Osteoporosis is widely perceived to affect only women. A consequence of this is that men are often unaware of the preventative measures they can take to protect themselves against the disease.
| It is estimated that at least one man in twelve will develop osteoporosis after the age of 50. |
Loss of bone density is a natural part of ageing. It only becomes a problem when levels of the primary bone minerals calcium and phosphorus and the protein collagen become depleted. Calcium and phosphorus cause bone to be rigid, whilst collagen makes it strong.
It is when the body has difficulty maintaining bone structure and development (either through mineral deficiency or hormonal problems) that osteoporosis can set in. The characteristic spaces inside the bones grow larger, making them more fragile and liable to breakage.
| In Britain, approximately 10000 men with osteoporosis fracture their spine every year, and 12000 fracture a hip. A survey of 1000 men in America carried out by the National Osteoporosis Foundation discovered that over 50% of those questioned thought that osteoporosis did not affect men. |
Types of Osteoporosis
Menopausal (Hormonal)
Age range: 51 - 70
Sex ratio: female to male 6:1
Caused by deficiency in sex hormones, especially oestrogen, triggered by the menopause. Men can be affected by hormonal osteoporosis if they have low levels of testosterone.
Age related
Age range: 70+
Sex ratio: female to male 2:1
Caused by build up of age related changes leading to bone loss.
Men are more likely to suffer from age related osteoporosis, but in nearly half of all men with the condition, the cause is unknown. This is known as idiopathic osteoporosis.
Secondary osteoporosis can be caused by medical conditions, prescription medication or an unhealthy lifestyle. It is common in men.
| Factors contributing to secondary osteoporosis include: - long term use of oral corticosteroids (for treatment of asthma etc.)
- alcohol
- tobacco
- anti-sex hormone drugs (used for treating prostate cancer)
- shortage of vitamins K, C and D
- other prescription drugs such as thyroxine, anticonvulsants, heparin, lithium and methotrexate
|
Who is at risk?
We are all potentially at risk from osteoporosis but men are more likely to suffer from the disease when they have low levels of testosterone, use steroids for long periods of time or suffer from intestinal problems such as inflammatory bowel disease or malabsorption.
They can also be at risk if they are immobile, drink and smoke heavily, have a poor diet and lead a sedentary life with little or no weight bearing exercise.
Osteoporosis is more common in men over 60, but preventative measures need to be considered long before this age to reduce chances of developing the disease.
Prevention
Methods of prevention are relatively the same for men and women, and go hand in hand with a healthy lifestyle.
| The basic guides are: - Increase weight bearing exercise, such as walking and running
- Increase consumption of calcium rich foods such as milk, cheese and yoghurt, green leafy vegetables, dried fruits and seeds
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption (more than 1 drink per day)
- Stop smoking
Correction of testosterone deficiency is also an option for those affected. |
Osteoporosis is a major health concern in Britain, and the problem will become worse as the population ages.
Like womens, mens bones become weaker with age, but osteoporosis is not an inevitable part of ageing. By taking action now, we have a better chance of fighting this debilitating disease.
20/05/2009