男人骨質疏鬆的表現

male osteoporosisSilent Crisis and Prevention Strategies
Osteoporosis, an often overlooked health concern, not only affects women but also quietly threatens men's health. Epidemiological studies show that one in five men will experience at least one fracture of the spine, hip, or wrist in their lifetime; for men over 65, the fracture rate is even higher at 12.51 TP4T, meaning one in eight men has experienced a compression fracture of the spine. Even more worrying is a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), which indicates that men are twice as likely as women to experience a refracture after a hip fracture, have a higher one-year mortality rate (221 TP4T) than women (151 TP4T), and up to 70% of patients require lifelong mobility aids after surgery.

Causes and risk factors of osteoporosis in men
Osteoporosis is closely related to the aging process; as we age, our bodies become less resilient to osteoporosis.Decreased calcium absorptionDecreased vitamin D activation and imbalanced bone metabolism (increased osteoclast activity, insufficient osteoblast repair) both lead to bone loss. Although both men and women are affected by aging, differences in genes and bone structure between them result in different symptoms of osteoporosis.

As men age, the outer diameter (cortical bone) of their bones thickens, even...Bone densityWhile the risk of fractures decreases with age, the relative risk remains lower for women. Women's bones tend to thin with age, making them more prone to fractures and thus receiving more attention.

Besides aging, hormone deficiency is also a significant cause of osteoporosis. Hormonal changes in women during menopause are significant, making early detection and treatment easier; however, the decline in male hormones (testosterone) is more slow and often overlooked. International studies show that low testosterone is the main factor leading to osteoporosis in men, followed by unhealthy lifestyle habits such as excessive alcohol consumption, long-term use of steroid medications, and smoking.
Symptoms and diagnosis of osteoporosis
Osteoporosis often presents with no obvious symptoms in its early stages, and is only discovered through medical examination if significant kyphosis, decreased height, or other abnormalities occur. Compression fractures of the vertebrae can cause back pain, kyphosis, and decreased height; in severe cases, they can even affect respiratory and digestive functions and be life-threatening. It is recommended that individuals over 50 years of age at high fracture risk, or men over 70 years of age, undergo regular bone density tests (e.g., dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, DXA) for early detection and treatment.

Some men develop osteoporosis at an early age due to unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as smoking, excessive drinking, excessive coffee consumption, or excessive dieting in pursuit of a good physique.

Male osteoporosis self-test
Dr. John E. Morley of St. Louis University in the United States designed a self-assessment scale for hypotestosterone deficiency, which can quickly assess whether testosterone levels are insufficient:

Decreased libido and sexual desire?
Lack of vitality?
Decreased physical strength or endurance?
Have you become shorter?
Are you enjoying life less?
Feeling sad, depressed, or irritable?
Decreased erectile rigidity?
Has your physical fitness deteriorated significantly?
Do you feel sleepy after dinner?
Declining work performance?

Answer: If you answered "yes" to question 1 or 7, and/or the other three questions, it is recommended that you seek further medical examination.

The link between medication and osteoporosis
Besides aging and lifestyle factors, certain medications can also increase the risk of osteoporosis, such as long-term use of steroids, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), insulin sensitizers (TZDs), antiepileptic drugs, anticoagulants, antidepressants (SSRIs), hormone suppressants, thyroid hormones, and immunosuppressants (in organ transplant patients). Those taking these medications long-term should have regular bone density tests.

In conclusion, osteoporosis in men is a health problem that should not be ignored. Early prevention and regular check-ups are essential to effectively reduce the risk of fractures and maintain a healthy life.