Men and Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis has been considered a “women’s disease,” but 20-25 percent of all hip fractures occur in men. As the U.S. population ages, more senior men are expected to become affected by osteoporosis.
A study by UC San Diego School of Medicine researchers of osteoporosis in older men examined the risk factors for osteoporosis, fractures and prostate cancer in 5,995 men, aged 65 and older.
Among the study’s findings:
- Rib fractures are the most common clinical fracture in senior men.
- Men with diabetes who are using insulin are at increased risk of fractures not related to the spine.
- Loss of height is a risk factor and marker for osteoporosis in men.
- Lower than normal testosterone levels in men are associated with greater fragility and vulnerability to fractures.