July 3, 2026
When people think of osteoporosis, they often picture an older woman. It’s true that postmenopausal women have the highest risk, but they’re not the only ones who need to worry about their bones.
Osteoporosis affects both women and men.1 In fact, about 20% of osteoporosis cases occur in men, and one in five men over age 50 will suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture in his lifetime.2,3 That’s a significant number. Men tend to develop osteoporosis a decade or so later than women, but by age 70, men catch up in risk.1 Unfortunately, awareness is lower in men. Many men don’t realize they can even get osteoporosis.
So they may not be screened or treated until after a serious fracture.3
Men and osteoporosis: Why do men develop osteoporosis later? One reason is that men generally have larger, denser bones to begin with, and they don’t experience the rapid hormonal bone loss that women do at menopause.4 However, as men age (especially beyond 70), the other age-related factors can lead to significant bone thinning.4 Men can also have secondary causes of bone loss. For example, long-term use of corticosteroid medications (for conditions like asthma or rheumatoid arthritis) is a common cause of osteoporosis in both genders.4 In fact, any adult, man or woman, who has been on high-dose steroids for several months should talk to their doctor about bone health, as these drugs can accelerate bone breakdown.5
Other medical conditions, like low testosterone levels (in men),4 prostate cancer treatments that suppress hormones,6 chronic kidney disease,7 hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism or digestive disorders that impair nutrient absorption, can all contribute to osteoporosis in men.8 Men who smoke heavily or drink excessive alcohol are at particular risk.9
Other populations: Osteoporosis can occur in younger adults, too, though it’s less common. Certain situations can lead to early-onset bone loss. For instance, some women in their 20s – 40s might experience osteoporosis due to amenorrhea (the absence of menstrual periods for a long time) which can be caused by extreme exercise, eating disorders, or certain hormonal disorders. Without regular menstrual estrogen, their bones may not reach a strong peak or may start losing density early.10 Young people with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis,11 type 1 diabetes,9 or anorexia nervosa12 also have higher osteoporosis risk because of the disease’s effects on bone or the medications used to treat it.8 Additionally, some very rare genetic disorders and childhood conditions can cause osteoporosis even in kids or teens, but these are exceptional cases.13
Race and ethnicity: Osteoporosis is a global issue and affects people of all ethnic backgrounds. However, some groups have higher or lower rates statistically.14 For example, white women in the U.S. have the highest rates of hip fractures, with a lifetime risk of 15.8% at age 50, compared to 8.5% for Hispanic women, 2.4% for Chinese women, and 6.0% for men.15 Interestingly, African American women tend to have higher bone density, which may protect against fractures, yet they face more severe outcomes after a hip fracture, including longer hospital stays and higher mortality rates. Despite lower fracture rates in minority women, fractures are still more common than breast cancer, heart attacks, and strokes combined. Unfortunately, disparities in care persist: only 5% of African American women receive bone density screening compared to 33% of white women, and fewer receive treatment even when they meet guidelines. These differences highlight the importance of personalized prevention and care for osteoporosis across all communities.15
Special situations: You might hear about osteoporosis in contexts like space travel – astronauts in microgravity lose bone density rapidly!16 That’s a reminder of how important regular stress on bones is to keeping them strong. Closer to home, another special case is pregnancy-associated osteoporosis: in very rare instances, a woman might develop osteoporosis during pregnancy or breastfeeding (often temporarily).17 And certain disabilities or long periods of immobility (for example, being on bed rest for months) can cause bone loss in both young and older individuals.18
The takeaway is that osteoporosis isn’t exclusive to one demographic. Men need to be aware that they, too, can have fragile bones, and should take preventive measures like adequate calcium/vitamin D, exercise, and possibly screening if they have risk factors. People with chronic illnesses or on bone-affecting medications should be especially proactive in discussing bone health with their doctors. By recognizing that osteoporosis crosses gender and other lines, we can ensure that everyone at risk gets proper attention. Bone health is for everybody.
FAQ
1. Can men get osteoporosis?
Yes. About 20% of osteoporosis cases occur in men, and one in five men over 50 will experience an osteoporosis-related fracture.2,3
2. What are the risk factors for osteoporosis in men?
Low testosterone, aging, long-term steroid use, smoking, excessive alcohol, and certain medical conditions increase risk.4-10
3. At what age do men typically develop osteoporosis?
Men usually develop osteoporosis about 10 years later than women, but risk rises significantly after age 70.1
4. Can younger adults get osteoporosis?
Yes. Conditions like eating disorders, amenorrhea, chronic illnesses, or certain medications can cause early bone loss.8,9
5. Does race or ethnicity affect osteoporosis risk?
Yes. Caucasian and Asian women have the highest rates, but all ethnic groups can develop osteoporosis, especially with age.15
6. What medical conditions increase osteoporosis risk?
Rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease, digestive disorders, and hormone-related conditions can all contribute.6 -8,11
7. Can osteoporosis occur during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Rarely, pregnancy-associated osteoporosis can occur, usually temporarily, during late pregnancy or lactation.17
This article was written with the assistance of generative AI technology and reviewed for accuracy.
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