Episode 178

Published November 10, 2026

In this episode, Dr. Doug Lucas joins host Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton to discuss osteoporosis in men, how falling testosterone affects bone, and the risk of bone loss from GLP-1 use.

This episode also highlights:

• The higher mortality rate in men after a fragility fracture due to fractures typically occurring later when bone is more fragile
• Common risk factors, such as hormone imbalance, high stress, and gut disorders
• The relationship between declining testosterone and declining estradiol, which is crucial for bone health
• Dr. Doug’s recommendations for approaching bone scans and analyzing bone turnover markers
• Tips for maintaining bone while using GLP-1s, including resistance training, adequate protein, and a baseline DEXA scan before starting

Key Moments

0:40 Episode Introduction

3:38 Dr. Lucas' Background and Shift into Education

6:37 Is Osteoporosis Reversible?

8:10 Bone Health: A Blindspot in Men's Health

12:23 More Than Muscle: GLP-1s and the Loss of Bone Density

17:43 Testosterone and Its Effect on Bone Health

24:40 Estradiol and Its Effect on Bone Health

29:14 DUTCH Fest 2027: Early Bird Pricing

29:47 What Hormone Testing Can Offer Your Patients

38:44 Far from Perfect: When and How to Use the DEXA Scan

44:18 Risk Factors in Men and Next Steps

52:57 Top Level Recommendations for Bone Health

About our speaker

Dr. Doug Lucas is a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon and osteoporosis specialist. He "retired" from orthopedics to further his mission to educate the world that osteoporosis is not only preventable but often reversible. His personal health story led him to the world of functional medicine and BioHacking which he brings to the bone health space. To help achieve his professional mission Dr Doug wrote two Amazon best-selling books, "The Osteoporosis Breakthrough" and "Top 10 Reasons Why Your Hormones are Failing You!" He also started the hit YouTube channel The Dr Doug Show: Bones, Hormones and HealthSpan. He serves as the founder and lead physician for his nationwide clinical telehealth practices Optimal Human Health MD and Pema BioIdentical as well as the team leader for his international osteoporosis community The OsteoCollective. Dr Doug now travels the globe spreading the message that bone and muscle health are THE KEY to longevity and HealthSpan! 

Show Notes

Learn more about Dr. Doug Lucas, The Osteo Collective, and follow him on Instagram @dr_douglucas!

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