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
In a past newsletter, I posted an article about a new "black box" warning issued by the FDA for Depo-Provera, the popular injectable contraceptive.
In my practice, I've found prolonged use of such drugs will perpetually increase a woman's risk of developing serious chronic illness. In fact, I see NO medical justification for using birth control injections, pills or other hormonal methods.
Aside from bone loss, Depo-Provera is associated with a long list of additional side effects including:
Fortunately, there are alternative options to contraception that will not cause these side effects.
Safer Solutions to Contraception
Natural Family Planning: In this method, a woman uses various techniques to determine when she is fertile during the month. By using a backup method during the window of fertility or abstaining altogether, pregnancy can be avoided. Techniques include the ovulation method, the symptothermal method (a combination of the ovulation method and monitoring of body temperature) and monitoring saliva with the Ovu-Tech magnification lens.
Barrier methods, including condoms for women and men, the diaphragm, cervical cap and sponge (currently not on the market), work by physically preventing the sperm from reaching the egg.
Again, I can't stress enough that ALL birth control pills and injections can have serious health risks. That is why I ask ALL of my patients to stop them as soon as possible. I only advise using them as an absolute last resort and even then only for as shortly as possible.
Related Articles:
Should Pharmacists Decide Whether You Get Birth Control Pills? Just Say "No" to Birth Control Pills Birth Control Pills Linked to Thinner Bones Can Depo-Provera Destroy Your Sex Life? Contraception: Five Important Facts That You Need to Know
Should Pharmacists Decide Whether You Get Birth Control Pills?
Just Say "No" to Birth Control Pills
Birth Control Pills Linked to Thinner Bones
Can Depo-Provera Destroy Your Sex Life?
Contraception: Five Important Facts That You Need to Know