Although women are at greater risk, men get osteoporosis too. If you think you can’t get osteoporosis because you’re a man, think again. As our population ages, even more men will get the disease.
Facts and statistics:
- Up to one in four men over age 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis.
- Approximately two million American men already have osteoporosis. About 12 million more are at risk.
- Men older than 50 are more likely to break a bone due to osteoporosis than they are to get prostate cancer.
- Each year, about 80,000 men will break a hip.
- Men are more likely than women to die within a year after breaking a hip. This is due to problems related to the break.
- Men can break bones in the spine or break a hip, but this usually happens at a later age than women.
What Puts Men at Risk?
Many of the risk factors that put women at risk for osteoporosis apply to men as well. For example, family history, taking steroid medicines, not exercising, smoking, drinking too much alcohol or having low testosterone levels can put you at risk for getting osteoporosis. Evidence also suggests that low estrogen levels in men can lead to bone loss, as does having other medical problems such as chronic kidney, lung or gastrointestinal disease, prostate cancer and certain autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Healthy Habits, Healthy Bones – Osteoporosis is not an inevitable part of aging. There are things you can do to reduce your risk.
Learn more.
If you have risk factors for osteoporosis, or aren’t sure, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider.
Download The Man’s Guide to Osteoporosis for a complete guide to help you recognize your risk factors for osteoporosis and the steps you can start taking today to protect your bone health.