Fortunately, there are strategies that can reduce the bone loss due to prednisone. If you are taking prednisone, you should discuss these with your physician. This may be indicated by absence of menstrual periods. Men also can have osteoporosis, but this bone disease is less common in men because their bones tend to be stronger than women s bones. Finally, on average, men don t live as long as women.
Recommendations vary from physician to physician.
However, the groups listed below are at high enough risk that most physicians would recommend a DEXA examination. This is determined by several factors, including a person s overall health status, whether fractures already have occurred, medications the patient may be taking, personal choice and the results of DEXA testing. Generally, physicians recommend treatment for all persons whose bone density is low enough that he or she is at significant risk of fracture. Treatment is not solely based on prescription medications. Also, if there is another disease contributing to diminished bone density, that other disease needs to be addressed.