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Longitudinal changes in bone density in relation to oral contraceptive use
Susan D Reed1, Delia Scholes, Andrea Z LaCroix
1Group Health Cooperative, Seattle, WA, USA. reeds@u.washington.edu
Contraception
|October 17, 2003
Summary
Oral contraceptives (OCs) showed no significant impact on bone mineral density in reproductive-age women over 36 months. This study found no difference in bone density changes between OC users and non-users.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Bone Metabolism
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Bone mineral density (BMD) is crucial for skeletal health.
- Oral contraceptives (OCs) are widely used by reproductive-age women.
- Potential effects of OCs on BMD warrant investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the association between oral contraceptive (OC) use and bone mineral density (BMD) in reproductive-age women.
- To assess changes in BMD over a 36-month period in relation to OC use.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study involving 245 women aged 18-39.
- BMD measured at spine, hip, and whole body at baseline and 6-month intervals for 36 months.
- Comparison between 89 OC users and 156 non-users, with adjustments for covariates.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in absolute BMD or percent change in BMD were observed between OC users and non-users at 36 months.
- Adjusted analyses controlling for baseline BMD, age, race, pregnancy history, exercise, BMI, and calcium intake yielded similar results.
- All p-values for between-group differences exceeded 0.55.
Conclusions:
- Oral contraceptive use does not appear to negatively impact bone mineral density over 36 months in reproductive-age women.
- Findings suggest OCs are safe concerning bone health in this demographic.
- Further research may explore long-term effects and specific OC formulations.