Photo Credit: by jcomp, freepik.com
A staggering statistic may shock you: half of all Americans above 50 have weak bones, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). There is a bright spot in all of this: no matter how old you are, you can take actionable steps now to prevent bone loss and thinning. Why is this important? That’s because, if left untreated, you are prone to developing osteoporosis. What is osteoporosis? It’s a condition characterized by low bone density, fragile bones, and an increased risk of fractures. You may have heard the term before, and a common misconception is that only women are affected. Well, that’s not true. It is estimated that about 2 million men in the US have osteoporosis. Why is this important? Well, osteoporosis increases your risk of fracture, and studies have shown that men are twice as likely to die within a year after a hip fracture compared to women. This article will explore risk factors, prevention tips, and treatment options for osteoporosis in men.
Bone Deep: What You Need to Know About Your Body's Framework
It is important first to understand the role bones play in our health beyond acting as the skeletal framework that allows us to move, walk, and run. Our bones also play a vital role in storing our body’s calcium supply and extracting it when needed by our cells. They also house bone marrow, where our blood cells are made. Furthermore, they protect our vital organs, such as our heart and lungs, within our rib cage. However, as we age, our bones can become progressively thinner. Why? Our bones undergo a remodeling process, replacing old pieces of bone with new, fresher bone. When we’re younger, this process happens at about the same rate. However, this process can become imbalanced as we age, whereby more bone is removed than added. If left unchecked, this can lead to osteoporosis as our bones become so thin and fragile that they are more prone to fractures. Other risk factors are also involved in this process, which we’ll delve into next.
Cracks in the Foundation: What Puts Your Bones at Risk?
There are several risk factors for osteoporosis in men, and these include:
• Alcohol use disorder
• Chronic steroid use
• Low levels of testosterone
• Smoking
• Vitamin D deficiency
Part of considering when to screen for osteoporosis in men is assessing their risk of fractures independent of their bone density, and these risk factors include
• A parent with a history of hip fracture
• Advanced age
• Low body weight
• Previous history of fractures
We also know that bones become stronger when stressed, such as through weight-bearing exercises. Thus, it is no surprise that a sedentary lifestyle and increased immobility as we age can also contribute to poor bone health. A poor diet can also worsen bone health, as our bones require minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, zinc, Vitamin D, and others to remain healthy as we age. As mentioned, our body stores calcium within our bones, and Vitamin D helps our body absorb calcium from our diet. Thus, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your diet and how you can be sure you are feeding your bones what they need daily.
Building Better Bones: Everyday Habits That Matter
So, how can we prevent our bones from becoming thin and weak as we age? Well, we discussed a few, and they include:
• Following a healthy diet rich in the proper minerals and nutrients, our bones need to remain strong
• Weight-bearing exercises in our daily exercise routine
• Avoiding unhealthy habits that contribute to low bone density, such as smoking and excessive alcohol intake
It is also important to maintain a healthy weight, as being overweight as we age can increase our risk of falls, and being underweight increases our risk of low bone density. Most importantly, continue regular checkups with your doctor to ensure you are being screened for osteoporosis when needed.
When Diet Isn’t Enough: Medical Options for Bone Support
Let’s talk about treatment options if you are diagnosed with osteoporosis. Of course, your doctor will review these options with you once you’re also diagnosed. The medication typically started for osteoporosis is Alendronate, part of a class of drugs called bisphosphonates that also include Ibandronate and Risedronate. These medications work by stopping your bone cells from removing bone in the remodeling process we discussed above, indirectly increasing bone density. Other medications your doctor may consider, especially if you are at a very high risk of fractures, include medications that tell your bone cells to build new bone, such as teriparatide. Several other treatment options are also available, especially if one is intolerant to any of the medications we discussed. Treatment of osteoporosis in men has limited research; however, most studies about the reduced risk of fracture after treatment have evaluated this risk in women. Nevertheless, this is all to say that treatment is available, and it’s important to talk to your doctor about your risk of osteoporosis, need for screening, and treatment options that are best for you.
Strong Bones, Strong Life: Don’t Let Your Health Slip Through the Cracks
It’s clear then that bone health is an important issue for everyone, including men, and much is known about maintaining healthy bones. A healthy diet, avoiding unhealthy habits, proper exercise, and talking with your doctor early about your risk of osteoporosis and the need for screening. Our vast knowledge on how to prevent our bones from becoming weak and fragile underscores the need to stay proactive regarding our bone health. Start the conversation with your doctor now, and take the proper steps to keep your bones sturdy. Bone health isn’t just about aging; it’s about how well you choose to live today.
References:
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/overview-of-the-management-of-low-bone-mass-and-osteoporosis-in-postmenopausal-women?search=osteoporosis&source=search_result&selectedTitle=2~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=2#H2861224768
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/alendronate-drug-information?search=osteoporosis&topicRef=2064&source=see_link#F131369
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/teriparatide-including-biosimilars-available-in-canada-drug-information?search=osteoporosis&topicRef=2064&source=see_link#F225803
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/screening-for-osteoporosis-in-postmenopausal-women-and-men?sectionName=EPIDEMIOLOGY&search=osteoporosis&topicRef=2049&anchor=H3&source=see_link#H3
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/etiology-of-osteoporosis-in-men?search=osteoporosis&topicRef=2052&source=see_link
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/treatment-of-osteoporosis-in-men?search=osteoporosis&topicRef=2049&source=see_link#H1554186004
https://doaj.org/article/d4731e422a4c486bac13dbf644115326
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/staying-healthy/bone-health-basics/
https://odphp.health.gov/healthypeople/about/workgroups/osteoporosis-workgroup#:~:text=Approach%20and%20Rationale,at%20increased%20risk%20for%20osteoporosis.