Osteoporosis: Is it really a woman’s disease?

Often referred to as a woman’s disease, osteoporosis affects everyone, a bone-related disease where the bone density is reduced. There are differences in the causes of this loss of bone density, but there is also good news for men – male osteoporosis is sometimes linked to lifestyle habits, and so can be changed or delayed. Recent studies have shown that millions of older women may not require frequent bone mineral scans in order to detect this disease – those with a healthy initial scan can actually wait as long as fifteen years before a follow-up scan, whilst those with a moderate risk should get a test every five years, and every two years for those with a higher risk.

Bone mineral density exams are done through X-Rays which are focused on the hip and lower spine, where fractures or early signs of osteoporosis can begin to show. This is a serious disease which can greatly affect the mobility of the individual, necessitating extensive care – six months after a hip fracture, just fifteen per cent of patients can walk across a room unaided.

A mislabelled ‘woman’s disease’, osteoporosis can in fact causes significant stress on the female sex – women can lose up to twenty percent of their bone density in the first five to seven years of menopause, which is why they are more prone to this disease than men. However, around twenty percent of men are affected by this bone thinning illness. The most common variety of osteoporosis is age related, with secondary factors including lifestyle choices and other diseases.

Once you have been diagnosed, treatment can help you combat the symptoms – these include medication, hormone therapy and mineral supplements, as well as lifestyle changes. Men can greatly reduce their risk of this illness by avoiding smoking, reducing alcohol intake and exercising more. Calcium is vital for healthy bone growth so make sure you are getting enough for your age, and speak to your GP if you are unsure how much you should be getting. Likewise, Vitamin D is important, which can be found in both milk and natural sunlight. Regular weight bearing exercises such as jogging, team sports or weight training can also help to develop stronger joints.

Be sure to seek treatment for any conditions you may already have that may affect bone health, and speak to your GP if you are concerned. This illness is not something that just affects women, and can be greatly reduced simply by making healthier lifestyle choices.