Oral contraceptive use and bone density in adolescent and young adult women

Medical Management of Endometriosis in Adolescent and Young Adult Women: A Review of 91 Cases of Biopsy-Confirmed Endometriosis

OBJECTIVES

To characterise contemporary trends in the hormonal management of endometriosis in adolescent and young adult patients with biopsy-proven endometriosis.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of women aged 14-25 years who underwent laparoscopy for pelvic pain with biopsy-proven endometriosis between January 2011 and September 2020 at an academic tertiary hospital system. The final sample included 91 patients with biopsy-confirmed endometriosis.

RESULTS

Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) were the most common initial treatment (64% of patients). Progestin-only formulations (low- and high-dose norethindrone acetate) were offered to younger patients (age 15.9 ± 2.7 years) than those offered COCs (19.9 ± 3.3 years) and levonorgestrel intrauterine devices (LNG-IUDs) (21.9 ± 1.7 years). Current treatments varied widely and included COCs (32%), LNG-IUDs (18%), oral progestins (low- and high-dose norethindrone, medroxyprogesterone) (14%), elagolix (9%), and leuprolide (8%). Oral adjuncts to LNG-IUD were common: usually low- or high-dose norethindrone (37% of patients with an LNG-IUD), but also included progesterone, COCs, and elagolix.

CONCLUSIONS

Oral progestins, LNG-IUDs, and COCs were the mainstay of initial treatment. Subsequent treatments varied widely and included COCs, LNG-IUDs, oral progestins, elagolix, leuprolide, and combinations of these agents. We observed that most young women switched between therapies, suggesting that a personalised approach is often used to determine treatment plans among the wide range of options currently available. This study helps define the spectrum of treatment regimens for endometriosis in adolescent females.

Bone health and hormonal contraception

INTRODUCTION

Short-term and long-term steroid contraceptive systems are widely employed in adolescents and premenopausal women; they could induce variation in bone metabolism, but whether these changes increase the overall fracture risk is not yet clear.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic search of scientific publications about "hormonal contraceptives" and "bone metabolism" in reproductive age women was conducted.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

In adolescent girl, combined oral contraceptives could have a deleterious effect on bone health when their onset is within three years after menarche and when they contain ethinyl estradiol at the dose of 20 mcg. In perimenopausal women, steroid contraceptives seem not influence bone health nor increase osteoporotic fractures risk in menopause. The oral progestogens intake is not related to negative effects on skeletal health. Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) induce a prolonged hypoestrogenism with secondary detrimental effect on healthy bone; the higher bone loss was observed at the DMPA dose of 150 mg intramuscular such as after long-term DMPA-users. Progestin-based implants and intrauterine devices have not negative effect on bone health.

CONCLUSIONS

Since sex-steroid drugs induce variations in hormonal circulating concentrations, they may negatively affect bone metabolism. Contraceptive choice should be tailored evaluating any possible effect on bone health. Clinicians should always perform a precontraceptive counselling to identify any coexisting condition that may affect bone health. Further randomized studies are needed to confirm these results.

Bone health in adolescence

Adolescence is a fundamental period for the formation of the skeleton, because is the stage in which bones grow more in both size and strength, laying a solid foundation for the future health of the skeleton. Any condition interfering with optimal peak bone mass accrual can increase fracture risk later in life. Up to 80% of peak bone mass is genetically determined while the remaining 20% is modulated by environmental factors that, if deleterious, may result in low bone mineral density (BMD) and an increased risk of fracture. The preferred test to assess bone health is dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (spine or total body less head) using Z scores instead of T scores, even though in short stature or growth delay, should be used the height Z-score. The correction of risk factors is the first treatment for low BMD in children and adolescents. It's necessary having a correct lifestyle for preserving bone health: a proper nutrition, an adequate physical weight-bearing activity and avoidance of alcohol intake and tobacco smoke. Bisphosphonates could be used in children who sustained osteoporotic fractures, impairing quality of life, when spontaneous recovery is low for the persistence of osteoporosis risk factors. This clinical review discusses factors affecting bone health during childhood and adolescence and deals with diagnosis and treatment of low bone mass or osteoporosis in this age group.

