Health First Medical Professional: Osteoporosis Isn’t Just a Women’s Disease 

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA ─ When it comes to osteoporosis, many still think of it as a “women’s disease.” But the reality is far more inclusive — and alarming.

According to the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation , one in four men over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis.

Yet men are significantly less likely to get screened or treated for low bone density, a gap that could have painful, even life-altering consequences.

Anne Gregg, a physician assistant with Health First, is working to flip the script, starting with education.

“Men don’t typically associate bone loss with their own health risks,” Gregg said. “But by the time they’ve broken a hip or lost significant height, the disease may already be advanced. That’s why screening is so critical.”

A DXA scan, or dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, is the gold standard for measuring bone mineral density. The test is quick, painless, and non-invasive, involving no needles or incisions and far less radiation than a cross-country flight. Patients lie on a table while a movable arm scans their hips and spine.

“It’s very simple — you don’t even have to undress. Just avoid metal in the scanning area,” Gregg said. “But the insights it provides are invaluable.”

Per BHOF guidelines, all men over 70 — and those 50 to 69 with risk factors — should receive a DEXA scan. Risk factors include long-term steroid use, a family history of osteoporosis, vitamin D deficiency, low body weight, excessive alcohol use, smoking, or past fractures after age 50.

Gregg added that conditions such as gastric bypass, seizure disorders, and chronic inflammation requiring steroids can also weaken bones over time.

“You may see it in subtle ways first — a slouched posture, a loss of height,” she said. “But those can be signs your spine is already being affected.”

Osteoporosis doesn’t happen overnight, which is why Gregg stresses prevention and early treatment.

“You don’t cure osteoporosis — you manage it,” she explained. “The earlier you catch it, the more effective your lifestyle and treatment interventions will be.”

For those at early stages, Gregg often starts with calcium and vitamin D supplementation. “Calcium is a building block. But it needs vitamin D to be absorbed, and vitamin K to activate it. It’s a team effort,” she said.

Nutrition plays a huge role in bone health. While dairy is a well-known source of calcium, Gregg encourages patients to consider leafy greens like spinach and kale, or even almonds, as excellent alternatives.

From a fitness perspective, not all exercise is created equal when it comes to bones.

“Swimming and biking are great for cardio but don’t do much for your bones,” she said. “You need weight-bearing and resistance-based exercise — walking, strength training, even jump squats if you’re able — to help maintain or build bone mass.”

BHOF echoes that guidance. Activities like hiking, stair climbing, tennis and functional strength movements such as squats and lunges are recommended to keep bones strong and prevent falls.

If bone density worsens, medications like Fosamax, Boniva or Actonel may be introduced to slow down bone loss. These drugs are backed by extensive research and can help stabilize or improve bone density if taken consistently and monitored.

Gregg also pointed out the newer class of injectable treatments, like Prolia, Forteo, or Evenity. These are typically reserved for more advanced cases or patients who have already experienced fractures.

“These medications work in different ways,” she said. “Some help stimulate your body to build new bone, while others are designed to slow the natural breakdown process. Thanks to ongoing advancements, we now have more options than ever — and many patients can access these treatments with the help of insurance coverage or manufacturer assistance programs.”

Gregg believes the payoff is worth it: “We’re talking about preserving independence and avoiding fractures that could drastically impact quality of life.”

One of the most common misconceptions Gregg hears from male patients is that osteoporosis is a problem for “later.”

“But by the time you’re frail, hunched over, and losing strength, the damage may be done,” she said. “We want to get ahead of that so men can stay strong and active for decades to come.”

She urges men with family histories of fractures or osteoporosis to get a DXA scan as early as age 50 and repeat the scan every two years if necessary.

“It’s like a check engine light for your bones,” she said. “Catching it early means we can keep things where they are — or even improve them.”

In addition to screenings and medications, lifestyle choices matter. Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption are critical.

“Smoking is especially damaging to bone,” Gregg noted. “And alcohol interferes with calcium absorption and balance, increasing fall risk.”

Gregg encourages men to look at bone health the same way they view cardiovascular or prostate health — as part of their full-body wellness.

“Being strong and sturdy into your 70s, 80s, or beyond starts with the habits and awareness you build now.”

Osteoporosis may be silent, but its consequences are not. A single fracture can set off a chain reaction of immobility, pain, and dependence, especially for older men.

“It’s not just about preventing a fall,” Gregg said. “It’s about preventing what comes after — the loss of independence, the hospital stays, the surgeries. Screening is one of the simplest tools we have to avoid that.”

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