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Bone turnover from early pregnancy to postweaning.
Agneta Akesson1, Marie Vahter, Marika Berglund
1Institute of Environmental Medicine, Division of Metals and Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. Agneta.Akesson@imm.ki.se
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica
|October 19, 2004
Summary
Bone resorption increases during pregnancy and lactation, while bone formation peaks during lactation. This bone turnover leads to a temporary decline in bone mass, but ultimately benefits bone mineral density postweaning.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive endocrinology and bone metabolism
- Physiological changes during the maternal lifecycle
Background:
- Pregnancy and lactation induce significant physiological changes.
- Understanding bone metabolism shifts during these periods is crucial for maternal health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the sequential changes in bone metabolism and bone density.
- To track these changes throughout pregnancy, lactation, and postweaning.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 254 women over 2 years.
- Measured bone formation (osteocalcin) and resorption (NTx) markers.
- Assessed bone mineral density (BMD) and calcaneal ultrasonography in a subgroup.
Main Results:
- Bone resorption (NTx) increased early in pregnancy and during lactation.
- Bone formation (osteocalcin) peaked during lactation.
- A decline in cancellous bone mass was observed during lactation, with improved BMD postweaning.
Conclusions:
- Bone resorption and formation markers indicate significant metabolic activity during pregnancy and lactation.
- Absence of menses may regulate bone formation during lactation.
- Temporary bone loss during lactation appears to be beneficial for long-term bone mineral density.