Women's perspectives regarding osteoporosis, fracture risk, and pharmacologic treatment: a cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Bisphosphonate medications can prevent the substantial bone loss that occurs during early menopause, but little is known about whether women would accept bisphosphonate treatment at this time in their life, when imminent fracture risk is low. We assessed women's perspectives regarding bone loss, fracture risk, and preventative pharmacotherapy in early menopause. In this cross-sectional study, Canadian women aged ≥ 45years were recruited via Facebook advertisement to complete an electronic survey. Primary outcome was the proportion of early menopausal respondents (≤ 5years since final menstrual period) who were worried about bone loss and fractures. Secondary outcomes were the proportionof early menopausal women willing to accept pharmacologic intervention aimed at preventingeither bone loss or future fractures. We compared responses between early menopausal women and older women (> 5years since final menstrual period). 2033 women responded to the Facebook advertisement, 1195 eligible women (aged: 45 to 89years) started the survey, and 966 completed it. Among early menopausal respondents (N = 98), 38 (42%) were worried about future fractures and 9 of 25 (36%) who had a prior bone mineral density scan were worried about their results. A total of 42 (47%) were willing to start medication to prevent fractures, and 48 (54%) would start medication to prevent bone loss. Responses were comparable between early menopausal women and older women. Menopausal women are concerned about bone loss and fractures. Many women would consider early menopausal pharmacotherapy, with the goals of preserving bone health and lowering their risk of fractures.