Which factor is considered a common underlying condition that may lead to osteoporosis in men?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Glucocorticoid use
• C. Diabetes
• D. High cholesterol

Answer: (B)

Glucocorticoid use is a well-established factor that can significantly contribute to the development of osteoporosis in men. These steroid hormones, when used in therapeutic doses for prolonged periods, can interfere with bone remodeling and lead to decreased bone density. Glucocorticoids inhibit the proliferation and activity of osteoblasts, which are the cells responsible for building new bone, while simultaneously promoting bone resorption by osteoclasts. This imbalance can result in an increased risk of fractures and the onset of osteoporosis.

In contrast to glucocorticoid use, the other listed factors are less directly linked to the development of osteoporosis in men. Hypertension and high cholesterol can affect overall health and may have some indirect connections to bone health, but their relationships to osteoporosis are not as strong or direct as with glucocorticoids. Diabetes can influence bone health, particularly in poorly controlled cases, but the association is more complex and varies among individuals. Therefore, glucocorticoid use stands out as the most significant and common underlying condition connected to the risk of osteoporosis in men.