When we talk about osteoporosis, we often think about women, but men can develop osteoporosis too. And because it’s frequently overlooked, many men don’t discover they have a bone-health problem until after a fracture.
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Tom Forfa, a medical doctor who was diagnosed with osteoporosis at just 37 after experiencing 13 fractures in 10 years. His experience led him to investigate the underlying factors affecting his bone health and ultimately turn things around.
We talk about why osteoporosis can be missed in men, potential risk factors including low testosterone, certain medications, malabsorption, alcohol, and lifestyle factors. We also discuss exercise, nutrition, bone density testing, bone turnover markers, physical therapy, and how men can be more proactive about their bone health.
I hope this conversation helps you and the men in your life see osteoporosis differently. Don’t panic, but don’t ignore it. Ask why it happened, get informed, and take action.
“For men, there isn’t an intense period of bone loss. It tends to be more gradual. Or for the vast majority, there’s an underlying medical condition or a medication that’s causing it, and that is often underlooked.“
~ Dr. Tom Forfa
In this episode:
[00:00] – Introduction: Osteoporosis in men
[02:01] – Dr. Tom Forfa’s 13-fracture osteoporosis story
[05:10] – Why osteoporosis develops differently in men
[07:53] – Major osteoporosis risk factors for men
[14:01] – Exercise, nutrition, and medication for bone health
[15:26] – Medical treatments and testing
[23:27] – Misconceptions and patient mindsets
[34:47] – When should men get a DEXA scan?
[37:11] – An osteoporosis diagnosis can be a positive turning point
Resources mentioned
– Osteoporosis Exercises to Strengthen Your Bones and Prevent Fractures