Effect of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate on bone density in a Scottish industrial city.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if long-term users of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable contraception (DMPA) were more likely than their peers to have low bone density.


METHODS
Cross-sectional observational study.


METHODS
The Domiciliary Family Planning Service, Glasgow, Scotland.


METHODS
Clients of the Domiciliary Service who had used DMPA for contraception for longer than 5 years (mean 12 years) were invited to participate and select their own control, a friend or relative who had never used this method of contraception.


METHODS
Bone density measured at the hip and lumbar spine by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).


RESULTS
DMPA users had a significantly lower bone density than controls, 12-13% less at both hip and lumbar spine. This difference remained even when controlling for parity, smoking, family history of kyphosis or hip fracture, and body mass index.


CONCLUSIONS
DMPA significantly decreases bone density in a group of long-term users with significant social deprivation. The long-term significance of this remains uncertain.
McGough
Pauline
P
The Sandyford Initiative, Glasgow, UK. Pauline.McGough@glacomen.scot.nhs.uk
Bigrigg
Alison
A
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D015992:Body Mass Index; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005193:Family Planning Services; D005260:Female; D005272:Femur Neck / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects; D017258:Medroxyprogesterone Acetate / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology; D008875:Middle Aged; D019370:Observation; D010022:Osteopetrosis / Q000139:chemically induced; D011204:Poverty Areas; D012606:Scotland; D014504:Urban Health; D044465:White People
D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004958:Estradiol; D017258:Medroxyprogesterone Acetate