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:
