Britt Ekland

International Film Star

As someone with osteoporosis, I am urging all women in my situation to seek advice from their physician and local patient group on how best to stay on their treatment.

Although I can understand the inconvenience of regularly taking treatment, especially when it must be taken over a long period of time, I also have an insight into the importance of staying on therapy and the real difference it can make to your life. Osteoporosis fractures can be fatal and treatment only works if you take it.

Although I have been fortunate enough to continue to lead an active life, osteoporosis can have a significant impact on your everyday activities and many women find that changes to their body shape and a fear of fracture mean they can no longer fully participate in everything they used to enjoy.

Adhering to treatment could mean avoiding a life of decreased mobility, chronic pain and low self-esteem. I would like to emphasise to those people with osteoporosis who are finding staying on therapy a challenge, that support is available. If physicians, patients, families and support groups work together, we can help women stay on treatment and reduce the burden of fractures.