Male Osteoporosis Risk Factors

Posted: Sept. 1, 2004

The following risk factors are associated with osteoporosis in men:

• Prolonged exposure to certain medications, such as steroids used to treat asthma or arthritis, anticonvulsants, certain cancer treatments and aluminum-containing antacids
• Chronic disease that affects the kidneys, lungs, stomach, and intestines and alters hormone levels
• Undiagnosed low levels of the sex hormone testosterone
• Lifestyle habits:
1. Smoking
2. Excessive alcohol use
3. Low calcium intake
4. Inadequate physical exercise
• Age: Bone loss increases with age
• Heredity
• Race: Of all men, white men appear to be at greatest risk for osteoporosis. However, men from all ethnic groups develop osteoporosis

SOURCE: National Osteoporosis Foundation

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