Men & Osteoporosis
Although women are the largest population of victims with osteoporosis, this disease also affects more than 5 million American men. The impact of this disease on men has been under-diagnosed, under-reported and inadequately researched. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, more than 2 million American men suffer from osteoporosis, an additional 3.1 million men are at risk for developing the disease, and one in every 8 men over the age of 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture. Each year 80,000 men suffer a hip fracture and one-third of these men die within a year. Tens of thousands of men also fracture bones in their spine, wrist, or ribs as a result of osteoporosis.
Risk factors for men include:
- Prolonged exposure to certain medications, such as steroids used
to treat asthma, arthritis, or other diseases, anticonvulsants, certain
cancer treatments and aluminum-containing antacids.
- Chronic diseases that affect the kidneys, lungs, stomach, and intestines,
or alter hormone levels.
- Low level of sex hormone testosterone.
- Unhealthy lifestyle habits (smoking, excessive alcohol use, low calcium
intake, inadequate physical exercise)
- Age: The older you are, the greater your risk.
- Race: Caucasian men appear to be at greatest risk, but all men can develop this disease.
It is important to remember that osteoporosis can be prevented. A healthy
diet and lifestyle can greatly reduce your chances of developing this
disease. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or for more
information about what you can do to decrease your risk.