Language: English
The healthcare portal for patients and the general public in Europe
This service contains links to third party websites. EPG Patient Direct is not in a position to verify this information and cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the content contained.
03 Apr 2008
Studies highlighting women osteoporosis sufferers mask a growing number of men living with the condition, it has been claimed.
According to Dr Angela Shepherd of the University of Texas, speaking to the Wall Street Journal, men have been "largely ignored" by medical experts.
However, she claims that strategies to prevent hip and spine fractures in men are now becoming more widespread as they are now living longer.
While women's risk of osteoporosis is often triggered by the onset of the menopause, osteoporosis in men often develops slowly and does not become obvious until much later in life.
Lower weight, a history of smoking and excessive drinking can all combine to increase a man's chances of developing weaker bones.
Certain drugs for conditions including those used to treat prostate cancer as well as long-term steroid treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and asthma are also thought to heighten a man's risk of bone fragility, she said.
According to the US National Institutes of Health, one in four men over 50 will suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture during his lifetime.
Click here to learn more about osteoporosis
Delicious
Reddit
Facebook
StumbleUpon
