Related Experiment Videos
Spinal bone density in women using depot medroxyprogesterone contraception
T Cundy1, J Cornish, H Roberts
1Department of Medicine, the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand. t.cundy@auckland.ac.nz
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|October 9, 1998
Summary
Women using depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) injections experience reduced bone density. Long-term use and initiation before peak bone mass attainment may increase risks.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive endocrinology
- Bone metabolism
- Pharmacological effects of contraceptives
Background:
- Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) is a widely used injectable contraceptive.
- Concerns exist regarding its potential impact on bone mineral density (BMD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate factors associated with decreased bone density in women using DMPA.
- To compare BMD in DMPA users versus a control group.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 200 DMPA users and 350 controls.
- Lumbar spine bone mineral density measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA).
- Bone density expressed as standard deviation (z) scores.
Main Results:
- DMPA users exhibited significantly lower bone density (mean z-score: -0.65) compared to controls.
- Bone density reduction was observed in both smokers and non-smokers, with no significant difference between groups.
- Women initiating DMPA after age 20 and using it for ≤15 years had higher BMD than others.
Conclusions:
- DMPA use is linked to a significant reduction in bone density, not solely explained by smoking.
- Prolonged DMPA use and initiation before peak bone mass may confer the highest risk for bone density reduction.