Osteoporosis in Men
- Osteoporosis in Men Introduction
- Why Osteoporosis is Underdiagnosed in Men
- Risk Factors for Osteoporosis and Fractures in Men
- Screening for Osteoporosis in Men
- Prevention of Osteoporosis in Men
- Treatment of Osteoporosis in Men
- For More Information
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Osteoporosis in Men Introduction
Osteoporosis (or porous bone) is a disease in which bones become weak and are more likely to break. Without prevention or treatment, osteoporosis can progress without pain or symptoms until a bone breaks (fractures). Fractures commonly occur in the hip, spine, and wrist. Osteoporosis is the underlying cause of more than 1.5 million fractures annually (300,000 hip fractures, approximately 700,000 vertebral fractures, 250,000 wrist fractures, and more than 300,000 fractures in other areas). The estimated national cost (hospitals and nursing homes) for osteoporosis and related injuries is $14 billion each year in the United States.
Although women are more likely to get osteoporosis, it is not just a disease of elderly women. Osteoporosis is more common in white or Asian women older than 50 years, but osteoporosis can occur in almost any person at any age. In fact, more than 2 million American men have osteoporosis and 3 million are at risk. Many people who have osteoporosis and risk factors for osteoporosis often do not know they have thin or weak bones. This is because osteoporosis has no symptoms, so many people do not know they have weak bones until they have an unexpected fracture. For example, a simple everyday movement such as picking up a grocery bag causes a broken bone or a slip and fall in a parking lot causes a broken hip, and that is the first “symptom.”
Osteoporosis is often not recognized in men. There are many reasons for underdiagnosis in men. Identifying risk factors is important because osteoporosis is more or less preventable for most people. Identifying men with osteoporosis is also important because, while there is no cure for osteoporosis, there are treatments.
Next: Why Osteoporosis is Underdiagnosed in Men »
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Osteoporosis in Men
Introduction
Although bones may seem like hard and lifeless structures, bones are living tissues that are like muscle. Bones respond to exercise and a healthy diet by becoming stronger. Bones make up our skeletons and provide structure and support for our bodies. However, bones are more than that; they also act like a storehouse for minerals that our bodies need, such as calcium. During a person's lifetime, the body constantly breaks down old bone (through a process called resorption) and builds up new bone. Any time old bone is broken down faster than new bone is made, net bone loss occurs. Bone loss can lead to low bone density (osteopenia), weakness of the bone, and eventually osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis (or porous bone) is a disease in which bones become weak and fragile. Porous bones are more likely to break. Osteoporosis is a serious disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Without prevention or treatment, osteoporosis can pro...
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Osteoporosis »
Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disorder characterized by decreased bone mass and deterioration of bony microarchitecture.
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