Osteopenia in Men

Osteopenia is a medical condition characterized by thinning of the bones. While the disease primarily affects women, about one-third of all white men and men of Asian descent older than 50 have the disease, according to Harvard University.

Causes

• Bones thin naturally as people age, but some factors make the process occur more quickly or dramatically, according to Harvard University. Among these factors are cigarette smoking, drinking alcohol, vitamin D deficiency and using prescription medication like corticosteroids or anticonvulsants.

Features

• A man is considered to have osteopenia if his score on bone density scan testing is between -1 and -2.5, reports Spine Universe. If the score is greater than -2.5, doctors diagnose the man as having osteoporosis or the formation of small holes or gaps in the bones.

Risks

• Osteopenia poses an increased risk for fractures if a man suffers a fall.

Treatment

• For mild cases of osteopenia in men, doctors only recommend vitamin D and calcium supplements and an increase in load bearing exercises like running or walking, according to Harvard University. More severe cases require alendronate or risedronate.

Considerations

• Men with osteopenia will need to visit their doctor regularly to receive bone scans in order to monitor the amount of bone loss because men with the condition may develop osteoporosis over time.