The following Healthcast report by Channel 4 Action News medical editor Marilyn Brooks first aired Nov. 13, 2003, on Action News at 5 p.m.

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For many women, osteoporosis is caused by the loss of estrogen after menopause. The primary reason men develop this bone-thinning disorder has more to do with certain medications and common everyday behaviors, some of which may surprise you.

Dr. Murray Gordon, Allegheny General Hospital: "At least 20 percent of cases of osteoporosis occur in men."

Richard Burkert is among that 20 percent. An inherited kidney disease makes it difficult for him to absorb calcium. A kidney transplant three years ago also has an effect.

Burkert: "I'm on cortisone drugs. Also the medication also causes bone loss."

Medication is one reason men develop thin bones, but it's not the only reason.

Gordon: "Some had a history of alcohol. More than four drinks a day can cause loss of bone, or smoking can cause loss of bone."

Alcohol directly inhibits bone-building cells called osteoblasts. Smoking increases hormone metabolism, literally using them up too soon. Both are common causes of bone loss in younger men.

The greatest risk of osteoporosis is hip and spinal fractures. Women who suffer osteoporosis will have a 20 percent increased risk of hip and spinal fractures. Men will have a 30 percent risk.

Here's another shocker: men have a higher death rate from hip fractures than women.

Gordon: "Thirty to 50 percent of men who have a hip fracture will die in one year. Twenty percent of women who have a hip fracture will die in one year."

There is an effective treatment: 1,500 milligrams of calcium a day, 400 to 800 international units of vitamin D each day, and risedronate or actonel to prevent bone breakdown.

Burkert: "The results were really good. I, in one year, increased my bone density 11 percent."

Men who are taking certain medications should be sure to talk to their doctors about bone loss. Those who smoke or drink should think about quitting smoking and limiting alcohol.