Bone density recovery after injectable contraceptive use.

While depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) is a highly effective contraceptive used by millions of women, its use is associated with bone mineral density loss, raising concerns about long-term risk of osteoporosis and/or fractures. A systematic review identified ten primary clinical or observational studies published in PubMed from 1996 to 2006 of changes in bone mineral density after discontinuation of DMPA. Values consistently returned toward or to baseline values following DMPA discontinuation in women of all ages. This recovery of bone mineral density was seen as early as 24 weeks after stopping the injections and persisted for as long as women were followed up; in past DMPA users it was similar to that in non-users. Bone loss occurring with DMPA use is reversible and is not likely to be an important risk factor for low bone density and fractures in older women, although data on fractures in DMPA users are lacking. (1)

(1.) Kaunitz AM, Arias R, McClung M. Bone density recovery after depot medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable contraception use. Contraception 2008; 77(2):67-76 [abstract].