Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 17, 2025

Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
Association between oral contraceptive use, age at menarche and bone tissue quality in young Slovak women
Simona Sulis1, Darina Falbov1, Alexandra Hozv1
1Comenius University Bratislava, Slovakia.
Abstract:
This study investigated the association between oral contraceptive use, age at menarche and bone quality in young Slovak women (1830 years) using quantitative ultrasound (QUS) while considering body composition measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis and behavioural components. Bone quality was evaluated using the speed of sound (SOS) in radius via QUS (Sunlight MiniOmni) in 668 Slovak women aged 1830. Significant differences between oral contraceptive users and non-users were observed in bone quality (p = 0.027); with users showing higher SOS values than non-users; notwithstanding, after considering age, body composition and age at menarche in a linear regression analysis, only age resulted as a significant predictor (p < 0.001), with bone quality increasing with age. The correlation between SOS and the age at menarche yielded non-statistically significant results (p = 0.768, r = -0.012). In conclusion, oral contraceptives and age at menarche did not significantly impact bone tissue in our sample.
Related Concept Videos
Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Hormones and Bone Tissue
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
Essential Minerals for Bone Health
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling

