Osteoporosis in males.

A shorter life expectancy, a higher peak bone mass and the absence of disti nct menopause equivalent explain the Lower incidence of osteoporotic fractu res in men. In contrast to women, osteoporosis in younger men is in most ca ses secondary. Causes such as prolonged glucocorticoid therapy, ethanol abu se, hypogonadism and gastrointestinal disorders are now well recognized. Th e impact of cigarette smoking, low calcium intake, vitamin D deficiency, hy percalciuria and thyrotoxicosis is more controversial but seems to constitu te real risk factors for bone loss. Furthermore increased propensity to fal l also plays a major role in fracture risk, particularly in alcoholic patie nts and in elderly men with neurologic disorders.