Ask Dr Miriam

Q I’m a man in my mid 60s and my doctor has said I have osteoporosis. I thought only women got brittle bones. A No, men do too, though it’s not very well known. The sex hormones – oestrogen and progesterone in women and testosterone in men – are important to keep bones healthy and strong. Over 50, oestrogen and progesterone levels begin to dwindle (the menopause) and testosterone levels begin to wane in men, though not as suddenly. Without healthy levels of testosterone, brittle bones can start to develop in men. Osteoporosis is certainly not just a woman’s problem and it’s important more men realise this at a younger age. To guard against osteoporosis take regular weight-bearing exercise, eat calcium rich foods, such as dairy and dark green leafy vegetables, and keep vitamin D levels topped up with a supplement in winter if necessary.