Impact of 1.0 mg/Day Dienogest Treatment on Bone Metabolism Markers in Young Women with Dysmenorrhea

A low dose of dienogest (DNG) 1 mg/day is useful for treating dysmenorrhea in young women. However, the effect of DNG on bone turnover during bone growth and formation, rather than at maturity, is currently unknown even at low doses. We investigated change in bone turnover after 3 months of DNG 1 mg/day. This retrospective cohort study included young women aged 10–24 years with dysmenorrhea and irregular menstruation. Gonadotropins and the bone metabolism markers TRACP-5b and BAP were compared before and at 3 months after administration of DNG 1 mg/day. There were no significant changes in TRACP-5b (before, 455.6 ± 323.6 mU/dL; 3 months after, 462.1 ± 346.1 mU/dL), BAP (before, 24.7 ± 19.0 μg/L; 3 months after, 25.2 ± 22.3 μg/L), or the TRACP-5b/BAP ratio (before, 22.1 ± 7.0; 3 months after, 21.5 ± 6.3). Administration of DNG 1 mg/day had no significant effect on bone turnover after 3 months during the bone-growth phase in young women.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study of the comparative effects of dienogest and the combined oral contraceptive pill in women with endometriosis

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effects of dienogest and a combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP) after laparoscopic surgery on pain and quality of life in women with severe endometriosis.

METHODS

A randomized double-blind pilot study was conducted from March 2018 to March 2020 in women with severe endometriosis confirmed by laparoscopic surgery. A total of 108 patients who had undergone laparoscopic surgery received dienogest, COCP, or placebo daily for 6 months. Primary and secondary outcomes were compared between the three groups.

RESULTS

Treatment with dienogest or COCP was associated with improved self-reported pain after 6 months of treatment, as evidenced by significantly lower scores for pelvic pain and dyspareunia compared with placebo (P < 0.05). Significant differences in overall quality of life score were observed over 6 months in the dienogest, COCP, and placebo groups (mean difference 22.00, 23.45, and 6.45 points, respectively; P < 0.001). Post-hoc analysis revealed a significant difference in overall quality of life score between the placebo group and the dienogest (P < 0.001) and COCP groups (P = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

Postoperative administration of dienogest or COCP reduced endometriosis-associated pain and improved quality of life in women with severe endometriosis.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION

https://en.irct.ir/trial/43070.

Oral contraceptive use, bone mineral density, and bone turnover markers over 12 months in college-aged females

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to compare bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover markers between combined oral contraceptive (COC) and non-COC users over 12 months.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

COC users (n = 34, age = 19.2 ± 0.5) and non-COC users (n = 28, age = 19.3 ± 0.6) provided serum at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. C-terminal telopepetides (CTX) and pro-collagen type 1 N-terminal propeptides (P1NP) were determined using ELISA. BMD was measured at the three time points using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA).

RESULTS

COC users had greater CTX than non-COC users at baseline (18.6 ± 8.2 vs. 13.8 ± 5.3 ng/mL, P = 0.021) and 6 months (20.4 ± 10.3 vs. 14.2 ± 8.5 ng/mL, P = 0.018). Controlling for lean mass, groups were similar in BMD. Over 12 months, non-COC users maintained BMD at the spine, while the COC users declined 2.2% in lateral spine BMD (0.773 ± 0.014 to 0.756 ± 0.014 g/cm², P = 0.03) and 0.7% in anterior-posterior spine BMD (1.005 ± 0.015 to 0.998 ± 0.015 g/cm², P = 0.069). Non-COC users increased in BMD of the whole body over 12 months (P < 0.001) while COC users had no change. Women who began COCs within 4 years after menarche had lower BMD at the hip and whole body. Women taking very low dose COCs (20 mcg ethinyl estradiol, EE) significantly declined in CTX, P1NP, and lateral spine BMD in comparison to participants using low dose COCs (30/35 mcg EE).

CONCLUSION

College-aged women who did not use COCs increased BMD of the whole body, while COC users had elevated bone turnover, declines in spinal BMD, and lack of bone acquisition of the whole body over 12 months. Young females who initiate COC use early after menarche may experience skeletal detriments.

