The commonly accepted idea is that osteoporosis only affects women.
The disease, which weakens bone tissue over time, does not spare men’s skeletons either.
Worldwide, one in five men over the age of 50 will suffer an osteoporotic fracture during their lifetime.
Haven’t we said enough that we shouldn’t trust appearances? With osteoporosis, this is even more true. Although many experts agree that the male skeleton is stronger, more solid and more spacious than the female, it is still susceptible to the effects of time. Certainly, this disease, which causes a gradual loss of bone mass, is two to three times more common in women due to menopause, recalls the health insurance. However, men should not take this scourge lightly: a quarter of fractures in men are due to bone fragility, reports Amelie.fr. But most of them are still underdiagnosed, treated or unaware of the dangers associated with this insidious disease.
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What is osteoporosis in men?
In women, osteoporosis is influenced by the hormonal changes of menopause, which accelerate bone loss after age 50. In France, it is estimated that 39% of women around the age of 65 suffer from osteoporosis. In men, it also manifests itself with age. According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, one in five men will experience an osteoporosis-related fracture, compared to one in three women. When the disease is already at an advanced stage, the slightest shock, even minimal, can cause an osteoporotic fracture. In an article published in 2023, rheumatologists and university professors Bernard Cortet and Bétrice Bouvard observed a clear increase in these bone fractures after the age of 70.
What are the risk factors?
To confirm the diagnosis, both men and women can undergo a test called bone densitometry, which is used to measure bone mineral density. The latter is covered by health insurance on prescription and only for at-risk patients. They should also be aware of factors that increase the risk of developing the disease. Indeed, tobacco and alcohol are more often identified in the male population. According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, smoking increases the risk of breaking a bone by 29% and the risk of hip fracture by 68%. Also, rheumatologists based in Lille and Angers identify chronic obstructive pulmonary disease—a lung disease that causes shortness of breath—as “A major risk factor for fractures, especially vertebral“. Lack of physical exercise or excessive sports activity that can lead to significant weight loss is also a predisposing factor.
What can we do to prevent this loss of bone mass?
According to this medical article, the most common fractures in the male population are, in descending order, fractures of the ribs, vertebral, humerus, pelvis, and, to a lesser extent, the tibia. However, it is possible to prevent osteoporosis and limit the risk of bone fractures or fractures.
Men of a certain age should especially make sure they have enough calcium (average 1200 mg per day) and vitamin D, two elements that play an essential role in bone health. Even doctors recommend that their patients stay active! It is up to them to focus on muscle strengthening exercises such as jogging, swimming, hiking, gymnastics or even brisk walking to improve their posture, develop their flexibility and strengthen their bone architecture. Experts recommend a healthy and balanced diet based on dairy products, fruits and green vegetables and adopting a healthy lifestyle on a daily basis.
