I am a 45-year old man with a new diagnosis of osteoporosis. How is this possible? I thought this was a disease of old women?

Osteoporosis or brittle bones is caused by decreased bone mineral density (BMD). But what causes a decline in BMD? Most commonly, decreased estrogen in middle-aged or older women after menopause. So you're right that it affects women more often than men.

Most men who do have osteoporosis are 65 years old or older. You may have a form called regional migratory osteoporosis. 'Regional' tells us that it affects only certain areas of the body. In postmenopausal women, the osteoporosis is more diffuse, meaning it affects bones throughout the body.

Migratory describes a changing location of bone changes and symptoms. Ankle, foot, or knee pain occurs first followed by hip and other joint pain. The symptoms and effects of osteoporosis tend to go away in a year's time. This type of osteoporosis is referred to as a self-limiting condition. The cause and risk factors in middle-aged men remain unknown.