[Osteoporosis in the man].

Osteoporosis in men is a severe condition probably more frequent than generally expected. The life-time risk of a low trauma fracture in a 60 year old man is 25%; moreover, approximately one third of hip fractures occurs in men. In contrast to postmenopausal osteoporosis, osteoporosis in men is frequently a secondary condition. In approximately 50% of cases, male osteoporosis is associated with an underlying disease or condition such as hypogonadism or long-term glucocorticoid treatment. Data from our group indicate that low serum estradiol levels and elevated sex hormone binding globulin levels may play a role in the pathogenesis of idiopathic male osteoporosis. Potential treatment modalities of osteoporosis in men include calcium and vitamin D supplementation, testosterone, fluoride, bisphophonates, calcitonin and parathyroid hormone. Currently, the data available favor the use of an aminobisphosphonate for the treatment of (idiopathic or glucocorticoid induced) osteoporosis.