Current issues of diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis in men in general practice

The author revises the latest evidence in the literature regarding managing of osteoporosis in men. Osteoporosis is an important under-recognized problem threatening men. Among people over 50 years of age, a fifth of men will suffer a fragility fracture during their remaining lifetime. The leading risk factors of male osteoporosis are genetic predisposition, low sex hormones and secondary osteoporosis. The latter comprises up to 40% of all male osteoporosis cases. The most common causes of secondary osteoporosis in men are alcohol abuse, endogenic and exogenic hypercortisolism and hypogonadism. Treatment of the underlying disease may result in BMD increase and probably fracture risk improvement. Bisphosphonates (alendronate, risedronate and zoledronic acid), denosumab and teriparatide are approved for treatment of male osteoporosis. Non-pharmacological treatment including avoiding smoking and excessive drinking, health lifestyle and a diet rich in bone-healthy nutrients should also be considered.