Can Depo-Provera cause low bone density?

Depo-Provera is a progestin-only contraceptive injection and an easy way to avoid pregnancy. It is useful for those women who forget to take their birth control pills and who also want to stop their menstrual periods. It is administered by a doctor or healthcare professional every three months.

What is low bone density?

Low bone density is the weakness of bones in human body. This condition is commonly found in premenopausal women. Low bone density in women is caused by a fragility fracture, genetic predisposition, environmental and lifestyle change. It is also found in teenagers and young adults due to causes like inadequate exercise and dietary calcium intake, as well as smoking and excess alcohol.

Bones are also affected as we grow old. In old age our bones become thinner because our existing bones break down faster than new bone is made. In this condition, the loss of calcium and minerals makes bones weaker and increases the chance of fracture.

Depo-Provera and low bone density

It has long been known that Depo-Provera causes bone loss. However it has recently been discovered that the osteoporotic effects of the injection grow worse the longer Depo-Provera is administered, may remain long after the injections are stopped, and may be irreversible.

Studies have suggested that bone loss is reversible after the discontinuation of Depo-Provera, although one notes that bone loss was not reversible in long-term users of Depo-Provera. Other studies have suggested that the effect of Depo-Provera use on post-menopausal bone density is minimal, perhaps because Depo users experience less bone loss at menopause. However, as of 2006, no study has directly examined fracture risk in post-menopausal women who have used Depo-Provera; therefore, the risk is unknown.

How can you avoid low bone density?

You can take calcium and vitamin D supplements and exercise (try walking and weight bearing exercises). Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and smoking. Try to keep your body weight within the normal range for your height and age. Women can use hormone therapy to increase bone density after menopause.

A couple of great links on how to prevent low bone density.

• Diet – http://www.ctds.info/osteoporosis-diet.html
• Exercise – http://www.ctds.info/osteoporosis-exercise.html

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Birth Control Buzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, types of birth control(prescription required), health administrative services, and birth control statistics predominantly to US patients seeking to purchase pharmaceuticals on-line. For more information, call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.