A new study, published in Fertility and Sterility, conducted by Dr. M. Kathleen Clark from the University of Iowa, Iowa City, revealed that bone loss, after continued use of DMPA use, does not go on indefinitely.
DMPA contraceptives are given by monthly injections, and are often referred to by one brand name, Depo Provera.
Clark and colleagues compared bone mineral density – BMD changes during 48 months between 178 first-time DMPA users (during use and after discontinuation) and 145 women not using hormonal contraception.
“Based on our findings, the recommendation to have bone density monitored with long-term use probably is not warranted,” the authors conclude, “since most BMD is lost within the first two years, and that loss is generally not sufficient to pose an immediate risk for fracture.”