Effects of Estrogen Replacement on Bone Geometry and Microarchitecture in Adolescent and Young Adult Oligoamenorrheic Athletes: A Randomized Trial

Oligoamenorrheic athletes (OAs) have lower bone mineral density (BMD) and greater impairment of bone microarchitecture, and therefore higher fracture rates compared to eumenorrheic athletes. Although improvements in areal BMD (aBMD; measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) in OAs have been demonstrated with transdermal estrogen treatment, effects of such treatment on bone microarchitecture are unknown. Here we explore effects of transdermal versus oral estrogen versus no estrogen on bone microarchitecture in OA. Seventy-five OAs (ages 14 to 25 years) were randomized to (i) a 100-μg 17β-estradiol transdermal patch (PATCH) administered continuously with 200 mg cyclic oral micronized progesterone; (ii) a combined 30 μg ethinyl estradiol and 0.15 mg desogestrel pill (PILL); or (iii) no estrogen/progesterone (NONE) and were followed for 12 months. Calcium (≥1200 mg) and vitamin D (800 IU) supplements were provided to all. Bone microarchitecture was assessed using high-resolution peripheral quantitative CT at the distal tibia and radius at baseline and 1 year. At baseline, randomization groups did not differ by age, body mass index, percent body fat, duration of amenorrhea, vitamin D levels, BMD, or bone microarchitecture measurements. After 1 year of treatment, at the distal tibia there were significantly greater increases in total and trabecular volumetric BMD (vBMD), cortical area and thickness, and trabecular number in the PATCH versus PILL groups. Trabecular area decreased significantly in the PATCH group versus the PILL and NONE groups. Less robust differences between groups were seen at the distal radius, where percent change in cortical area and thickness was significantly greater in the PATCH versus PILL and NONE groups, and changes in cortical vBMD were significantly greater in the PATCH versus PILL groups. In conclusion, in young OAs, bone structural parameters show greater improvement after 1 year of treatment with transdermal 17β-estradiol versus ethinyl estradiol-containing pills, particularly at the tibia. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Menstrual Suppression in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients with Disabilities Ranging from Developmental to Acquired Conditions: A Population Study in an Australian Quaternary Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Service from January 2005 to December 2015

STUDY OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to review the efficacy of different medical modalities for menstrual suppression in the cohort of patients with disabilities who presented to the Queensland Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology (PAG) Service between January 2005 and December 2015. Menstrual suppression in adolescents with disabilities is an important aspect of care to support the patient and their carers in managing the complexities of menstrual hygiene, pain, and other discomfort associated with menses. It is important for general practitioners, pediatricians, and gynecologists to establish the right modality of suppression for each individual adolescent. DESIGN, SETTINGS, PARTICIPANTS, INTERVENTIONS, AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The study was a retrospective case notes review of 68 adolescents who presented to the Queensland PAG Service, Brisbane, Australia with a request for menstrual suppression. The medical interventions included treatment with either combined oral hormonal contraceptive, oral medroxyprogesterone, depot medroxyprogesterone, or the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (Mirena, Bayer). The primary outcome measure was success of menstrual suppression from commencement of medical intervention to achievement of complete amenorrhea or very light bleeding described as spotting, for each medical modality. Secondary outcomes were length of time from first treatment to first observed menstrual suppression, and the number of outpatient appointments taken to achieve menstrual suppression.

RESULTS

Of the 68 adolescents, 59/68 (86.8%) successfully achieved menstrual suppression, with 9/68 (13.2%) having ongoing treatment or loss to follow-up at the time of conclusion of the study; 39/68 (57.4%) were menstrually suppressed with their chosen medical modality after their initial appointment.

CONCLUSION

Medical modalities are highly effective in achieving menstrual suppression and no young women at this institution required a hysterectomy. Depot medroxyprogesterone was the most successful modality used to achieve menstrual suppression followed by the levonorgestrel intrauterine system. The combined oral hormonal contraceptive was the least successful medical treatment in achieving menstrual suppression.

Heavy Episodic Drinking Is Associated With Poorer Bone Health in Adolescent and Young Adult Women

OBJECTIVE

Osteoporosis is a costly bone disease characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD) that primarily affects postmenopausal women. One factor that may lead to osteoporosis is a failure to reach peak bone mass (PBM) in early adulthood. In older adults and animal models, heavy episodic drinking (HED) has been found to predict failure to reach PBM. However, this relationship has yet to be investigated in adolescent human females.

METHOD

Female college students (N = 87; 60% White) reported age at menarche, hormonal contraceptive use, physical activity, smoking habits, and HED history via an online survey and then received a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry bone scan to assess both lean body mass and BMD at the lumbar spine.

