Male osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is often thought of as a women's disease, but men get it too, and it's underdiagnosed in men because screening is less routine. In younger and middle-aged men, bone loss usually has an identifiable cause, such as low testosterone, excess alcohol use, smoking, long-term corticosteroid use, thyroid problems, or certain digestive or kidney conditions that affect nutrient absorption and mineral balance.

As men age, testosterone levels gradually decline, which can contribute to reduced bone density over time, somewhat similar to what happens with estrogen loss in women after menopause. Men also tend to develop osteoporosis later in life than women, and when they break a hip, outcomes can be more serious on average. A DEXA scan measures bone mineral density and helps a doctor assess risk using T-scores and other factors like FRAX.

If male osteoporosis is suspected, a doctor will typically look for underlying causes before deciding on treatment, since addressing something like low testosterone or stopping a contributing medication may be part of the plan. Treatment options, including bone-building or antiresorptive medications, should always be discussed with a prescriber who can weigh individual risks, benefits, and the right monitoring plan.