[Osteoporosis in males]

A shorter life expectancy, a higher peak bone mass and the absence of distinct menopause equivalent explain the lower incidence of osteoporotic fractures in men. In contrast to women, osteoporosis in younger men is in most cases secondary. Causes such as prolonged glucocorticoid therapy, ethanol abuse, hypogonadism and gastrointestinal disorders are now well recognized. The impact of cigarette smoking, low calcium intake, vitamin D deficiency, hypercalciuria and thyrotoxicosis is more controversial but seems to constitute real risk factors for bone loss. Furthermore increased propensity to fall also plays a major role in fracture risk, particularly in alcoholic patients and in elderly men with neurologic disorders.