When I fell and broke my wrist, the emergency room doctor told me that I might have osteoporosis. What can you tell me about men and osteoporosis?

Many individuals consider osteoporosis to be a health issue experienced only by women. However, men are also susceptible, especially as they age. Often, both women and men do not realize they have osteoporosis until a bone breaks.

Osteoporosis is often called a “silent disease” because it weakens bones over time, making them thin, brittle and more likely to break, usually without any warning signs. Although women are about four times more likely to develop osteoporosis than men, men are not immune. Approximately 2 million men in the United States have osteoporosis while another 12 million have osteopenia, a condition characterized by low bone density.

One of the biggest challenges in detecting osteoporosis is that men are less likely to be tested. Even after a fracture, many men do not receive a bone density scan. It is sometimes overlooked by doctors, and men themselves may not realize their risk. The condition most commonly affects the hip, spine and wrist. Hip fractures can lead to serious complications and long recovery times.

Who is at risk?

In women, menopause speeds up bone loss. In men, bone loss usually happens more gradually, although age is still a significant factor. The risk rises if you are over age 70, are thin or underweight, smoke, drink excessively, have a parent with osteoporosis or have previously suffered a broken bone.

Certain medical conditions can also increase your risk. These include rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, low testosterone, overactive thyroid, COPD, kidney disease and liver disease. Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis or a stroke can also increase the risk of fractures since these conditions affect balance and mobility. Additionally, long-term use of corticosteroids, prostate cancer treatments, acid reflux drugs, antidepressants and anti-seizure medications may contribute to weakened bones.

Testing

Bone density testing is the standard way to diagnose osteoporosis. All men aged 70 and above should talk to their doctor about getting screened. Men over age 50 who have had a fracture or other risk factors should also get tested. The scan, which takes only a few minutes, is simple and painless. Medicare and most private insurance plans usually cover the cost of the test.

Prevention

When it comes to protecting your bones, the basics really matter. It is important to get enough calcium from foods like low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese, leafy green vegetables, beans, almonds and canned salmon or sardines. Men under age 70 need about 1,000 milligrams of calcium per day. Those who are aged 71 and above should aim for 1,200 milligrams of calcium each day.

Vitamin D is also important because it helps your body absorb calcium. Most adults over age 50 need 800 to 1,000 international units daily, which may come from sunlight, food or supplements.

Regular weight-bearing exercise such as walking, along with strength training two or three times a week helps build and maintain bone density. Exercise also improves balance, which can potentially prevent falls. Avoiding smoking and limiting consumption of alcohol and caffeine can also help prevent bone loss.

Treatment

If testing shows significant bone loss, medications such as Fosamax, Actonel, Reclast, Prolia, Forteo or Tymlos may be prescribed. A physician can explain the benefits and possible side effects and help decide which one is appropriate.

If you have already suffered a fracture, osteoporosis is not something to ignore. A simple test and a proactive plan now could help you stay strong and avoid a more serious accident down the road.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living” book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization’s official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.