Osteoporosis is commonly associated only with women. But the fact is, two in 10 Americans who have osteoporosis are male, as medical research suggests. Moreover, three million more men are at risk developing this condition. It clearly shows that
men should also worry about osteoporosis risks.
The majority of men do not know about their bone mass mainly because they are not very particular with their health. Even when they already have the disease, older men are less likely to take Fosamax the drug of choice for the said bone problem, medical journals report. In order for this medical condition to lessen impact among the men, it is important that we understand these kinds of attitude.
When men reach 50, their bone loss may not be as quick as in women who are in the menopausal stage. However, when they reach 70, their bone loss rate may already be equal to the women. The absorption of vitamin D and calcium that are also vital in keeping the bones healthy is greatly diminished during that age, which further heightens the risk. But there is an osteoporosis that is not age related.
There are different cause for secondary osteoporosis such as hormonal changes, certain medications, alcoholism and smoking. When men can get afflicted of the medical condition called hypogonadism, in which levels of sex hormones (testosterone) are abnormally low, men can be at a high risk of getting osteoporosis. Hypogonadism can be of many causes, of which one of the most known is the use of medications such as gluccocorticoids and cancer treatment (especially those used for prostate cancer). Bone loss is common side effect of gluccorticoids, which is the reason why it can be seen as bad for the bones. These drugs are used to manage diseases like rheumatoid arthritis as well as asthma, which may imply that these drugs may be given over a long-standing period.
Another reason why bone density may decline according to multiple studies is through too much intake of alcohol. It is important to control ones alcohol intake. It is also vital for one to quit smoking as it has been found out to contribute in the increase of bone loss.
All these given information are vital in terms of dealing with osteoporosis especially among men. It is always better to prevent a disease to occur than find ways in treating it later like the use of Fosamax which has produce adverse effects and is now facing a
Fosamax class action lawsuit.
