Osteoporosis Due to Low Testosterone in Men

Men can suffer from osteoporosis, which is the result of alterations in bone density that can lead to changes in your bones that result in brittle, frail bones that fracture easily. A lowered testosterone level in men can contribute to osteoporosis, according to Seekwellness.com.

Andropause

• As men age, they go through something akin to menopause called andropause, at which time their testosterone level drops. Symptoms of andropause include loss of sexual drive, energy and physical agility; mood changes; and fatigue. Weak bones (osteoporosis) can develop.

Bone Density

• Testosterone plays an important role in maintaining the balance in a man's body, including maintain bone mass and strength. Between the ages of 40 and 70, a man can incur a loss of bone density of up to 15 percent, according to Andropause.com. If a man has a low testosterone level he is considered to have hypogonadism.

At Risk

• Men whose testosterone is in the lowest quartile are 2.5 times more likely to sustain a spine fracture, according to Courses.washington.edu.

Effects

• Hip fractures occur much more frequently in elderly men than in younger men. Other areas of the body that are susceptible to fractures include the spine, ribs and wrists.

Features

• A rounding of the shoulders, back pain and loss of height will eventually occur when a man, or a woman, has osteoporosis.