The relationship between sex steroids, bone turnover and vertebral fracture prevalence in asymptomatic men

► In this cohort of consecutive asymptomatic men, those with densitometric VFs have lower BMD than subjects without VFs. ► They have evidence of higher SHBG levels and hence lower free sex steroids as well as increased bone resorption. ► This study confirms that SHBG is an independent risk factor that must be taken into account.