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Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners
Does Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) increase the risk of developing Osteoporosis?
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Hi there, can any of the Dr's please answer this question for me.
I used Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) as my choice of contraception for many years when I was in my 20's have only now discovered that it increases the risk of osteoporosis. It was something I didn't know about and it it wasn't publicized then. If I had known I would not have even considered it as an option.
Does the drug company advise patients about the risks now?
I hope so, I really feel it it a good topic of discussion as I'm sure not many young women know about. I believe there is a class action happening but not sure.
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Women's Health Queensland Wide provides free health information for Queensland women. View Profile
The mean bone density of long term Depo - Provera users is lower than for women not using Depo, irrespective of bleeding patterns. However bone density increases again upon discontinuation of Depo as a contraceptive method.
Based on evidence so far, the bone mineral density of adolescents using Depo is lower than those using other forms of contraception such as the combined oral contraceptive pill. Because adolescence and young adulthood is an important time in the development of our peak bone mass, it has been suggested that Depo may not be the ideal choice of contraception long term for this population.
Interestingly, long term Depo users examined after menopause did not display lower bone density than those women who had never used Depo, re enforcing the idea that bone density recovers after discontinuation. Also no excess of fractures have been demonstrated in long term users to date.
Use in adolescents at this stage, is seen by the World Health Organisation as more advantageous than the risks of not using contraception. Common practice would be to re-evaluate the risk/benefit profile of young users every few years. In addition Depo may not be considered an acceptable choice for a person considered at high risk of osteoporosis.
Kirsty
Women’s Health Educator
Health Information Line, Women’s Health Queensland Wide
Women living in Queensland can also call our Health Information Line - a free information and referral service for Queensland women - on 3839 9988 or 1800 017 676 (toll free outside Brisbane).
Please note that all health information provided by Women’s Health Queensland Wide is subject to this disclaimer
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