Many males are sometimes stunned when they’re recognized with osteoporosis. It is because it isn’t normally discovered on well being radar. And that is once we talk about a well being subject that has clearly been under-explained: osteoporosis in males.
Osteoporosis is primarily thought-about a “feminine illness.” However it is a fable. Osteoporosis causes main issues, particularly for males over 50 years outdated. The issue lies in the truth that osteoporosis isn’t recognized till a fracture happens. Most fractures happen within the spinal bone, hip bone, or wrist bone. The earlier you take note of bone well being, the extra possible you’ll be to keep away from critical fractures as you age.
If this situation is neglected in males, it will probably predispose them to critical fractures that will trigger dramatic modifications of their high quality of life. You will need to perceive how this happens, who’s in danger, and most significantly, the way to take motion concerning your bone well being by first taking a check as a part of a daily physician go to.
Males are weak
Estrogen performs an essential position in bone density, so it’s typically suspected of postmenopausal females, however it can be crucial that males additionally not lose sight of the truth that bones are topic to the identical components that worsen over time. In truth, research present that 8-20% of Indian males have osteoporosis, with the prevalence solely rising with age. Indian males are susceptible to osteoporotic fractures, notably hip fractures, and because the inhabitants ages, the overall variety of fractures many years forward is poised to extend dramatically.
In males, bones are initially extra dense than in ladies, however over time additionally they lose bone density. Males over the age of fifty will fracture at an rising fee similar to ladies, however at a slower tempo than ladies. Males’s bone loss charges meet up with them within the Nineteen Seventies and Eighties. That is while you expertise a fracture on account of low bone density.
In truth, one of many three hip fractures that happen world wide is male. These fractures are notably harmful. As a result of they will debilitate and have an effect on all points of a person’s life, so low mobility, lack of independence and psychological well being trauma are prone to proceed from such incidents.
Males additionally are usually extra bodily energetic when getting old in comparison with ladies, leading to elevated danger of fractures.
Threat components
Age Issue: After age 50, testosterone ranges within the physique drop naturally. Testosterone helps to keep up sturdy bones. Due to this fact, age is a danger issue as bones deteriorate with lower in testosterone. The shortage of correct bodily exercise after age 50 combines this.
Inadequate exercise: – Inadequate weight burden is a danger issue for younger males. That is exacerbated by poor life-style components similar to leaning ahead on the desk for extreme intervals, lack of fruit and veggies throughout meals, and extreme alcohol consumption. These habits usually are not solely related to gaining weight, but in addition worsen bone brittle as males age.
Comorbidity circumstances: As folks age, many males may have comorbidities similar to diabetes. Different circumstances that result in low testosterone, similar to hyperthyroidism in males, can be an element. Lengthy-term steroid remedies (for instance, within the case of bronchial asthma or arthritis) may also precipitate osteoporosis all through age.
Smoking and Alcohol: Nicotine and alcohol abuse are thought-about stressors to bone improvement. They selectively deplete calcium and result in decrease bone mass. Alcohol additionally has a direct impact, affecting your immune system and metabolism. To attenuate each tobacco use and alcohol, it’s worthwhile to enhance the energy of the bones.
Calcium and Vitamin D Deficiency: With out calcium and vitamin D, you might be in danger on your brittle bones. Vitamin D helps in absorption of calcium. Many males spend too little time within the solar, and sometimes have vitamin defects with out understanding it.
Protects bones
Males can shield bone well being with wholesome habits.
Motion: Stimulate the physique to create and preserve bone mass, aiming for workouts that can bear a minimum of half-hour of weight, similar to strolling, jogging, and resistance workouts.
Consuming a bone nutritious diet: Intention for 1,000-1,200 mg of calcium and 600-800 IU of vitamin D per day from dairy merchandise, greens or dietary supplements.
Smoking and Alcohol Discount: Defend your bones with the intention of stopping smoking and limiting alcohol to 2 items per day.
Get screened: In case you have a danger issue for beneath 50 years outdated, seek the advice of your physician about getting screened with a bone scan.
Fall prevention
Use ski footwear, also referred to as slip-resistant or non-slip footwear. Keep away from getting into vibrant rooms, stroll via messy areas, and don’t place any mats aside from seize bars or skids in the bathroom. Anti-slip tape is a straightforward and efficient approach to enhance security and stop stairs from falling.
Osteoporosis doesn’t solely have an effect on ladies. Maintain your bones – your future self will admire it!
(Dr. Kumardev Arvind Rajamanya is Head of Division and Chief Advisor – Orthopedics, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru. Kumardev.rajamanya@asterhospital.in)
Revealed – August 25, 2025 01:23 PM IS
