Male osteoporosis: clinical approach and management in family practice.
- Author:
Lay Hoon GOH
1
;
Choon How HOW
;
Tang Ching LAU
Author Information
1. Singhealth Polyclinics - Sengkang, 2 Sengkang Square, Sengkang Community Hub, #01-06, Singapore 545025. goh.lay.hoon@singhealth.com.sg.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH:
Accidental Falls;
Aged;
Aged, 80 and over;
Aging;
Bone Density;
Calcium;
metabolism;
Diphosphonates;
therapeutic use;
Family Practice;
Female;
Fractures, Bone;
diagnosis;
Humans;
Male;
Middle Aged;
Osteoporosis;
diagnosis;
therapy;
Referral and Consultation;
Risk Factors;
Sex Factors;
Singapore;
Teriparatide;
therapeutic use;
Testosterone;
metabolism;
Vitamin D;
metabolism
- From:Singapore medical journal
2014;55(7):353-357
- CountrySingapore
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
In Singapore, male osteoporosis is gaining greater importance due to our ageing population. Family physicians should screen for osteoporosis in elderly men and men with risk factors or secondary causes for the condition. A bone mineral density (BMD) test is used for diagnosis. FRAX® can be used to predict the absolute ten-year fracture risk. Management includes reduction of risk factors or secondary causes, fall prevention, appropriate physical activity and a diet adequate in calcium and vitamin D. Referrals to specialists for evaluation and therapy can be considered, particularly for younger men with more severe disease. Current first-line drug treatment includes bisphosphonates and teriparatide. Testosterone increases BMD of the spine, but data on fracture risk reduction is unavailable. Public and physician education with the involvement of health authorities can create greater awareness of this silent condition, which can lead to complications, morbidity and death, if left untreated.
