Men and Osteoporosis: The Screening No One Talks About
By Kamandeep Chhabra, CCPA, MRT(N) — Director of Operations & Physician Relations, Limeworth X-Ray & Ultrasound, Hamilton
Osteoporosis is often thought of as a women’s disease, but about one in five men over 50 will break a bone because of it — and men tend to fare worse after a hip fracture. Despite that, men are far less likely to be screened or treated. Men should talk to their doctor about a bone density scan at 70, or earlier with risk factors like a fracture from a minor fall, long-term steroids, low testosterone, or heavy smoking or drinking. A DEXA scan is quick and painless. |
Ask most people to picture someone with osteoporosis, and they’ll picture an older woman. That mental image is exactly why men’s bone health gets overlooked — by patients and sometimes by the system too. But osteoporosis is not only a women’s disease, and the consequences for men can be serious. Let me make the case for why men should have this on their radar.
The Numbers Might Surprise You
About one in five men over 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis in their remaining lifetime. And here’s the sobering part: men who fracture a hip tend to have worse outcomes than women — including higher rates of complications and mortality in the year that follows. Yet men are far less likely to be screened or treated, often because neither they nor their care team think of it.
That gap between real risk and low screening is exactly the problem this post is trying to close.
Why Men Get Overlooked
Men generally build higher peak bone mass than women and don’t go through the rapid bone loss of menopause, so their risk rises more gradually and later. Because it’s slower and quieter, it flies under the radar — until a wrist, hip, or spine fracture from a modest fall makes it obvious. By then, the ideal window for early action has often passed.
Who Should Get Tested
Men should talk to their doctor about a bone density (DEXA) scan at age 70 as a general guideline — and earlier if any of these apply:
A fracture from a minor fall after age 50
Long-term steroid (glucocorticoid) use
Low testosterone, or androgen-deprivation therapy used to treat prostate cancer
Heavy alcohol use or smoking
Low body weight or significant unexplained weight loss
Certain conditions — rheumatoid arthritis, malabsorption conditions like celiac disease, overactive thyroid or parathyroid
A family history of osteoporosis or hip fracture
If you’re a man with any of these, there’s no reason to wait until 70 to raise it with your doctor.
The Test Is Easy
A DEXA scan couldn’t be much simpler. You lie on a table while a scanner passes over your hip and spine. It’s painless, takes about 10 to 15 minutes, uses a very low dose of radiation, and needs no recovery time. In Ontario, OHIP covers it when your doctor determines it’s medically indicated and provides a requisition.
Protecting Your Bones
The habits that keep men’s bones strong are the same ones that help everyone:
Weight-bearing and resistance exercise. Walking, stair-climbing, and strength training a few times a week keep bone stimulated. This is something a lot of men are already inclined to do — it just helps to keep it up.
Enough calcium and vitamin D. Food first, with vitamin D supplements often sensible through Canadian winters.
Cut back on smoking and heavy drinking, both of which quietly weaken bone.
Prevent falls. Home safety and balance matter for men too, especially as risk climbs with age.
Ask about medications and conditions that affect bone, including testosterone levels if relevant.
The Bottom Line for Men
Osteoporosis in men is common, consequential, and badly under-recognized. If you’re approaching 70, or you’re younger with any of the risk factors above, don’t let the "women’s disease" myth talk you out of a simple, painless test. Bring it up at your next appointment, and if your doctor agrees, get the scan. Strong bones aren’t just a women’s concern — they’re part of staying active and independent as you age.
If your doctor recommends a bone density test, we offer OHIP-covered DEXA scans in Hamilton with a requisition, six days a week including Saturdays. Email your requisition and phone number to 849xray@gmail.com or call 905-574-7755. |
Talk to the Men in Your Life
Because osteoporosis is so often framed as a women’s issue, a lot of men simply never hear that it applies to them — which is where the people around them can help. If your father, partner, or brother is approaching 70, or is younger but has broken a bone from a minor fall or takes long-term steroids, a gentle nudge to mention it at their next check-up can make a real difference. Men are notoriously good at putting off appointments, and bone health rarely makes the list until something breaks. Framing it plainly helps: it’s a quick, painless scan, it’s covered when it’s needed, and knowing early keeps them active and independent longer. Sometimes the most useful thing isn’t new information at all — it’s someone caring enough to say, "you should ask about this."
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Ontario cut bone density testing coverage in 2026?
Not in the way the headlines suggested. A restrictive change took effect April 1, 2026, but after physician concerns the Ministry of Health issued a clarification on April 29, 2026 that restored the high-risk BMD fee codes retroactive to April 1.
Is my DEXA scan still covered by OHIP?
If your doctor determines a bone density test is medically needed and provides a requisition, OHIP coverage is available. Baseline testing remains based on your provider’s assessment.
Should I skip a scan my doctor recommended because of the news?
No. Osteoporosis is often silent until a fracture. If your doctor recommends a DEXA scan, don’t cancel it over a headline — confirm coverage with your provider or clinic if you’re unsure.
Where can I get a bone density test in Hamilton?
Limeworth offers OHIP-covered DEXA testing with a doctor’s requisition, six days a week including Saturdays. Email your requisition and phone number to 849xray@gmail.com or call 905-574-7755.
Limeworth X-Ray & Ultrasound offers accurate, OHIP-covered bone density (DEXA) testing at our ICHSC-accredited clinic on the Hamilton Mountain, near CF Lime Ridge Mall. With advanced DEXA technology, experienced technologists, and fast appointments six days a week (including Saturdays), we make checking your bone health simple and stress-free. To book: A BMD test needs a doctor’s requisition. Email it with your phone number to 849xray@gmail.com, or call 905-574-7755. Please bring your OHIP card and requisition to your appointment. 📍 Suite 102, 849 Upper Wentworth St, Hamilton, ON L9A 5H4 | Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 8am–4pm | Serving Hamilton, Ancaster, Dundas, Stoney Creek, Waterdown, Burlington, Binbrook, Flamborough, Brantford & Paris. |
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