Men and Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is
often considered to be a woman’s disease. Although it is more common in
women, osteoporosis is a serious health issue for men. According to a Canadian study of
healthy men and women, the number of broken bones (also known as
fractures) of the spine is similar in men and women over the age of
50.
With age, men experience multiple vertebral fractures. As with women, the
cause appears to be osteoporosis. Elderly men account for almost 30 per cent of
hip fracture cases. Men are more likely to die after a hip fracture than women.
Fractures, or broken bones, in both men and women often lead to significant
physical and emotional problems. If you have had a fracture, the chances of
having another one increase greatly.
Osteoporosis is less common in men than in women for a number of reasons. Men
have greater peak bone mass and do not experience the accelerated bone loss
women do at menopause. As well, they generally do not live as long and are less
likely to fall than elderly women.
Learn more about men and osteoporosis:
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