Osteoporosis isn’t just a women’s disease—2 million men are estimated to have osteoporosis and an additional 16 million men have low bone mass (osteopenia)
Osteoporosis weakens bones — and most often in the spine. Up to one in four men over the age of 50 will experience at least one osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime.
This men’s health awareness campaign is made possible through an educational partnership with Radius Health.
While osteoporosis is often associated with women, it’s a significant health concern for men as well. Approximately 2 million men in the U.S. have osteoporosis, and an additional 16 million have low bone mass, increasing their risk of suffering from debilitating fractures.Source
men are estimated to have osteoporosis and an additional 16 million men have low bone mass (osteopenia)
men over the age of 50 will experience at least 1 osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime
men suffer from hip fractures each year (which accounts for 30% of all hip fractures)
men will die within the first year following a hip fracture (compared to 1 in 4 women) – men also experience greater morbidity and loss of independence post-hip fracture
Vertebral compression fractures are the most common type of fracture caused by osteoporosis, and the rates of these fracture increase with age (both in men and women)
are reportedly more likely to break a bone due to osteoporosis than they are to develop prostate cancer
Men accounted for 25% of the estimated $17 billion in costs associated with osteoporotic fractures in the US (2005)
Several factors increase the risk of osteoporosis in men:
Osteoporosis is often called a “silent disease” because bone loss occurs without symptoms. Many men are unaware they have the condition until they suffer a fracture. Spinal fractures, in particular, can occur without noticeable pain but lead to height loss and posture changes.
We’ve partnered with the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation to help you assess your risk.
