Osteoporosis in Men in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Osteoporosis affects men as well as women, and it’s an important issue for men living in Grand Rapids and West Michigan. With our aging population, long winters, and limited sun exposure, bone health is a key concern for many men in Kent County and the greater Grand Rapids area.

This guide explains how osteoporosis develops in men, who’s at risk, how it’s diagnosed, and what treatment and lifestyle changes can help—along with local Grand Rapids resources that can support you.

What Is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become thin, weak, and more likely to break (fracture). Common fracture sites include:

  • Hip
  • Wrist
  • Spine (vertebrae)

Because bone loss happens slowly and without pain, osteoporosis is often called a “silent disease.” Many men in Grand Rapids only discover they have osteoporosis after a fracture from a minor fall or even normal daily activities.

How Bone Density Changes Over a Man’s Lifetime

Our bones are living tissue, constantly being broken down and rebuilt.

Childhood to About Age 25: Building Bone

From birth to around age 25:

  • The body builds more bone than it loses
  • Bones grow in size and bone density increases
  • This period determines how strong your bones can ultimately become

This is when you build your peak bone mass.

Ages 25 to 50: Bone in Balance

From about 25 to 50 years of age:

  • Bone breakdown and bone rebuilding occur at roughly the same rate
  • Bone density is relatively stable
  • Most men are at or near their strongest bone strength in these years

After Age 50: Gradual Bone Loss

After about age 50:

  • The body starts to break down more bone than it rebuilds
  • Bone density and strength slowly decline
  • Bones become more fragile and more likely to fracture

Everyone loses some bone with age, but not everyone develops osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is diagnosed only after bone loss passes a certain threshold.

Symptoms of Osteoporosis in Men

In many men, osteoporosis causes no symptoms until a fracture occurs.

When symptoms do appear, they are usually related to fractures and may include:

  • Loss of height over time
  • Stooped posture or curvature of the spine
  • Back pain, especially mid- or lower-back pain
  • Sudden pain after a minor fall, twist, or lift
  • Fractures of the hip, wrist, or spine from low-impact events

If you notice gradual height loss or postural changes, talk to your Grand Rapids primary care provider or a specialist at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health.

Why Osteoporosis Is Less Common in Men

Osteoporosis is less common in men than in women. Reasons include:

  • Men generally have a larger skeleton, which provides a higher starting bone mass
  • Men do not experience the sudden drop in estrogen that women do at menopause
  • Bone loss in men usually occurs more slowly until about age 65–70

However, once men reach their late 60s or 70s, the rate of bone loss becomes similar to that of women, and fracture risk increases significantly.

Risk Factors for Osteoporosis in Men

In Grand Rapids, men’s bone density is influenced by genetics, physical activity, diet, hormones, lifestyle, and certain medical conditions and medications.

Medical and Hormonal Risk Factors

  • Low testosterone levels (hypogonadism)
  • Family history of osteoporosis, fractures, or height loss
  • Chronic diseases, such as:
    • Rheumatoid arthritis
    • Overactive thyroid or parathyroid glands
    • Celiac disease and other chronic gut conditions
    • Chronic liver or kidney disease
    • Diabetes
  • Long-term use of certain medications, including:
    • Glucocorticoids (steroids like prednisone)
    • Some anticonvulsant medications
    • Certain antidepressants
    • Medications used to treat prostate cancer (androgen-deprivation therapy)

When osteoporosis in men is caused by another medical condition or medication, it’s called secondary osteoporosis.

Lifestyle and Nutritional Risk Factors

  • Smoking
  • Excessive alcohol use
  • Low calcium intake
  • Inadequate physical activity or long periods of immobility
  • Very low body weight
  • Vitamin D deficiency
  • Obesity combined with inactivity

In Grand Rapids, long winters and less winter sunlight can contribute to low vitamin D levels, which affects calcium absorption and bone health.

