Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate use after peak bone mass is associated with increased bone turnover but no decrease in bone mineral density.
OBJECTIVE
To ascertain whether increased bone turnover in depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) users after peak bone mass is associated with bone mineral loss.


METHODS
Three-year, observational, longitudinal study.


METHODS
General practice and family planning clinics.


METHODS
Women over age 34: established DMPA users (n = 23), discontinuers (n = 14), and controls (n = 27).


METHODS
Change in spine and hip bone mineral density (BMD).


RESULTS
Despite increased biochemical markers of bone turnover in DMPA users, there was no decrease in BMD. Bone turnover markers did not correlate with change in BMD.


CONCLUSIONS
In established DMPA users, after peak bone mass, a single normal BMD measurement could provide reassurance for long-term use. Measurement of bone turnover does not predict bone loss in DMPA users.
Walsh
Jennifer S
JS
Academic Unit of Bone Metabolism, Northern General Hospital, Herries Road, Sheffield, S5 7AU, United Kingdom. jenniferwalsh@doctors.org.uk
Eastell
Richard
R
Peel
Nicola F
NF
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects*; D016723:Bone Remodeling / Q000187:drug effects*; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005272:Femur Neck / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000187:drug effects; D017258:Medroxyprogesterone Acetate / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests
D015415:Biomarkers; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D017258:Medroxyprogesterone Acetate