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Bone mineral changes during and after lactation.

F Polatti1, E Capuzzo, F Viazzo

  • 1Clinica Ostetrico-Ginecologica, Università di Pavia, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Italy. amb.menopausa@smatteo.pv.it

Obstetrics and Gynecology
|July 2, 1999
PubMed
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Lactating women experienced bone loss initially, but bone mineral density recovered to higher than baseline levels 18 months postpartum. Scheduled lactation and weaning led to improved bone density regardless of calcium or amenorrhea duration.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Endocrinology
  • Bone Metabolism
  • Maternal Health

Background:

  • Lactation is associated with significant physiological changes, including potential effects on maternal bone mineral density.
  • Understanding bone mineral density (BMD) changes during and after lactation is crucial for long-term maternal skeletal health.
  • The interplay between lactation, ovarian function resumption, and bone recovery requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate bone mineral density (BMD) variations during a 6-month lactation period and the subsequent 12 months postpartum.
  • To examine the relationship between BMD changes and the resumption of ovarian function after lactation cessation.
  • To compare BMD changes in lactating mothers with a control group of nonlactating mothers.

Main Methods:

Related Experiment Videos

  • A cohort of 308 mothers was studied, with a planned 6-month breastfeeding period followed by a 1-month weaning phase.
  • Bone mineral density was monitored throughout lactation and for 18 months postpartum, compared to nonlactating controls.
  • Half the lactating group received daily 1g oral calcium supplements.

Main Results:

  • Lactating women showed a progressive decrease in BMD in the first 6 months, followed by recovery to above baseline levels by 18 months postpartum.
  • Nonlactating women exhibited progressive BMD increases postpartum, reaching 1.1-1.9% above baseline at 18 months.
  • While calcium supplementation reduced bone loss, its effect was transient. Longer amenorrhea correlated with initial bone loss but greater recovery, with no net difference at 18 months.

Conclusions:

  • A structured 6-month lactation and 1-month weaning period resulted in higher bone mineral density compared to early postpartum levels.
  • These positive BMD outcomes were observed irrespective of calcium supplementation or the duration of postpartum amenorrhea.
  • Maternal bone health can be effectively managed with a defined lactation schedule, promoting skeletal recovery.