Osteoporosis in men

Osteoporosis in men has not received much attention compared to that directed at the skeletal morbidity of postmenopausal osteoporosis. The available literature and an evaluation of 47 men referred to our metabolic bone disease clinic present arguments that causes for secondary osteoporosis can be identified in most instances, Major causes include hypogo-nadism, hyperglucocorticoidism, and alcohol abuse. Primary osteoporosis in men is idiopathic and has heterogeneous features. At present, no controlled, randomized therapeutic trials have been reported in men with osteoporosis. Improved screening for early detection and prevention of bone loss is needed in men with disorders, lifestyles, and/or medications that cause bone loss. Further investigations of primary osteoporosis should lead to identification of mechanisms of bone loss that can be prevented.