Effects on bone mineral density of low-dosed oral contraceptives compared to and combined with physical activity.
A cross-sectional study was designed to examine the influence of exercise compared to and in combination with low-dosed oral contraceptives (OCs) on bone mineral density (BMD). One hundred twenty-eight women (20 to 35 years of age) were assigned to four groups with respect to the years of exercise and OC intake. Influence factors were determined by a detailed questionnaire and interview. BMD for L2-4 and the femoral neck was assessed by DXA. The highest BMD values were found in the group of women characterized by long-term exercise (9.45 +/- 4.32 yr) and short use of OC (1.6 +/- 1.69 yr). No beneficial effect of exercise on BMD was found in the group with a long exercise period (10.4 +/- 4.14 yr) and long-term intake of OC (8.2 +/- 4.14 yr). Differences in mean BMD values between the two groups were significant in all regions assessed (p < 0.05). No differences in mean BMD were found in the groups with short-term exercise but long or brief histories of OC. The question arises as to whether active women taking low-dosed OC at an earlier age will develop an adequate BMD.
Hartard
M
M
Department of Preventive and Rehabilitative Sports Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Germany.
Bottermann
P
P
Bartenstein
P
P
Jeschke
D
D
Schwaiger
M
M
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000328:Adult; D000886:Anthropometry; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology*; D002118:Calcium / Q000097:blood; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003404:Creatinine / Q000097:blood; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005269:Femur / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D010281:Parathyroid Hormone / Q000097:blood; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013972:Thyrotropin / Q000097:blood
D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D010281:Parathyroid Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone; D013972:Thyrotropin; D002784:Cholesterol; D003404:Creatinine; D002118:Calcium