Men can develop osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weakened bones. Understanding its occurrence, symptoms, and additional information is crucial.
Men, like women, can develop osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures. While it is more common in older men, the condition can affect males at any age.
According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, about 1 in 5 men will have osteoporosis in their lifetime after the age of 50. This prevalence is approximately 11.7%, which is significantly higher than the rate seen in younger men. In fact, data shows that only about 1.13% of men, across all ages, have osteoporosis, indicating the condition is uncommon among younger men.
The age-specific pattern of osteoporosis in men reflects bone density decline and the cumulative effect of risk factors affecting older males. Osteoporosis in men typically becomes more prevalent with age, especially in elderly males, often linked to senile osteoporosis rather than postmenopausal osteoporosis seen in women.
Risk factors for osteoporosis in men include age, body size, race, family history, diet, hormonal imbalance, medications, other medical conditions, lifestyle, and not getting enough physical activity. Other potential causes may include alcohol misuse, certain medications, hypogonadism, smoking, and other medical conditions.
Common symptoms of osteoporosis in men may include severe back pain, loss of height, spine malformation, easily occurring bone fractures, limited mobility or an inability to move a limb, and an inability to put weight on a leg.
If a man is at high risk of osteoporosis, a doctor may recommend a bone density test, such as DEXA, a noninvasive procedure that measures the bone mass density of the skeleton at various sites prone to fracture.
If treatment for osteoporosis is necessary, a doctor will consider a person's age, sex, bone fracture risk, and bone density result to create the safest, most effective treatment plan. Treatment aims to reduce pain, prevent fractures, maintain bone health, and slow the progression of osteoporosis. Possible treatments include medications, exercise, and lifestyle changes.
It is important to note that osteoporosis is often underrecognized and undertreated in men, as suggested by a 2022 study. Therefore, it is best for a person to contact a doctor if they have any concerns about osteoporosis or if they experience symptoms of a fracture. A doctor can provide a person with more information on ways they can lower their risk of osteoporosis.
References:
[1] National Osteoporosis Foundation. (2020). Osteoporosis in Men. Retrieved from https://www.nof.org/patients/diseasefacts/osteoporosisinmen/
[2] World Health Organization. (2017). Osteoporosis. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/osteoporosis
[3] National Institutes of Health. (2021). Osteoporosis in Men. Retrieved from https://www.bones.nih.gov/health-info/bone/bone-health/osteoporosis/osteoporosis-men
[4] National Institute on Aging. (2021). Osteoporosis in Men. Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/osteoporosis-men
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