Osteoporosis and Michigan’s Climate

Living in West Michigan, including Grand Rapids, can influence bone health:

  • Cold, icy winters increase the risk of slips and falls, especially in older adults
  • Reduced sun exposure from late fall through early spring can lead to low vitamin D levels
  • People may be less active in winter, which can weaken bones and muscles over time

Because of these factors, falls and fractures are a particular concern for older men in Grand Rapids. A falls prevention strategy is an important part of osteoporosis care here.

How Osteoporosis in Men Is Diagnosed

If your doctor in Grand Rapids suspects osteoporosis, evaluation may include:

  • Medical history

    • Past fractures
    • Family history of osteoporosis
    • Medications
    • Lifestyle habits
    • Other medical conditions

  • Physical examination

    • Height measurement (and comparison with past records)
    • Posture and spine assessment
    • Balance and gait check

  • Bone density test (DEXA scan)

    • A dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan measures bone mineral density
    • Commonly done at local hospitals and imaging centers such as Spectrum Health or Trinity Health Grand Rapids

  • Blood and urine tests

    • Check calcium, vitamin D, kidney and liver function, thyroid and parathyroid function
    • Evaluate testosterone levels and other markers that may indicate secondary causes

Based on these results, your doctor can diagnose osteoporosis or low bone mass (osteopenia) and assess your fracture risk.

Treating Osteoporosis in Men

1. Treat Any Underlying Condition

If osteoporosis is caused or worsened by another condition (such as rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, or low testosterone), that condition must be treated. You may be referred to:

  • An endocrinologist
  • A rheumatologist
  • A gastroenterologist
  • A urologist or men’s health specialist

Grand Rapids specialists at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health commonly work together to manage complex cases.

2. Medications for Osteoporosis in Men

Medical treatment is tailored to each man’s age, overall health, fracture risk, and preferences. Common medication options include:

Bisphosphonates

These medications slow bone breakdown and help increase bone density. They may be taken:

  • Orally (tablets)
  • Intravenously (IV) (injection into a vein)

Examples include alendronate, risedronate, ibandronate, and zoledronic acid.

Denosumab

  • A medication given as a subcutaneous injection every 6 months
  • Reduces bone breakdown and increases bone density
  • Often used for men who cannot take oral bisphosphonates or who are at higher fracture risk

Testosterone Therapy

If testing shows low testosterone levels, testosterone replacement may be considered. It can be given:

  • Orally
  • By injection
  • As implants
  • Via skin patches
  • With gels or creams

Testosterone therapy is generally used when low testosterone is clearly documented and is contributing to bone loss or other symptoms.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) Therapy

  • Helps stimulate new bone growth and increase bone mass
  • Given as a daily injection
  • Usually reserved for men at very high fracture risk or those who have not responded well to other therapies

Your Grand Rapids healthcare provider will discuss the risks, benefits, and costs of each option.

Lifestyle Changes to Improve Bone Health

Medication is only one part of osteoporosis treatment. Lifestyle changes are essential to protect and strengthen your bones.

Be Guided by Your Doctor and Exercise Professional

If you have osteoporosis, it’s important that your physical activity is reviewed and prescribed by a qualified exercise professional, such as:

  • A physiotherapist
  • An exercise physiologist
  • A physical therapist

Many of these professionals are available through Grand Rapids hospital systems and outpatient clinics.

A well-designed, individualized exercise program typically includes:

  • Weight-bearing exercises

    • Walking
    • Light jogging (if safe)
    • Stair climbing
    • Low-impact aerobics

  • Resistance (strength) training

    • Free weights or machines
    • Resistance bands
    • Bodyweight exercises (squats, lunges, wall push-ups)

  • Balance and flexibility training

    • Tai chi
    • Yoga (modified for bone safety)
    • Specific balance drills to reduce fall risk

Exercise should start at a safe level and build gradually over time.

Calcium: Daily Requirements and Food Sources

Adequate calcium intake is crucial for men with osteoporosis.

  • Adult men (19–70 years): about 1,000 mg of calcium per day
  • Men over 70 years: about 1,200 mg per day

Calcium content in foods varies, so it’s important to choose higher-calcium foods regularly.

