As lawmakers introduce legislation to initiate funding for better diagnosis of osteoporosis (a disease the causes the skeleton to weaken and bones to break)---a major health concern for women (See DM 8809), health care organizations also point out that men also face the risk of health problems from the disease as well.

The National Institute of Health (NIH), a government agency, says that osteoporosis may be a threat to more than two million men in the U.S., and that after age 50, at least six percent of men will suffer a hip fracture and five percent a vertebral fracture due to osteoporosis. By 65 to 70 men and women lose bone mass at the same rate. The condition leads to risk of injury through fractures, typically in the wrist, hip, and spine-which can lead to permanent disability.

In osteoporosis, bone loss exceeds replacement, and absorption of calcium is decreased. There are two types, primary and secondary osteoporosis. Primary is the typical age-related loss. Secondary is related to outside factors, including medications, lifestyles and disease. For example, taking immunosuppressive drugs, glutocorticoids, excessive alcohol intake, smoking, ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis, and undiagnosed low levels of the sex hormone testosterone are all risk factors for secondary osteoporosis.

The good news is that osteoporosis is treatable if detected before significant bone loss. The most widely recognized density test is the dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, or DXA test, the subject of the legislation being considered in Congress. Because with men, a diagnosis is often not made until a fracture occurs, men should inform their doctors of risk factors.

Treatment of osteoporosis includes FDA-approved medications Alendronate and risedronate and Teriparatide for those at increased risk of fracture. Prevention of osteoporosis includes stopping smoking, reducing alcohol, and adequate daily calcium intake. A Surgeon General's report of 2004 particularly emphasizes a balanced diet with a variety of foods rich in calcium, magnesium, protein, and potassium but also low in fat, cholesterol, and sodium. The Report also recommends increasing physical activity for improving muscle mass, muscle strength, balance, and bone strength, which may prevent fractures.

Based on information provided by the NIH, the Surgeon General's Report and the National Osteoporosis Foundation.

DOTmed previously reported on this issue at DM 5585.

Sources:
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bone/Osteoporosis/men.asp
http://www.nof.org/osteoporosis/diseasefacts.htm
http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/bonehealth/content.html

Read a report on bone densitometers in the May 2009 issue of DOTmed Business News

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