Depo-Provera and bone health

The contraceptive injection Depo-Provera can increase your risk of osteoporosis and broken bones.

Several studies have shown that bone density falls a little in women using Depo-Provera. This mainly happens in the first few years on Depo-Provera, then the bone density stabilises.

The decrease in bone density is probably greater in young women (in their teens and early 20s) than in older women. But follow-up studies have shown that bone density improves again when women stop using Depo-Provera, and returns to near the original levels after a few years.

Fractures may be more common in women who use Depo-Provera, but some studies suggest that this is because they may have had fragile bones and a higher ‘fracture risk’ even before they started the Depo-Provera.

Should certain women avoid Depo-Provera because of its effect on bone?

This is a much debated question. Previous advice from 2 The UK advisory group, the Committee on Safety of Medicines 2004, emphasised the need for caution with Depo-Provera because of the unknown effects of this drug on osteoporosis and fracture risks. The statement says that ‘Depo-Provera should be a ‘second line treatment’ in young women under 19 years (only used as a second choice because other methods are unsuitable).’ It also states that ‘all women using Depo-Provera for more than two years should also consider whether they have risk factors for osteoporosis and if so, consider whether other forms of contraception might be more appropriate.’

More recent advice however from The World Health Organisation (WHO) 2007 recommends that there should not be any restriction on the use of Depo-Provera if you are aged between 18 and 45 nor on the length of time you can use it (if you are eligible to use this method).

It recommends special consideration if you are under 18 (when bone density is being built up rapidly) or over 45 (when you are approaching the menopause) although it is felt that the advantages will generally outweigh any concerns about the theoretical consequences (fractures) of long term Depo-Provera use. This is in part due to emerging evidence that has shown that bone density tends to recover over time once Depo-Provera is stopped. However with continuing use of this contraceptive it recommends that the overall benefits and risks are periodically reviewed.

Despite this, some doctors feel that until there is more evidence available, Depo-Provera should be avoided in these groups of women and particularly women under 16. Depo-Provera should also be used with caution if you are between 18 and 40 and have other risk factors for osteoporosis, especially if you take glucocorticoid (steroid) tablets (glucocorticoid tablets are used to treat inflammation in conditions such as asthma). Other risk factors would include low body weight, especially with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, coeliac disease, strong family history and smoking. However, decisions will need to be made on an individual basis and if there are no other suitable methods of contraception, Depo-Provera may be prescribed for these women. For most women, avoiding pregnancy will be the priority.

Should I have a bone density scan before starting Depo-Provera?

It is not practical or useful for everyone using Depo -Provera to have a bone density scan. If you have other risk factors for osteoporosis (such as low body weight, anorexia, coeliac disease, glucocorticoid use or smoking), or if you are planning to use Depo-Provera for many years, a bone density scan may help to guide a decision on whether to use Depo-Provera. If your bone density is below the normal range for your age, an alternative method of contraception may be advised. In practice, however, considering your risk factors for osteoporosis will probably be more useful than a scan when making decisions about using Depo-Provera.

Do I need my oestrogen levels tested while on Depo-Provera, and would oestrogen tablets help to reduce bone loss?

Probably not. Everyone on Depo-Provera will have low oestrogen levels, and there is no information on whether the oestrogen levels can predict the change in bone density. Some doctors may suggest taking additional oestrogen to some women as a safety measure if they want to use Depo-Provera in their 40s as they approach the menopause.

Do other types of progestogen-only contraceptive affect the bones?

These types of contraception include the long acting progestogen contraceptive implant, the Mirena coil and the progesterone only pill (mini-pill).

Etonogesterel (Nexplanon) is currently the only implant available in the UK. This implant is positioned (under local anaesthetic) just below the surface of the skin on your upper arm. It slowly releases the hormone into your blood stream and lasts for three years. It works in a similar way to Depo-Provera by stopping ovulation (release of an egg from the ovaries), and altering the cervical mucus and the lining of the womb.

The progestogen releasing intrauterine device (levonorgesterel) - known as the Mirena® coil is inserted into the womb. It is an effective contraceptive device, and is also licensed to protect the lining of the womb if you are receiving oestrogen replacement as part of hormone replacement therapy.

There have only been a few studies of bone health with implants and Mirena ® coils, so we know less about their effects than we do about Depo-Provera, and particularly there is not much information about their effects in very young women. However, the available studies suggest that they don’t cause a significant decrease in bone density.

The progestogen only pill does not suppress oestrogen levels significantly (and doesn’t generally stop ovulation) even though it can sometimes stop or reduce the frequency of your periods. It works by causing the cervical mucus to become more viscous and impenetrable to sperm as well as altering the womb lining (becomes thinner).

There have been no specific studies which have looked at the effect of the progestogen only pill on bone density, so we don’t know whether it is detrimental to bone health. However, it causes less suppression of oestrogen levels than Depo-Provera, and doctors are not generally concerned about its effect on bone.

I’m on a combined oral contraceptive pill – will this affect my bones?

Research has shown that the combined (oestrogen and progestogen) oral contraceptive pill does not reduce bone density in post-adolescent (over 18) women or increase fracture risk. There is some evidence however, to suggest that adolescent girls who take the combined oral contraceptive pill while their bones are still developing may end up with slightly lower bone density than those who do not use the ‘Pill’. But the overall impact on bone health is considered small.

What else can I do to help prevent osteoporosis and fractures?

Factors which can help to maintain healthy bones include a well-balanced diet with adequate calcium rich foods (such as milk, cheese and yoghurt); safe sunlight exposure to get adequate vitamin D; regular weight bearing exercise (such as walking, running or aerobics); avoiding smoking and keeping alcohol consumption within the recommended limits.

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Content reviewed: April 2017