How Osteoporosis Affects Men

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Although osteoporosis is often perceived as a condition that affects only women, it is a serious health concern for men as well. Around 1 in 5 men over the age of 50 will break a bone due to low bone mineral density, and approximately one in four hip fractures occur in men.

Fractures in men carry significant consequences: men have a higher mortality rate in the first 12 months following a hip fracture than women, and often face greater challenges in regaining baseline independence. Early awareness, proactive assessment, and timely prevention are essential.

Understanding the risk in men

While women experience rapid bone loss following the menopause due to dropping oestrogen levels, men generally experience a slower, more gradual decline in bone density as they age. However, when men do suffer fragility fractures, the impact on overall mobility and life expectancy is substantial.

In men, up to half of all osteoporosis cases are linked to underlying secondary causes or lifestyle factors, including:

• Hypogonadism (low testosterone): Testosterone plays an important role in maintaining bone strength. If blood tests confirm low testosterone is contributing to bone loss, a specialist may consider hormone replacement as part of a broader bone treatment plan.
• Medications: Long-term use of oral corticosteroids (such as prednisolone) or androgen deprivation therapy used in prostate cancer treatments.
• Medical conditions: Chronic liver or kidney disease, gut disorders affecting nutrient absorption (such as coeliac disease), and chronic inflammatory conditions.

Lifestyle and exercise factors

Lifestyle habits play a vital role in keeping bones and surrounding supportive muscles resilient. Heavy drinking harms bone-building cells and impairs balance, while smoking is directly linked to lower bone mineral density.

Regular physical activity creates mechanical loading that stimulates bone tissue and strengthens muscles:

• Weight-bearing impact exercise: Activities like brisk walking, jogging, stair climbing, and hiking place healthy stress on the skeleton, helping to maintain bone density at vulnerable sites like the hips and spine.
• Resistance training: Lifting weights or using resistance bands builds the muscle mass that stabilizes joints and shields bones from trauma.
• Balance exercises: Improving core stability and coordination directly lowers the chance of falling—the primary cause of hip and wrist fractures.

Practical steps to protect your bones

Regardless of age, men can take clear steps to safeguard their skeletal health:

• Ensure adequate nutrition: Aim for around 700 mg of calcium daily through a balanced diet, and consider a daily 10 microgram (400 IU) vitamin D supplement during autumn and winter.
• Moderate alcohol and avoid smoking: Stay within the recommended guidance of no more than 14 units of alcohol per week, spread over three or more days.
• Stay consistently active: Combine regular aerobic exercise with muscle-strengthening sessions at least twice a week.
• Speak with your doctor: If you have broken a bone after a minor fall, noticed a loss in height, or take medications that affect bone turnover, ask your GP about a formal fracture risk evaluation (such as FRAX) or a DEXA scan.

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Last clinically reviewed: October 2026 by Dr Taher Mahmud FRCP, Consultant Rheumatologist. Next review due: October 2027. This page provides general educational information and does not replace individual clinical evaluation.