Bones and Birth Control in Adolescent Girls

Abstract

Peak bone mass acquisition during adolescence is an important determinant of adult bone health. Knowledge about the effects of different contraceptives on peak bone mass acquisition could influence choice of method recommended. This review summarizes normal bone acquisition during adolescence, discusses methods of assessing bone health in this age group, and reviews the effects of different contraceptive options on bone health, both in adults and in adolescents. Based on the evidence, long-acting reversible contraceptives do not appear to affect peak bone mass acquisition or future fracture risk and remain the first-line contraceptive choice for adolescents. Oral contraceptives with doses of ethinyl estradiol greater than 30 μg should be used in preference to lower-dose preparations, and the adverse effects of depo medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) on bone health are reversible on discontinuation of the medication. Concerns about bone health should not prevent use of DMPA in an adolescent who prefers this method.

Keywords: Adolescents; Bone densitometry; Contraception; DMPA; DXA; HR-pQCT; Long-acting reversible contraceptives; Low bone mass; Osteoporosis.