revised,
74-page handbook, Boning Up on
Osteoporosis. Renewing members receive
NOF's quarterly newsletter.
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