Why is osteoporosis less common in men compared to women?

• A. Men have a higher chance of falls
• B. Men generally attain greater peak bone mass
• C. Men experience menopause
• D. Men have lower rates of glucocorticoid use

Answer: (B)

Osteoporosis is less common in men primarily because they generally attain greater peak bone mass compared to women. Peak bone mass refers to the maximum amount of bone tissue achieved by the body, which typically occurs in young adulthood. Higher peak bone mass provides a greater buffer against age-related bone loss, thereby reducing the risk of developing osteoporosis later in life.

Men usually have larger and denser bones, attributed to factors such as greater muscle mass and mechanical loading from physical activity, which helps stimulate bone formation. This increased bone mass is crucial because as individuals age, bone resorption can outpace bone formation. When starting with a higher baseline bone density, men are less susceptible to reaching levels that would classify as osteoporosis.

In contrast, factors like menopause—which leads to a rapid decline in estrogen levels—affect women significantly and play a major role in their increased risk of osteoporosis compared to men, who do not experience menopause.