Breaking the Silence in Osteoporosis

New survey reveals women are not empowered to ask for the care they deserve due to gaps in disease awareness and understanding

LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#askformore–A new international survey of 1,008 women with osteoporosis from six countries, launched on World Osteoporosis Day, reveals that while more than two-thirds (67%) of women over the age of 55 mostly understand what osteoporosis is and the potential negative impact of future fractures, 19% felt poorly informed at the time of the diagnosis.¹

The survey initiated by Theramex in cooperation with the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), was conducted in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Australia, and Brazil. It included 316 postmenopausal women over the age of 55 years and 315 premenopausal women (40-55 years) with osteoporosis (altogether 62% of the surveyed women). Of these women, osteoporosis was only diagnosed after a fracture in almost 60% of the cases. This survey highlights a gap in osteoporosis awareness, as one-fourth of the patients aged 55 years and over were not aware and did not understand the link between osteoporosis and bone fractures.¹ A third (35%) of respondents said they would have been motivated to watch out for their bone health if they had known that one in three women aged over 50 will suffer a fragility fracture, but fragility fractures are preventable with the right treatment.^1,2 In addition, close to 25% of postmenopausal women felt not listened to by their doctors when discussing their treatment.¹

Osteoporosis is a chronic condition causing loss of bone mass and strength, resulting in fragile bones.³ It is a growing problem,³ affecting around 500 million people globally.⁴ Osteoporosis affects more women than men, with the risk increasing with age.⁵ Women are at higher risk of osteoporosis after the menopause, when the ovaries stop producing oestrogen, a hormone which has a protective effect on bones.⁵

Dr. Philippe Halbout, International Osteoporosis Foundation CEO said, “The impact of osteoporosis should not be underestimated. Fractures can be life-altering, causing pain, disability and loss of independence which is why it’s so important to ensure that patients are receiving the information, care and treatment they need to manage their condition and prevent or delay fractures. This survey highlights the need for improved doctor-patient communications and demonstrates the importance of education to empower women to ask for more from their care.”

Theramex CEO, Robert Stewart, commented, “Women with osteoporosis deserve support and appropriate treatment to help them continue to enjoy their lifestyles and precious moments with loved ones. We are committed to working with the osteoporosis community to provide accessible information and education about the condition, as the more women know and understand, the more they will be empowered to ask for more from their osteoporosis care, helping to reduce or eliminate the risk of fractures.”

This World Osteoporosis Day, women are being urged to #askformore from their osteoporosis care and treatment. For further information and osteoporosis resources, visit www.worldosteoporosisday.org

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITOR:

About the survey¹

The online survey was conducted among 1,008 women with osteoporosis across six countries: Germany (73), France (74), Spain (122), Italy (298), Australia (54) and Brazil (387). The respondents were all female with 377 under 40, 315 aged 40-54, 201 aged 55-64, 90 aged 65-75 and 25 over 75. It should be noted that the risk of osteoporosis increases with age, despite the number of women in the younger age category in this survey. The survey was conducted between 5 – 12 July 2021 by Opinion Matters on behalf of Theramex.

About Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis remains largely underdiagnosed and undertreated, resulting in a large number of fractures.

• It is a significant health issue – affecting ~500 million people worldwide⁴
• Osteoporosis affects more women than men and risk increase with age⁵
• After the menopause women start to lose bone at a faster rate, raising the risk for women who have had an early menopause or hysterectomy⁵
• One in three women aged over 50 will suffer a fragility fracture²
• Hip, spine, and wrist fractures are the most common fractures in osteoporosis and have a debilitating impact on daily activities and quality of life²
• After a spine fracture, mortality is increased immediately after the fracture event⁶
• Spine fractures can lead to back pain, loss of height, deformity, immobility, impaired quality of life (QoL), and difficulties in activities of daily living^7,8,9

About the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF)

The International Osteoporosis Foundation is the world’s largest non-governmental organization dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis and related musculoskeletal diseases.

IOF Vision

Our vision is a world without fragility fractures, in which healthy mobility is a reality for all.

IOF Mission

To promote bone and musculoskeletal health as a worldwide priority.

About Theramex

Theramex is a leading, global speciality pharmaceutical company dedicated to women and their health. With a broad portfolio of innovative and established brands covering contraception, fertility, menopause and osteoporosis, we support women at every stage of their lives. Our commitment is to listen and understand our patients, serve their needs, and offer healthcare solutions to help improve their lives. Our vision is to be a lifetime partner for women and the healthcare professionals who treat them, by providing innovative and effective solutions that care for and support women as they advance through each stage of their lives.

References:

1. Opinion Matters. (2021) #Askformore Osteoporosis International Survey.
2. Cooper, C. (2019) IOF Compendium of Osteoporosis. IOF. 2^nd edition.
3. Noh, J.Y., Yang, Y. & Jung, H. (2020) Int J Mol Sci. 21 (20), 7623
4. IOF. (n.d.) IOF website Facts and Statistics https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/facts-statistics/epidemiology-of-osteoporosis-and-fragility-fractures [Accessed 18th October 2021]
5. IOF. (n.d.) About Osteoporosis: Risk Factors. Available from: https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/patients/about-osteoporosis/risk-factors [Accessed 18th October 2021]
6. Johnell, O. et al. (2004) Osteoporos Int 15 (1), 38-42.
7. Nevitt, M.C. et al. (1998) Ann Intern Med 128 (10), 793-800.
8. Lips, P. et al (1999) Osteoporos Int 10, 150-160.
9. Tosteson, A.N. et al (2001) Osteoporos Int 12:1042-1049.

Contacts

Shireen Bate, Director – Global Franchise Head Osteoporosis, Theramex

shireen.bate@theramex.com / +44 (0)7747 233769

Helen Rae, Makara Health

helenrae@makarahealth.com / +44(0)7503 652311