Men, too, can suffer from osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is often perceived as a condition that predominantly affects women, particularly those who have gone through menopause. This common misunderstanding leads to significant neglect in diagnosing and treating osteoporosis in men. Although men exhibit lower rates of osteoporosis compared to women, they remain at considerable risk for this disease.

- BY DATUK DR NOR ASHIKIN MOKHTAR

As men grow older, especially after the age of 50, they become increasingly prone to bone density reduction, resulting in fractures and other complications associated with osteoporosis. Unfortunately, the symptoms and risk factors common among men frequently go unnoticed, leading to delayed diagnoses and inadequate treatment.

A silent disease

Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disorder characterised by reduced bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue, which increases fragility and raises fracture risk. Often progressing quietly, many men are unaware of their bone density problems until they sustain a fracture. While numerous risk factors for osteoporosis are shared between genders — such as ageing, family history and certain medical conditions — men face unique challenges that contribute to its underdiagnosis.

A key factor includes hormonal changes — decreased testosterone levels due to ageing significantly affect bone density. Unlike women who experience rapid loss of bone mass during menopause, men’s decline tends to be gradual, making symptoms less noticeable and complicating early detection efforts.

Other contributing risk factors include excessive alcohol intake, smoking habits, low body weight, and specific medications like corticosteroids that further heighten osteoporotic risks.

Often termed a “silent disease”, osteoporosis typically remains symptom-free until a fracture occurs. The lack of obvious symptoms in men can lead to dangerous delays in diagnosis since many may not recognise their susceptibility or actively pursue preventive measures. Fractures among men due to osteoporosis frequently involve locations such as the hip, wrist or spine.