Osteoporosis in men: a serious public health problem

Over the years male osteoporosis has received little attention. One in eight men older than 50 years will have a fragility fracture during their lifetime, which will contribute to dependency, morbidity and a higher mortality in the first year.1 Although the rate of bone loss in men is slower,2 the mortality risk is twice after a hip fracture when compared to women.3 Osteoporosis is not limited to post-menopausal women, but is also a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in older men that is usually underestimated, unrecognised and untreated. As men live longer, age-related osteopenia and osteoporosis are more prevalent