Stable Health Podcast

Osteoporosis in Men

Stable Health Care

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When most people hear the word osteoporosis, they picture an older woman.

That's exactly why so many men miss the warning signs.

In this episode of the Stable Health Podcast, Sharon explores the often-overlooked reality of osteoporosis in men—why it's underdiagnosed, undertreated, and frequently discovered only after a serious fracture has already occurred.

You'll learn why men remain at significant risk despite having larger bones, which medical conditions and medications accelerate bone loss, and why hip fractures can be especially dangerous for older men.

Sharon also breaks down the risk factors men should know about, including low testosterone, long-term steroid use, smoking, heavy alcohol use, family history, and certain chronic medical conditions.

Most importantly, this episode explains what men can do now to protect their bones through screening, strength training, nutrition, and lifestyle changes.

Because osteoporosis doesn't care whether you're a man or a woman.

And the best time to protect your bones is before the first fracture happens.

Stay stable.


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All content is synthesized from peer-reviewed clinical evidence and reviewed by Stable Health Care Services. It does not constitute personalized medical advice.

SPEAKER_00

Quick word association. When I say osteoporosis, who do you picture? Probably an elderly woman. Here's what that picture leaves out. One in four men over 50 will break a bone because of osteoporosis. And when men break a hip, they're actually more likely than women to face serious complications afterward. I'm Sharon and you're listening to the Stable Health Podcast. Today, the bone disease men don't see coming. Men start adulthood with an advantage: bigger, denser bones, and they don't go through the sharp hormonal drop of menopause, so their bone loss is slower and later. But that head start becomes a blind spot. Because osteoporosis is labeled a women's disease, men are far less likely to be screened, diagnosed, or treated. The disease isn't rarer in men so much as it's ignored. And the stakes are high. After a hip fracture, men have roughly twice the one-year mortality of women. This is not a diagnosis men can afford to shrug off. For men, a few culprits deserve special attention. Low testosterone, whether from age or medical treatments, is a major cause of rapid bone loss. Long-term steroid medications, like prednisone, also hit bones hard. Heavy drinking and smoking are among the strongest lifestyle risks for male osteoporosis. And the universal ones still apply. A parent who broke a hip, low body weight, and conditions like celiac disease or an overactive thyroid. If any of these sound familiar, that's your cue. 3 moves. 1. Ask about screening. Men 70 and older or younger men with risk factors should ask their provider about a DEXA scan. It's 10 painless minutes. 2. Load your bones. Resistance training twice a week plus weight-bearing activity. Muscle pulls on bone and bone answers by getting stronger. 3. Cover the basics. Adequate calcium and vitamin D. Keep alcohol moderate, and if you smoke, this is one more compelling reason to stop. The takeaway Osteoporosis doesn't check your gender before it weakens your bones. Gentlemen, and everyone who loves one, the strongest thing you can do is take this seriously before the first break, not after. This episode is for education, not personal medical advice. Bring your questions to your own provider. I'm Sharon. This is Stable Health. Until next week, stay stable.