Osteoporosis is a disease that causes the skeleton to weaken and the bones to break. According to the National Institutes of Health, it poses a significant threat to millions of men in the United States. Despite overwhelming data, surveys suggest that a majority of American men view osteoporosis solely as a “woman’s disease.” Moreover, among men whose lifestyle habits put them at increased risk, few recognize the disease as a significant threat to their mobility and independence. Recently, the problem of osteoporosis in men has been recognized as an important public health issue.
Some of the most common causes of secondary osteoporosis in men include exposure to certain medications, low levels of testosterone, alcohol abuse, smoking and lack of physical activity.
It is important to recognize and seek treatment for any underlying medical conditions that affect bone health. In addition to adequate Vitamin D and calcium intake, routine exercise, and smoking cessation, testosterone hormone level monitoring is also important.
