Osteoporosis is a condition that causes the bones to become weak and susceptible to fracture. Although it tends to occur more often in older women, it can also occur in young women, teenagers and men. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, approximately 2 million American men have osteoporosis, and another 12 million are at risk. Osteoporosis can exist without causing any symptoms until it becomes severe or a fracture occurs. This means that men who have risk factors should get screened to detect the disease early. After diagnosis, there are treatments available for osteoporosis in men.
Lifestyle Changes
Men, like women, increase their risk of developing osteoporosis by making unhealthy lifestyle choices. Therefore, to help prevent and manage this disease, it is important for men to quit smoking, as tobacco damages bone and accelerates bone loss, warns the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
It is also necessary to consume adequate mounts of calcium and vitamin D as part of a healthy well balanced diet. Most men need about 1,000 to 1,500 mg of calcium and 200 to 800 IU of vitamin D each day, depending on age and general health. A doctor or registered dietitian can make specific recommendations.
Regular weight-bearing exercise to help strengthen the bones also needs to be part of the plan. This means getting about 30 minutes a day of moderate activity, such as walking and dancing that make your bones bear body weight. Activities such as swimming and biking are not weight-bearing as the weight of the body is supported.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
In men, the development of weak bones is sometimes linked to a decrease in the hormone testosterone. In these cases, a man can try testosterone replacement therapy, states the National Osteoporosis Foundation. In males, testosterone levels start to decline by age 30 which can affect the strength of the bones. Muscle mass may also decrease, while body fat increases.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, if hormone replacement therapy is prescribed, it is administered in the form of injections, patches or gels as there is currently no pill form available. This medication can have side effects and increase the risk of some forms of cancer, so it is important to weigh the risks and benefits before starting this treatment.
Bisphosphonates and Parathyroid Hormones
In men that have a high risk of fractures, the American Academy of Family Physicians recommends speaking with a physician about taking a bisphosphonate. Bisphosphonates slow down the rate of bone loss. A man with osteoporosis can also consider parathyroid hormones or anabolic drugs. This class of medications helps to rebuild bones. As with all medications, there are side effects to consider. A physician can review personal medical history, risk for fractures and the severity of osteoporosis, to determine which, if any medication, is appropriate.
