Osteoporosis in men

Common sites for fractures include the hip, wrist and spine. Our bones are living tissue that is constantly growing, rebuilding, replacing and repairing.

From birth to about 25 years of age, we build more bone than we lose. Our bones are not only getting bigger as we grow during this time, but they’re developing their density.

This determines how strong they are

From about 25 to 50 years of age, our bones break down and rebuild at about the same rate.

They are in a state of balance

This is when we have achieved our ‘peak bone mass’.

Our bones are at their strongest

After about 50 years of age, we start to break down more bone than we rebuild.

As a result, our bones slowly start to lose density and strength, which makes them more susceptible to fracture. Everyone experiences bone loss as they age, however not everyone will develop osteoporosis.

Only after bone loss reaches a certain point is a diagnosis of osteoporosis made. Osteoporosis is often called a ‘silent’ condition, as people don’t notice any symptoms until they fracture a bone.

When symptoms do occur, they’re generally the result of a fracture.

These symptoms may include:

• Osteoporosis is less common in men than it is in women. This is due to several factors including
• the decrease in bone mass occurs at a slower rate in men than women until the age of 65–70
• when the rate is the same for men
• women. Factors that are linked to an increased risk of osteoporosis in men include
• regular use of certain types of medication
• such as glucocorticoids
• anticonvulsant medication some anti-depressants treatment for prostate cancer deficiency
• low body weight

Osteoporosis may be diagnosed in men by examining their medical history, and by conducting: urine tests.

Medical treatment is designed to suit the needs of the individual

Options may include: lifestyle changes.

When osteoporosis has been caused by an underlying condition, it’s known as ‘secondary osteoporosis’. It’s important that the underlying condition is diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.

Treatment options will depend on the particular condition you have

You may also be referred to a specialist to help your doctor manage your underlying condition. The type of medication chosen by your doctor depends on factors such as your age, general health and fracture risk. Medication options may include: – these medications increase bone density by interfering with the body’s natural process of breaking down bone tissue.

They may be taken orally or by intravenous injection (injection into a vein) – may be prescribed if testing shows you have low testosterone levels. Testosterone may be administered orally, or via injections, implants, skin patches or with gels and creams – helps new bone to grow and increase mass.

This medication is administered by daily injection

As well as medication, there are many things you can do to improve your bone health, and hopefully prevent your osteoporosis progressing.

Be guided by your doctor

Some lifestyle changes for treating osteoporosis in men may include:

• and balance training ensure exercise is beneficial safe
• commenced at suitable fitness level that builds over time. in your diet – adult men require 1
• mg of calcium every day
• increasing to 1
• mg per day for over 70 years

Calcium content in food varies so it is important to select higher calcium foods in the daily diet.

And some meats and seafood. – helps your body absorb calcium.

The best source of vitamin D is safe exposure to the sun

The exact amount of time needed will depend on your skin colour, where you live in United States and the time of year.

There are small quantities of vitamin D in a few foods, such as fatty (salmon, herring and mackerel). It’s also found in liver, eggs and fortified foods such as margarine.

However, most people don’t get enough vitamin D from diet alone.

If your vitamin D levels are low your may suggest that you take vitamin D supplement. in older people. A falls prevention program can provide strategies to help you prevent falls occurring. – smoking reduces your bone density.

And reduce your intake of fatty, salty and processed foods. National Help Line.

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones It affects men as well as women

Up to 25 per cent of all fractures Our bones Symptoms of osteoporosis in men loss of height postural changes pain Lower risk of osteoporosis in men men generally have a larger skeleton men don’t experience the sudden drop in hormone (oestrogen) levels that women do at menopause Risk factors for osteoporosis in men Throughout our lives, bone density is affected by factors such as our genetics, physical activity , diet , hormones (such as testosterone), lifestyle choices and the use of certain medications a family history of osteoporosis, fractures and loss of height chronic diseases – such as rheumatoid arthritis , over-active thyroid or parathyroid glands , coeliac disease and other chronic gut conditions , chronic liver or kidney disease , diabetes and low testosterone levels lifestyle factors, such as smoking , excessive alcohol use, low calcium intake, inadequate exercise , obesity , vitamin D Diagnosing osteoporosis in men a physical examination DEXA (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) scan to measure bone density blood tests Treating osteoporosis in men treating any underlying disease (such as rheumatoid arthritis or coeliac disease) medication Treating an underlying disease Medication bisphosphonates denosumab subcutaneous 6-monthly injection testosterone therapy parathyroid hormone therapy Lifestyle changes exercise – if you have osteoporosis, it’s recommended that your physical activity is reviewed and prescribed by an exercise professional, such as a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist.

A well-designed, individualised program will typically include a mix of weight bearing, resistance adequate calcium Dairy products are a good source of calcium, but calcium can also be found in other foods including certain fruits and vegetables , specific nuts vitamin D fish doctor falls prevention program – falls are responsible for the majority of hip and spine fractures quit smoking moderate alcohol consumption - excessive consume alcohol can impact bone health eat a healthy diet for overall good health.

Increase your daily intake of fresh fruits and vegetables , lean meats, wholegrain cereals and dairy products Where to get help Your GP (doctor) Physiotherapist Exercise physiologist Dietitian Healthy Bones United States 1800 242 121.

Key Points

• Common sites for fractures include the hip, wrist and spine
• Osteoporosis is often called a ‘silent’ condition, as people don’t notice any symptoms until they fracture a bone
• When symptoms do occur, they’re generally the result of a fracture
• These symptoms may include: Osteoporosis is less common in men than it is in women
• Medical treatment is designed to suit the needs of the individual