New health strategies continue to ignore osteoporosis

A recent announcement from the Health Secretary regarding women’s health priorities included problem periods, women’s health research and support for domestic and sexual abuse victims are among the government’s priorities. A glaring omission, however, is osteoporosis.
In response, Craig Jones, Chief Executive at the Royal Osteoporosis Society, comments:
“The Government has several important achievements to its name on its Women’s Strategy, but a gaping omission is anything to support women with osteoporosis. Half of women over 50 will suffer life-changing, sometimes fatal, fractures due to the condition. The fact that two-thirds of people with osteoporosis – most of them women – are missing out on much-needed treatment is a burning platform for urgent action.

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a health condition characterised by reduced bone density, making bones fragile and prone to fractures. Common in postmenopausal women, it often lacks symptoms until fractures occur. Risk factors include age, gender, family history and hormonal changes. Diagnosis involves bone density tests.
Prevention includes adequate calcium, vitamin D, and exercise. Treatment may involve medications. Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and limiting alcohol are crucial. Half of women and 20% of men over 50 years old will break a bone because of osteoporosis
“We ask Government to show women with osteoporosis they see the scale of under-diagnosis and are going to change things,” says Craig Jones. “We can’t fall victim to the sexist, ageist stereotype that osteoporosis is par for the course for older women.”

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