The Endocrine Society has included bone densitometry testing in its clinical practice guidelines for managing osteoporosis in at-risk men.
The society's task force recommended that men at higher risk for osteoporosis, including those ages 70 and older and men 50 to 69 years of age who have risk factors, should receive a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) exam. The exam should be performed every one to two years, and clinicians should monitor bone mineral density at the spine and hip to assess response to treatment, according to the guidelines, which were published in the June issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism (Vol. 97:6, pp. 2011-2145).
The guidelines also recommend calcium and vitamin D supplements, along with the use of pharmacologic treatment as appropriate.
