title: Effect of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate on bone density in a Scottish industrial city.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: The Sandyford Initiative, Glasgow, UK. Pauline.McGough@glacomen.scot.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Pauline
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: McGough
authors.forename: Alison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bigrigg
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004958:Estradiol; D017258:Medroxyprogesterone Acetate