Good sources include:

  • Dairy products

    • Milk
    • Yogurt
    • Cheese

  • Non-dairy foods

    • Leafy green vegetables (kale, collard greens, broccoli)
    • Fortified plant milks (soy, almond, oat)
    • Fortified orange juice
    • Tofu made with calcium
    • Certain nuts and seeds (almonds, sesame seeds)

  • Some meats and seafood

    • Canned salmon or sardines with bones
    • Certain shellfish

A registered dietitian in Grand Rapids can help you design a bone-healthy eating plan.

Vitamin D: Sun, Food, and Supplements

Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and build strong bones.

Sun Exposure in Grand Rapids

The best natural source of vitamin D is safe sun exposure, but in Grand Rapids:

  • Long, cloudy winters reduce UV exposure
  • Shorter days mean fewer chances for sun
  • Many people spend more time indoors due to cold weather

This makes vitamin D deficiency more common in West Michigan.

The exact amount of sun you need depends on:

  • Skin color
  • Time of year
  • Time of day
  • Amount of skin exposed

Because sun exposure is limited for much of the year, many men in Grand Rapids do not get enough vitamin D from sunlight alone.

Vitamin D in Foods

There are small amounts of vitamin D in:

  • Fatty fish (salmon, herring, mackerel)
  • Liver
  • Egg yolks
  • Fortified foods (some milks, cereals, and margarines)

However, diet alone is often not enough to reach optimal vitamin D levels.

Vitamin D Supplements

If your blood tests show low vitamin D, your doctor may recommend a vitamin D supplement. This is especially common in older adults and those who spend little time outdoors.

Preventing Falls in Grand Rapids Winters

Falls are responsible for the majority of hip and spine fractures in older adults.

A falls prevention program can help you:

  • Improve balance and strength
  • Learn safe movement strategies
  • Identify and reduce fall hazards at home (loose rugs, poor lighting, clutter)
  • Plan for safer walking in winter (proper footwear, ice grips, walking aids)

Local hospitals, physical therapy clinics, and community centers in Grand Rapids often offer fall prevention classes or one-on-one assessments.

Other Lifestyle Steps for Better Bone Health

  • Quit smoking

    • Smoking reduces bone density and increases fracture risk
    • Ask your Grand Rapids provider or the Kent County Health Department about smoking cessation resources

  • Limit alcohol

    • Excessive alcohol intake harms bone health and increases fall risk
    • Aim for moderate use or less

  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet

    • Increase fresh fruits and vegetables
    • Choose lean meats and fish
    • Include wholegrain cereals
    • Use low-fat dairy or calcium-fortified alternatives
    • Reduce fatty, salty, and highly processed foods

These changes support overall health as well as bone strength.

Local Resources for Men’s Bone Health in Grand Rapids

If you’re concerned about osteoporosis or fracture risk, start with:

  • Your primary care provider (GP/family doctor)
  • Orthopedic or endocrinology specialists at:
    • Spectrum Health
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health
    • Mercy Health

Additional support:

  • Physiotherapists / Physical therapists – for safe exercise and fall prevention
  • Exercise physiologists – for tailored activity programs
  • Dietitians – for calcium and vitamin D–rich meal planning
  • Kent County Health Department & Grand Rapids Public Health – for community health programs, smoking cessation, and healthy aging resources

Key Points About Osteoporosis in Men in Grand Rapids

  • Common fracture sites include the hip, wrist, and spine
  • Osteoporosis is often a “silent” condition with no symptoms until a fracture occurs
  • When symptoms do appear, they are usually due to fractures, height loss, or posture changes
  • Osteoporosis is less common in men, but risk increases with age, especially after 65–70
  • Risk factors include low testosterone, certain medications, chronic diseases, smoking, alcohol, low calcium, and vitamin D deficiency
  • DEXA scans are used to diagnose osteoporosis and assess fracture risk
  • Treatment includes medications, lifestyle changes, and management of underlying conditions
  • In Grand Rapids, limited winter sun, icy conditions, and reduced activity increase the importance of vitamin D, fall prevention, and year-round exercise

If you live in the Grand Rapids area and are concerned about your bone health, talk with your doctor about a bone density test and a personalized plan to protect your bones.