Clin Osteol 2008; 13(3): 97-101

Effect of hormonal contraception on bone mineral density and markers of bone metabolism in adolescentsOriginal contributions

M. Lattáková, M. Borovský, J. Payer, Z. Killinger

Background: An increase in bone mass is most rapid during puberty and it continues until approximately 20 to 25 years of age. Epi­ demiological studies of osteoporotic fractures suggest the importance of reaching peak bone mineral density during adolescence.

Patients and methods: The study comprised 69 healthy girls aged 16 to 19 years. At the start of the study and one year later, their bone mineral density in the proximal femur and lumbar spine was measured using the DXA scan and their serum osteocalcin and CTX levels were determined. Over the year, 32 girls were using contraception containing 30 pg of traception containing 15 pg of ethinylestradiol and 9 girls were included in a control group.

Results: Girls using contraception with 30 pg of ethinylestradiol increased their bone mineral density in the proximal femur by 0.88 %, those using contraception with 15 pg of ethinylestradiol by 0.78 % and the control gr re 0.82 %, 0.1 % and 0.56 %, respectively (insignificant changes between the groups).

Conclusions: Twelve-month use of low-dose and ultra-low-dose hormonal contra sity and markers of bone metabolism in 16- to 19-year-old adolescents

Keywords: oral contraception, bone mineral density, bone turnover, estrogens

Published: December 11, 2008  Show citation