- Osteoporosis is a disease in which the strength of the bones deteriorate and they are more apt to break or fracture. The most vulnerable bones are the hip, spine and wrist.
According the National Osteoporosis Foundation, 2 million men in the United States have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, and 12 million more are at risk for this disease.
Osteoporosis can be prevented, and it's important for both men and women to get a bone density test.
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, white men seem to be more apt to get osteoporosis. However, men from all ethnic groups can develop the condition. - Diagnostic testing of osteoporosis in men is frequently disregarded. You can ask your physician to take a medical history to identify risk factors, perform an examination that will note your height and weight, and order X-rays and urine and blood tests.
It's important to tell your doctor if you've noticed changes in your posture, have experienced loss of height or are suffering from unexplained back pain.
You might also ask that your hormone levels be checked. When osteoporosis is due to low testosterone levels, testosterone replacement therapy may be a treatment option. - Your doctor may request that you take a bone mineral density (BMD) test. The test involves a distinct type of X-ray that can detect osteoporosis.
Different machines can measure bone density. Bone density in the hip, spine and total body is measured with a central machine, while peripheral machines are used to evaluate density in the finger, wrist, kneecap, shin bone and heel.
The BMD findings can help your doctor accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe appropriate treatment.
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