Taking the contraceptive Depo-Provera is linked to bone loss, according
to the results of a University of Iowa study. This long-lasting
contraceptive hormone, also known as DMPA, is administered through
an injection every three months.
The study that confirmed bone density was lost with DMPA use involved
178 first-time users of Depo-Provera and 145 women not using hormonal
contraception.
Shrinking Bones
The group of women taking Depo-Provera experienced an average bone
density loss at the hip of nearly 3 percent just one year after
starting the injections This number jumped to 5.8 percent after
two years of injections. Loss of bone density in the spinal region
showed similar results.
On the other hand, the women who didn't take hormonal contraception
exhibited 0.9 percent bone loss at the hip and spine, a significantly
lower drop. The FDA has already taken action regarding this finding
by placing a black box warning on Depo-Provera. The warning states
that bone density is lost and the likelihood it would be regained
decreased significantly after taking the drug for more than two
years.
One researcher stressed that women between the ages of 18 and 35
who are taking Depo-Provera as a form of contraception would not
experience immediate signs of osteoporosis. This is because long-term
consequences after menopause are based upon whether or not bone
loss is regained once a women stops taking Depo-Provera.
Epoch
Times January 5, 2005
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