30/08/2024
Hormonal contraception and bone health.
For a lot of people, bone health is something that we really need to consider as we're aging and very few women realise the effect that hormonal contraception can have on this. Read Tanya Borowski's post below for more information ⬇️
Bones are constantly breaking down and building again and bone building decreases as we get older, especially in women.
I was shocked to discover that I've a genetic predisposition for osteoporosis.
It’s not just calcium we need but vitamin D and K as well. Exercise, such as weight training and running, can also help to increase bone density.
I still hear from so many sources about young women being offered oral or injection contraception as a solution, for situations other than contraception - such as: menstrual pain, irregular menstruation, acne & mood changes. It absolutely floored me when I read a celebrity Dr stating “You do not need a period, for anything other than fertility!” This could not be further from the truth when it comes to bone health & we owe the next generation proper education around their health.
Bones need to grow to the optimal size, shape & strength. During childhood & into teen yrs, bone grows to reach “peak” density & strength, called peak bone mass. At this point bones are the densest & strongest we will ever achieve. For women, peak total hip & femoral neck BMDs accrue during ages 16–19.
Variables associated with higher peak BMD, include genetics, age at first period, more physical activity / less sedentary time, higher calcium/vitamin D3 intake. Why is the age of the first period important? Production of oestrogen & progesterone that follow menarche together with growth hormone, & insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) interact to modulate the changes in bone size, geometry, mineral content & microarchitecture.
The action of synthetic oestrogen-progestogen combined oral contraception (COCP) acts by inhibiting ovulation. Depo Provera is a long acting contraceptive hormone injection. It works by releasing a synthetic progestogen (this is NOT progesterone) slowly into the body, suppressing oestrogen as well as preventing the ovaries releasing an egg, thereby stopping the natural release of progesterone.
Both natural oestrogen & progesterone are required for bone health, through stimulating the bone-building cells called osteoblasts. The synthetic forms in COCP & Depo do not replace natural production. Pfizer (producers of Depo) are involved in a $2.2 million lawsuit settlement for women that took their drug & suffered declines in bone density.
Contraception is every woman's right of choice but informed consent is essential! This is a topic that we’ll be covering at The Best of Women’s Health Festival in October. Join us and get fully informed!
