Epidemiology and pathophysiology of osteoporosis in men.
Osteoporosis in men is an unrecognized but growing problem as the number of men who live to old age increases. The 10-year fracture risk at age 50 quadruples by age 80, and in general the incidence rate of osteoporotic fracture in men is about half that of women. Of note, the mortality and morbidity after hip fracture are much greater in men. There are many men whose osteoporosis is the result of specific causes such as oral glucocorticoid therapy, hypogonadism, or androgen withdrawal therapy for prostate cancer. In addition there are several interesting syndromes of osteoporosis in middle-aged men; these men usually present with vertebral fractures. As knowledge about the prevalence and etiology of osteoporosis in men increases, it will be recognized and treated in more men, in hopes of preventing fracture.
Adler
Robert A
RA
Endocrinology and Metabolism, McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1201 Broad Rock Blvd., Richmond, VA 23249, USA. robert.adler@va.gov
D000375:Aging; D015519:Bone Density; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012727:Sex Characteristics