TRT May Help Rebuild Bone Density

Posted: July 7, 2023

Up to one in four men over age 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. Around 12 million American men are at risk of osteoporosis—and if they have low testosterone, their risk is even higher. Low testosterone contributes to bone loss. When bones are depleted, they become more brittle. This can contribute to the onset of osteoporosis, a bone disease that has no cure. 

Fortunately, when men treat low testosterone with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), they are also helping to rebuild bone density. Not only does TRT help improve bone health and muscle mass, but it also helps boost energy levels, increase libido, and contributes to better overall health.

If you want to help offset the damaging effects of low testosterone on your bone health, contact us for a consultation today.

Men’s Risk of Bone Injury Increases with Age

As men age, their bones become more prone to injuries. According to recent statistics, men in their 20s and 30s are most likely to suffer from fractures due to high-impact activities such as sports, while those in their 40s and 50s are more susceptible to breaks caused by low-impact incidents such as falls. As they enter their senior years, men over 60 face the greatest risk of bone injuries due to a natural weakening of bones, making them more susceptible to fractures and breaks from even minor accidents. 

Beyond just the issue of healing a broken bone, fractures can lead to a number of complications that can seriously affect men’s health and quality of life. These can include:

• Blood vessel damage
• Nerve damage
• Pulmonary embolism or blood clot
• Compartment syndrome, which leads to amputation
• Infections
• Joint problems
• Osteonecrosis, when part of the bone dies

By taking appropriate measures to preserve bone density, men can reduce their risk of developing fractures while maintaining their preferred level of activity. 

Low Testosterone Can Contribute to Bone Loss

Testosterone replacement therapy can help rebuild bone density and prevent osteoporosis.

Low testosterone can lead to negative impacts on men’s health, one of which is bone loss. Decreased testosterone levels prevent osteoclast formation. Osteoclast formation is the normal process of the body breaking down old bone cells in order to renew them and rebuild healthy bones. When bones cannot be revitalized, they become depleted of essential minerals. When bone mineral density decreases, the bones can become thin and brittle, making them more susceptible to fractures or other injury. 

The depletion of minerals in a man’s bones can be determined by using a bone density test to see if his density is within normal ranges. A bone density test uses an x-ray or CT scan to identify the quantity of minerals in the bones. That number is then compared to 2 norms—young adults (T-score) and age-matched adults (Z-score). 

A T-score compares a man’s results to the average for healthy young adults. A Z-score is calculated by comparing him to someone that is the same age, sex, race, height, and weight. The final score determines bone health. 

According to the World Health Organization, these are the parameters for healthy, unhealthy, and diseased bone density levels:

• Normal bone density: T-score within 1 standard deviation (SD) of young adult average
• Low bone mass: T-score of 1 to 2.5 SD below young adult average 
• Osteoporosis: T-score of 2.5 or more SD below the young adult average

Generally, the risk of bone fracture doubles with every deviation below normal. Consequently, a man with a bone mass density score of 1 SD below normal has twice the risk for bone fracture as a man who has a normal bone density score. 

For men who are diagnosed with osteoporosis, there is no cure. Their only option is to pursue treatment and lifestyle changes to keep this disease from progressing.

Osteoporosis Changes Bone Material and Structure

Osteoporosis is a serious bone disease that affects bone material and structure, causing your bones to become weakened and fragile. It is usually not detected until a bone fracture, meaning it has had plenty of time to quietly do damage to your bones. 

The bones most often affected by this disease are the hips, spine, and wrists.  It can also prevent men from doing activities they enjoy because of the potential for serious injury. For example, men with osteoporosis may be advised to avoid movements that involve twisting the spine, like swinging a golf club. 

Some signs of osteoporosis can include:

• Stooped posture 
• Loss of height
• Back pain caused by a collapsed or fractured vertebra
• A bone that breaks more easily than expected

Managing this condition to prevent future bone breakage requires long-term therapy and careful medical management. If not addressed, bones can become so brittle over time that a slight fall or even mild stresses such as bending over or coughing can lead to a bone fracture.

Recent Studies Show That TRT Benefits Bone Density

Several studies have found that testosterone replacement therapy can be highly beneficial for hypogonadal men with osteoporosis. Because testosterone plays a role in bone development and maintenance, replenishing low testosterone levels can help reenergize bone-building in the body. 

One study from The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism came to the conclusion that TRT can increase bone mineral density in hypogonadal men of all ages. Their study demonstrated that bone density can be normalized and maintained by continuous, long-term testosterone replacement therapy. 

Healthy Lifestyle Choices Help Support Bone Health

Several key lifestyle choices help support bone health. This includes specific types of exercise and critical nutritional elements as part of an overall healthy diet. By making these healthy choices, men can take control of their bone health and prevent conditions such as osteoporosis.

Men who are physically active have a lower risk of osteoporosis than those who are inactive. For men who have low bone mineral density, weight bearing exercise is critical to help maintain bone mass. This could include walking, jogging, golf, or racquet sports. During this type of activity, muscles and tendons apply tension to bones, which then helps stimulate the bones to produce more bone tissue. Subsequently, bones become stronger and denser. 

Additionally, a diet high in calcium and vitamin D can help to keep bones strong. Men up to 70 years old should ensure they get 1,000 mg of calcium a day. After age 70, this increases to 1,200 mg per day. Some excellent sources of calcium are dairy products, almonds, broccoli, and soy products. For vitamin D, men up to 70 years old should get at least 600 IU per day, and 800 IU per day if they are over 70. Good sources of vitamin D include salmon and tuna, mushrooms, eggs, and fortified foods such as milk and cereals. Sunlight also helps the body naturally produce vitamin D. 

Personalized Treatment from Low T Center

For men with low testosterone, simple lifestyle choices not only help keep bones strong, but contribute to overall improved health and well-being, especially when undertaken in conjunction with TRT. By treating your depleted testosterone levels, you can benefit from improved energy and increased strength, both mentally and physically. 

We will create a custom treatment plan that helps you build strength for a lifetime. Contact us now to schedule a consultation.

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Disclaimer: This article is made available for general, entertainment and educational purposes only. The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Low T Center. You should always seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.