Effects of levonorgestrel-releasing subdermal contraceptive implants on bone density and bone metabolism.
A prospective, randomized clinical trial observed the effects of Norplant long-term contraceptive implants and domestic implants similar to Norplant on bone mineral density and bone metabolism in female acceptors for 1 year. Bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) of lumbar 2-4 and proximal femur of 61 normal women of child-bearing age were measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) before and 12 months after implants insertion in both groups. BMD and BMC of lumbar 2-4 in both groups 12 months after implant insertion significantly increased (p < 0.01); with an average increase of 2.40% and 3.34%, respectively in the Norplant implant group, and 2.75% and 4.47%, respectively in the domestic implant group. Urine hydroxyproline and creatinine ratio (Hop/Cr) in the domestic implant group significantly decreased (p < 0.01). There was no significant differences in the effects on BMD and BMC of lumbar spine and femur and on bone metabolism between the two groups of contraceptive implants (p > 0.05). Levonorgestrel releasing contraceptive subdermal implants were not deleterious to the skeleton in women of child-bearing age. There was no significant effect on achieving maximum bone mass in young women.
Di
X
X
Beijing Municipal Research Institute for Family Planning, P.R. China. xiaodi@public.bta.net.cn
Li
Y
Y
Zhang
C
C
Jiang
J
J
Gu
S
S
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000328:Adult; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects*; D002113:Calcification, Physiologic / Q000187:drug effects*; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003404:Creatinine / Q000652:urine; D004343:Drug Implants; D005260:Female; D005269:Femur; D006400:Hematocrit; D006801:Humans; D006909:Hydroxyproline / Q000652:urine; D016912:Levonorgestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae; D010976:Platelet Count; D017697:Premenopause; D011446:Prospective Studies
D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D004343:Drug Implants; D016912:Levonorgestrel; D003404:Creatinine; D006909:Hydroxyproline