Estrogen Affects Men's Bones, Too
By Donna Rae Siegfried
Estrogen isn’t just for women. Both men and women produce an estrogen-related hormone called estradiol. Research shows low levels of estradiol appear to increase the risk of hip fracture in men, according to a study funded in part by the Arthritis Foundation and led by Shreyasee Amin, MD, assistant professor of medicine in the department of rheumatology at the Mayo College of Medicine in Rochester, Minn.
In the 18-year study of 793 men, 39 experienced hip fractures. Those who had only low testosterone levels had no significant increased risk for hip fracture, but those with both low testosterone and low estradiol had a threefold increase.
“Osteoporosis and fractures are not uncommon in older men and deserve more attention with respect to prevention and treatment strategies,” says Dr. Amin.
So far, there are no recommendations for hormone therapy in men, and none can be made until more studies are done, she says. Men at risk for fracture should ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, quit smoking and be physically active on a regular basis, says Dr. Amin, “just as we recommend for women.”
