We’ve heard about osteoporosis from TV ads promoting dairy products that are rich in calcium. These TV ads are normally addressed to women who are at risk to osteoporosis. However, what very many people are probably not aware of is the fact that a third of hip fracture sufferers in older people are actually men. Also, another fact that maybe not very many people are probably of is that men, when they suffer from hip or bone fractures, fare worst compared to women.
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis refers to the thinning and weakening of the bones which ultimately makes them at risk to breaks or cracks, known medically as fractures. The bones of the spine, the wrist, and the hips are the most vulnerable.
Osteoporosis affects the elderly, but this condition happens earlier to women because the production if estrogen stops almost abruptly when menopause begins. To men, osteoporosis sets in, but at a much slower level because testosterone level falls more slowly.
Estrogen (women) and testosterone and estrogen (in men) are necessary for the preservation of healthy bones. When these two, estrogen and testosterone, diminishes, the bones become porous and brittle.
What Makes Osteoporosis Dangerous to the Elderly?
In order for hip fractures to heal, the one who suffered from it must be immobilized for quite a long time for the healing process to take effect. This is not good for elderly people because the long immobility often results to pneumonia or blood clots, two conditions that can be fatal to the elderly.
Other Risk Factors for Osteoporosis in Men
Aside from age, which is the number one factor in osteoporosis, these are numerous other factors that increase the risk of men suffering from what is also known as “porous bones”. These are as follows:
- Cigarette smoking
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Low testosterone levels
- Low vitamin D levels
- Family history of hip fractures
- Prior or present treatment with corticosteroids, such as prednisone for rheumatoid arthritis or other disorders
- Inadequate intake of calcium
- A parathyroid secreting tumor in the parathyroid gland
- Excessive thyroid hormone replacement for an under active thyroid gland
Can Osteoporosis be treated?
Osteoporosis is a condition that is very difficult to reverse. Thus, prevention is the key to treatment.
Calcium is the basis of treatment, and Vitamin D is needed as this helps facilitate the absorption of the calcium.
A regular exercise program should also be adapted; one that includes muscle-strengthening exercises as well as weight-bearing exercises. Good examples of exercises would be walking and aerobics. These helps greatly in keeping bones stay strong, consequently lowering the risks of fractures.
