Abstract
Abstract
Osteoporosis in men is under-recognized and under-treated despite a substantial disease burden and poorer fracture-related outcomes than in women. Secondary osteoporosis is highly prevalent in men, making the identification and management of underlying causes essential. Bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture risk are influenced by sex-specific patterns of skeletal growth and age-related bone loss, with men typically exhibiting greater cortical thickness, larger bone size, and trabecular thinning rather than loss of trabecular number. Although randomized controlled trials in men are fewer than in postmenopausal women, bisphosphonates, denosumab, teriparatide, abaloparatide, and romosozumab have all been shown to significantly increase BMD. Fracture outcome data remain limited; however, reductions in vertebral fracture risk have been demonstrated for zoledronate, alendronate, risedronate, denosumab, and teriparatide. Treatment should be individualized according to fracture risk, comorbidities, and patient preferences. In men at very high fracture risk, osteoanabolic therapy should be considered as first-line treatment, followed by antiresorptive therapy to consolidate and maintain BMD gains. Goal-directed (treat-to-target) management, including long-term maintenance therapy, and careful discontinuation strategies, particularly following denosumab, is essential for optimizing long-term skeletal health. This narrative review and position statement by The ECTS Clinical Action Group provides an updated overview of current and emerging treatment options and offers practical, evidence-based recommendations for the long-term management of osteoporosis in men.