Men’s Health - Low Testosterone and Osteoporosis
Testosterone, the most important androgen (male sex hormone), is essential for healthy reproductive and sexual function and the growth of bones and muscles. It also strongly increases positive mood, vitality, sex drive and mental clarity. In men, testosterone levels are highest between the ages of 20 and 30 but begin to gradually diminish thereafter. Severe lowering of testosterone levels has been associated with an increased likelihood of developing osteoporosis, depression, loss of libido, erectile dysfunction and diminution of intellectual faculties.
The Dubbo Osteoporosis Epidemiology Study, conducted in NSW, found that the risk of bone fracture is significantly increased in older men with reduced testosterone levels. The study observed 609 men older than 60 years, between 1989 and 2005 and found a total of 113 men had sustained at least one minimal trauma fracture and 25 men experienced multiple fractures. All of the low trauma fractures (i.e. those due to osteoporosis) were associated with a fall from standing height or less and were confirmed by X-Ray.
Such fractures and immobility during healing may, by themselves, further diminish testosterone levels, thus exacerbating an already fragile situation. After taking into account major risk factors such as age, weight, bone mineral density, smoking status and nutrient intake, the researchers found the risk of fracture was more than doubled in men with low testosterone levels compared with men with high testosterone levels. In addition to directly affecting bone mineral density, testosterone deficiency may reduce muscle mass, thereby decreasing muscle strength and impairing balance, both factors further increasing the likelihood of falls and fractures.
Men with established androgen deficiency due to pituitary or testicular disorders require testosterone replacement therapy to maintain bone and muscle strength as well as the other functions mentioned previously.
Osteoporosis has often been regarded in the past as a womenÕs disease, as men do not experience the rapid bone loss that women do after menopause. Although osteoporotic fractures are less common in men than in women, when they do happen, these fractures are associated with higher levels of disability and death than in women. In Australia, 1 in three men over 60 will suffer a fracture due to osteoporosis. These fractures can frequently cause chronic pain, a loss of independence and greatly reduce his quality of life. It is important to educate men about osteoporosis and what they can do to reduce their risk of fracture.
There is a range of activities men can undertake to keep their bones healthy, reduce the risk of osteoporosis and maintain a high level of vitality. They can do so by living a healthy lifestyle, which includes regular exercise, an energy-enhancing diet and, when necessary, by having their nutritional and hormonal requirements individually assessed.
The Dubbo Osteoporosis Epidemiology Study, conducted in NSW, found that the risk of bone fracture is significantly increased in older men with reduced testosterone levels. The study observed 609 men older than 60 years, between 1989 and 2005 and found a total of 113 men had sustained at least one minimal trauma fracture and 25 men experienced multiple fractures. All of the low trauma fractures (i.e. those due to osteoporosis) were associated with a fall from standing height or less and were confirmed by X-Ray.
Such fractures and immobility during healing may, by themselves, further diminish testosterone levels, thus exacerbating an already fragile situation. After taking into account major risk factors such as age, weight, bone mineral density, smoking status and nutrient intake, the researchers found the risk of fracture was more than doubled in men with low testosterone levels compared with men with high testosterone levels. In addition to directly affecting bone mineral density, testosterone deficiency may reduce muscle mass, thereby decreasing muscle strength and impairing balance, both factors further increasing the likelihood of falls and fractures.
Men with established androgen deficiency due to pituitary or testicular disorders require testosterone replacement therapy to maintain bone and muscle strength as well as the other functions mentioned previously.
Osteoporosis has often been regarded in the past as a womenÕs disease, as men do not experience the rapid bone loss that women do after menopause. Although osteoporotic fractures are less common in men than in women, when they do happen, these fractures are associated with higher levels of disability and death than in women. In Australia, 1 in three men over 60 will suffer a fracture due to osteoporosis. These fractures can frequently cause chronic pain, a loss of independence and greatly reduce his quality of life. It is important to educate men about osteoporosis and what they can do to reduce their risk of fracture.
There is a range of activities men can undertake to keep their bones healthy, reduce the risk of osteoporosis and maintain a high level of vitality. They can do so by living a healthy lifestyle, which includes regular exercise, an energy-enhancing diet and, when necessary, by having their nutritional and hormonal requirements individually assessed.