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When it comes to matters of the heart, men are a decade ahead of most women in the development of cardiovascular disease. But the reverse holds true for osteoporosis: Women face bone loss at an earlier age than men.
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Although osteoporosis is trumpeted as a problem mostly affecting women, University of Florida aging experts say men shouldn't let down their guard against weakening bones. Doctors say osteoporosis surfaces in many men just as they reach their retirement years.
In fact, one-and-a-half million men over age sixty-five have brittle bones, and another three-and-a-half million are at risk. The loss of two hormones in men -testosterone and estrogen- are equally to blame for diminishing bone strength. Osteoporosis increases the possibility of fractures and can lead to pain and decreased mobility. And while doctors are on the lookout for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, there are no specific recommendations to test for bone health in men.
Dr. Thomas Mulligan / UF aging expert
"Well we all think about getting bone density studies done in women after menopause, but we should start thinking of doing bone density studies in men, particularly after the age of 65."
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Doctors point out that bone strength is crucial for good health and longevity, particularly because men who do experience a hip or vertebral [ver-tee-brahl] fracture are more likely to die after the injury than women. Because our bodies stop building bone around age thirty, experts recommend that even children and young adults take action to reduce the risk of osteoporosis in later years.
Dr. Thomas Mulligan / UF aging expert
"Well, surely what a man can do at any age is engage in weight-bearing exercise, increase calcium intake, increase vitamin D intake. And there are also drugs, just like we use in women, to prevent bone resorption. We can use those very same drugs in men, and they’re quite effective."
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At the University of Florida Health Science Center, I'm Eva Egensteiner
