Millions of men have osteoporosis, yet most of them are undiagnosed. Although the perception that this potentially debilitating disease only affects women persists, the facts prove otherwise. Too often, men discover they have the disease when they suffer a fracture from a fall.
Because osteoporosis is often overlooked in men, it is important for men to inform their physician about any change in posture, sudden back pain, or loss of height. Men older than 50 who have risk factors for the disease should be evaluated for the osteoporosis and may be ordered to undergo a bone mineral density test, a type of x-ray that can diagnose osteoporosis.
Men 50 and older need 1,200 mg daily.
If you are taking any medications, talk to your healthcare professional to identify whether any of them are known to cause bone loss
Smoking, excessive alcohol use, and a sedentary lifestyle contribute to the development of osteoporosis.