Osteoporosis in Men

When it comes to thinking about bones, many men might as well be on Mars. Most women are bone savvy. They can tick off a fact or two about osteoporosis, and if they haven't had a bone scan, it's on their radar. But over here on Mars, where nearly half of all men have bone loss due to low testosterone and other factors, bone density tests are "optional." (Hey, isn't osteoporosis a woman's disease?) Recently about 900 guys failed a tiny 6-question osteoporosis test -- and 11% of them had actually had a hip fracture!

While guys are living longer (cool!), we're also breaking more bones as we age (not cool). Time to go on the defensive: Bone density scans shouldn't be optional for men with risk factors, especially after age 60 or so. Low testosterone can take a toll on your bone density. So can these other osteoporosis risk factors. See your doc if any of these describes you:

• You've been a smoker or have more than one drink a day.
• You've had an eating disorder or are very thin.
• You've spent most of your life sitting.
• You've taken bone-draining meds, such as steroids, SSRI antidepressants, and acid blockers.
• You have hyperthyroidism, Crohn's, Cushing's, or celiac disease.

Meanwhile, make your bones stronger: Eat high-calcium foods (including green leafy vegetables like spinach). Take 600 milligrams of calcium, 1,000 international units of vitamin D3, and 200 milligrams of magnesium a day. Walk or jog 30 minutes a day. If your blood pressure is high, get it down -- 110/70 is optimal.

Next: Libido boosters beyond testosterone . . .