1.5 million men are affected. Some mediacations such as steroids, excessive thyroid hormone, anticonvulsants, aluminum containing antacids, heparin and others can also increase the risk of developing this disease. Over 1.5 million fractures a year can be blamed on fragile bones caused by this preventable disease. The BMD test measures the thickness or density of your bones. This is the most accurate ways to assess your bone health.
Normal bone is dense and strong.
Bone with osteoporosis is thinned and porous, making it more likely to break. The best defense for the prevention of osteoporosis is building strong bones before the age of 35 with good diet and exercise. ERT, especially for those women a high risk and with a family history of the disease, is recommended. Although there are risks with ERT, they may be outweighed by the preventive benefits to bone loss and heart attack. Diet is very important and you should have at least 1200 mg of calcium a day.