Q: My dad said his doctor told him that he has osteoporosis. But doesn't this just affect older women?

A: Not at all. As men live longer, they too, struggle with loss of bone mass and density caused by osteoporosis. In fact, within the next 10 years, it is predicted that 20 million men in the United States will struggle with thinning and brittle bones characterized by the disease. Women are faced with osteoporosis earlier in life resulting in a faster decline of healthy bones than men because of hormonal shifts triggered by menopause. From age 65 and up, men and women start losing bone at about the same rate.

But osteoporosis among men is somewhat different from what women experience. According to Harvard Health Publications, there appears to be a link between abnormally low levels of testosterone with osteoporosis in males. Men who take medications for prostate cancer, typically take drugs that can interfere with testosterone making them vulnerable to bone loss. Some studies have also shown that drugs used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and antidepressants could contribute to bone loss. However, experts claim that it is still too early to draw firm conclusions about the risks to bone health from these prescription drugs.

One in four men 50 years and older can expect a fracture caused by osteoporosis in his lifetime while for women the odds are twice as likely that she will break a bone. Fractures are dangerous business for the elderly as they lead to broken hips, lack of independence, loss of mobility, chronic pain and disability.

Women have been told for years to take calcium with vitamin D to prevent osteoporosis. But for men, that prevention tip is tempered: they need to take it in lower doses. Some studies have shown a link between long-term calcium intake at levels of 1,500 milligrams or more and developing prostate cancer. As a result, Great Britain has set its daily calcium recommendation for men at 700 milligrams per day, which according to Harvard Health Publications is “closer to the amount that most men should be consuming.” On the other hand, the National Institutes of Health recommends 1,200 milligrams per day for men and women 50 years plus.

So, yes, your dad got it right about being told he has osteoporosis. Regretfully, it can be guy thing, too.

FOODS TO AVOID

Besides exercise that builds muscle to support weakened bones, your dad can prevent further bone deterioration by steering clear of food and drinks that will reduce his bone density. They are:

Soda

Contact Linda Rhodes at dr.lindarhodes@gmail.com.