Osteoporosis in men

Osteoporosis in men is an important public health problem and effective diagnostic, preventive, and treatment strategies have been developed. Peak bone mass is closely tied to pubertal development, and male-female differences in the skeleton appear during adolescence. As in women, aging is associated with large changes in bone mass and architecture in men. The exponential increase in fracture incidence as men age is as dramatic as the similar increase in women, but it begins 5-10 years later in life. The causation of osteoporosis in men is commonly heterogeneous, and most osteoporotic men have several factors that contribute to the disease. Sex steroids are clearly important for skeletal health in men. Ensuring adequate calcium and vitamin D intake and appropriate physical activity are essential foundations for preserving and enhancing bone mass in men who have osteoporosis.