Hormones play a big part in our wellness, and if they aren’t properly regulated we can suffer all sorts of issues, from problems with our growth, skin, bones and hair. Although some conditions have a bias towards women, men’s wellbeing can be at risk from the same syndromes, like osteoporosis.
Gender differences
The reason more women are diagnosed with brittle bones is that oestrogen declines after menopause. This hormone has a protective effect on the cells that create our bones, as it lessens in our bodies then more cells are shed. Also, the female structure tends to be lighter and smaller than a male frame, so there’s less to lose in the first place. But, male hormones also have a protective effect on bones, and when we experience hormones problems as men, then we’re also more at risk of getting osteoporosis than if our hormones were stable.
Ageing Vs hormones
Experts explain that when a man has osteoporosis it’s usually more likely down to some underlying issue that affects his hormones to the point that bone health is compromised. For example, prostate cancer treatments, steroids, low testosterone levels and excessive drinking/smoking can affect hormones and bones. Clinicians say that these underlying factors could explain why up to 40 per cent of men may die a year after fracturing their hip, while this figure is 20 per cent for women.
Getting treatment
Experts advise both men and women to recognise the risks fractures pose to their health and take supplements to keep bones as strong as possible. After 50-years of age, they suggest 1,500 mg of calcium and 400 international units of Vitamin D for both genders, and consulting our doctors can provide more tailored advice. Bone density testing can also prove useful to establish whether we have osteoporosis or if we’ve got fewer bone cells than average, which is called osteopenia.
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