Commonly discussed as a woman’s health issue, osteoporosis is a disease where decreased bone strength increases the risk of a broken bone. A new study, however, indicates that men are both more likely to suffer worse consequences from the bone-thinning conditions, and less likely to take preventative measures or accept screening.

You can read an article on the study here:

[Men Far Less Likely to Prevent, Screen for Osteoporosis][1]

Osteoporosis is the most common reason for a broken bone in older patients. Bones that commonly break include the back bones, bones of the forearm, and the hip. The condition can weaken bones until a fracture occurs due to minor stress or trauma. Until a broken bone occurs, there are typically no symptoms, which makes screening for osteoporosis important.

In developed countries, osteoporosis occurs in 9% to 38% of women, and 2% to 8% of men. This means that up to 2 million American men have osteoporosis, and another 8 to 13 million have low bone density. Thus, 13% of white men in the United States over the age of 50 will experience at least one osteoporosis-related fracture during their lifetime. What is troubling is that when men suffer fractures, their risk of death is twice as high when compared to women, and that severe medical consequences and loss of independence are much more prevalent in men.

Certain health problems and drugs that boost osteoporosis risk are specific to men, including some prostate cancer medications. Despite this, the study demonstrates that physicians are just not thinking about screening men. This is compounded by only 25% of men surveyed indicating that they would accept osteoporosis screening if offered.

A doctor involved in the study remarked, “not only is society in general unaware of the problem of osteoporosis in men, men are not seeking screening and diagnosis.” The doctor concluded by stating that as longevity is increasing, doctors “have a duty to make sure those later years are as happy and productive as can be and not spent in a wheelchair.”

The results of the study may lead to the development of a new standard of care for primary care physicians in suggesting preventative measures to their male patients, and possibly even screening men over the age of 50 for osteoporosis.

[1]: https://www.northshorelij.com/about/news/men-far-less-likely-prevent-screen-osteoporosis “Men Far Less Likely to Prevent, Screen for Osteoporosis”