June is National Men's Health Month:
Spotlight on Osteoporosis in Men

Osteoporosis isn’t just a women’s disease—2 million men are estimated to have osteoporosis and an additional 16 million men have low bone mass (osteopenia)

Learn More about Bone Health and Your Spine

Osteoporosis weakens bones — and most often in the spine. This June, during National Men’s Health Month, we’re raising awareness about osteoporosis in men. Up to one in four men over the age of 50 will experience at least one osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime.

This men’s health awareness campaign is made possible through an educational partnership with Radius Health.

Males and Osteoporosis: What You Need to Know

Osteoporosis in Men is Often Overlooked

While osteoporosis is often associated with women, it’s a significant health concern for men as well. Approximately 2 million men in the U.S. have osteoporosis, and an additional 16 million have low bone mass, increasing their risk of suffering from debilitating fractures.^Source

Understanding the Impact

Prevalence: Among men aged 50 and older, 4.2% have osteoporosis, and 33.5% have low bone mass.^Source
Fracture Risk: One in four men over 50 will experience an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime.^Source
Mortality: Men are more likely than women to die within a year following a hip fracture.^Source

Alarming Stats

2 million

men are estimated to have osteoporosis and an additional 16 million men have low bone mass (osteopenia)

1 in 4

men over the age of 50 will experience at least 1 osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime

80,000

men suffer from hip fractures each year (which accounts for 30% of all hip fractures)

1 in 3

men will die within the first year following a hip fracture (compared to 1 in 4 women) - men also experience greater morbidity and loss of independence post-hip fracture

VCFs

Vertebral compression fractures are the most common type of fracture caused by osteoporosis, and the rates of these fracture increase with age (both in men and women)

Men older than 50

are reportedly more likely to break a bone due to osteoporosis than they are to develop prostate cancer

25%

Men accounted for 25% of the estimated $17 billion in costs associated with osteoporotic fractures in the US (2005)

Risk Factors Specific to Men

Several factors increase the risk of osteoporosis in men:

Age: Risk increases significantly after 70. ^Source
Lifestyle: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and sedentary behavior contribute to bone loss. ^Source
Medical Conditions: Chronic diseases like diabetes and the use of certain medications, such as glucocorticoids, can affect bone density. ^Source

The Silent Nature of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is often called a “silent disease” because bone loss occurs without symptoms. Many men are unaware they have the condition until they suffer a fracture. Spinal fractures, in particular, can occur without noticeable pain but lead to height loss and posture changes.

Take Action

Taking proactive steps can help maintain bone health:

Exercise: Engage in weight-bearing and resistance exercises to strengthen bones. ^Source
Nutrition: Ensure adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D.
Lifestyle: Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption. ^Source
Screening: Men aged 70 and older, or younger men with risk factors, should discuss bone density testing with their healthcare provider. ^Source

Awareness is the first step toward prevention. If you’re over 50 or have risk factors for osteoporosis, talk to your doctor about bone health. Early detection and lifestyle changes can make a significant difference.