Leanne Pratt - Osteoporosis in Men

Friday, February 17, 2012 11:52 AM

Osteoporosis is a disease where bones weaken and become less dense, making them more susceptible to fractures. It is commonly thought of as a problem for women, but it can also occur in men.

In fact, one in three men over the age of 60 will suffer a fracture due to osteoporosis. Fractures from osteoporosis are less common in men; however, men don’t tend to develop osteoporosis until later in life when compared with women.

Testosterone, the male sex hormone, is important for maintaining healthy bones. When testosterone levels decrease (just like the decrease in oestrogen in women) the bones lose calcium at a faster rate, reducing bone density.  Testosterone levels tend to decrease with age, and up to 52% of men over the age of 65 have some reduced testosterone levels and 37% had bone mineral density levels below the young adult normal range.

Your lifestyle plays a significant role in bone health and there are some lifestyle factors you can control that will improve you bone health such as not smoking, limiting your alcohol and caffeine intake and being physically active.

Physical activity can potentially slow down or even halt the age related decline in bone mass. This is because bone responds to mechanical stress. The physical forces placed on your bones during muscle contractions helps to improve bone strength.

It has been found that strength-trained men had greater bone mass and density, and improved skeletal status.

It’s also important to consider the additional benefits of strength training, including the retention of muscle mass and improved strength, agility, and balance that may help to prevent falls and fractures.

Research suggests that heavier weights may be particularly beneficial to promote bone mass. This makes it important to begin resistance training before significant bone loss occurs, and minimise the risk of injury when high-intensity weight lifting is performed. It is also important to build up gradually and lift weights with correct posture and technique.