Osteoporosis (Seriously, the word “women” isn’t in there anywhere!)
For years older men have felt safe from the risk of Osteoporosis, a medical condition in which the bones become brittle and fragile from loss of tissue. Although women are more susceptible to osteoporosis men are by no means safe from the condition.
It’s equally as important that men are screened for the condition, especially if they are displaying symptoms. Listed below are the major and minor risk factors for Osteoporosis as provided by the Ontario Osteoporosis Strategy.
Major risk factors
- Age 65 or older
- Vertebral compression fracture
- Fracture with minimal trauma after age 40
- Family history of osteoporotic fracture (especially if your mother had a hip fracture)
- Long-term (more than 3 months continuously) use of glucocorticoid therapy such as prednisone
- Medical conditions (such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease) that inhibit absorption of nutrients
- Primary hyperparathyroidism
- Tendency to fall
- Osteopenia apparent on x-ray
- Hypogonadism (low testosterone in men, loss of menstrual periods in younger women)
- Early menopause (before age 45).
Minor risk factors
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Hyperthyroidism
- Prolonged use of anticonvulsants
- Prolonged heparin use
- Body weight less than 57 kg (125 lbs.)
- If your present weight is more than 10% below your weight at age 25
- Low calcium intake
- Excess caffeine (consistently more than 4 cups a day of coffee, cola or some energy drinks)
- Excess alcohol (consistently more than 2 drinks a day)
- Smoker.
If you are positive for a variety of these factors a discussion with your doctor may be warranted. Osteoporosis can leave you vulnerable for bone fractures and breaks which could complicate other medical conditions.