RESULTS

Frequent HED (having four or more drinks within 2 hours on 115 or more occasions since the start of high school, which is approximately equal to 1.6 episodes per month over this period) was associated with decreased vertebral BMD even when variables most commonly associated with bone health (lean body mass, physical activity, age at menarche, smoking, and oral contraception use) were controlled for. However, early HED initiation (beginning HED at age 15 years or younger) was not significantly related to BMD.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to assess the impacts of early HED initiation and frequent HED during adolescence on the bone health of young women. Results suggest frequency of HED before reaching PBM, but not age at initiation, may be negatively related to skeletal health during young adulthood. These findings encourage research into the association between HED and BMD in late adolescence.

Hormonal Contraceptives, Intrauterine Devices, Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone Analogues and Testosterone: Menstrual Suppression in Special Adolescent Populations

Menstrual suppression (the use of hormonal contraceptive methods to eliminate or significantly decrease the frequency of menstrual cycles) is frequently used in the adolescent population for the management of menstrual symptoms such as heavy or painful periods, premenstrual syndrome, menstrual migraines, or even for patient preference. However, in cases of menstrual suppression in special populations additional risks and benefits need to be considered. The purpose of this article is to review the options and medical considerations for menstrual suppression in patients undergoing chemotherapy who might be at risk of abnormal uterine bleeding, those with intellectual or physical disability, and transgender and gender nonbinary individuals.

Oestrogen replacement improves bone mineral density in oligo-amenorrhoeic athletes: a randomised clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

Normal-weight oligo-amenorrhoeic athletes (OAA) are at risk for low bone mineral density (BMD). Data are lacking regarding the impact of oestrogen administration on bone outcomes in OAA. Our objective was to determine the effects of transdermal versus oral oestrogen administration on bone in OAA engaged in weight-bearing activity.

METHODS

121 patients with OAA aged 14-25 years were randomised to receive: (1) a 17β-estradiol transdermal patch continuously with cyclic oral micronised progesterone (PATCH), (2) a combined ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel pill (PILL) or (3) no oestrogen/progesterone (NONE). All participants received calcium and vitamin D supplementation. Areal BMD was assessed at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, total hip and total body less head using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Intention-to-treat (ITT) and completers analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Randomised groups did not differ for age, body mass index or BMD Z-scores at baseline. For ITT analysis, spine and femoral neck BMD Z-scores significantly increased in the PATCH versus PILL (p=0.011 and p=0.021, respectively) and NONE (p=0.021 and p=0.033, respectively) groups, and hip BMD Z-scores significantly increased in the PATCH versus PILL group (p=0.018). Similar findings were noted in completers analysis.

CONCLUSION

Transdermal estradiol over 12 months improves BMD in young OAA, particularly compared with an ethinyl estradiol-containing contraceptive pill/oral contraceptives.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT00946192; Pre-results.

Premenopausal Osteoporosis

Most premenopausal women with low trauma fracture(s) or low bone mineral density have a secondary cause of osteoporosis or bone loss. Where possible, treatment of the underlying cause should be the focus of management. Premenopausal women with an ongoing cause of bone loss and those who have had, or continue to have, low trauma fractures may require pharmacologic intervention. Clinical trials provide evidence of benefits of bisphosphonates and teriparatide for bone mineral density in several types of premenopausal osteoporosis, but studies are small and do not provide evidence regarding fracture risk reduction.

Effect of Extended 30 μg Ethinyl Estradiol with Continuous Low-Dose Ethinyl Estradiol and Cyclic 20 μg Ethinyl Estradiol Oral Contraception on Adolescent Bone Density: A Randomized Trial

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To compare changes in lumbar spine bone mineral density after 12 months of a 91-day extended regimen or 28-day combined oral contraceptive with those in a healthy reference group not using hormonal contraceptives.

DESIGN

Phase 2, multicenter, open-label, randomized, controlled study.

SETTING

Forty-five academic centers, clinical research centers, and community practices in the United States.

PARTICIPANTS

Eight hundred twenty-nine postmenarcheal adolescent girls aged 12-18 years.

INTERVENTIONS

Adolescents were randomly assigned to 91-day levonorgestrel (LNG)/ethinyl estradiol (EE) extended regimen (84 days of LNG 150 μg/EE 30 μg with 7 days of EE 10 μg [LNG/EE extended regimen]) or 28 days of LNG/EE (21 days of LNG 100 μg/EE 20 μg with 7 days of placebo [LNG/EE 21/7]) for 12 months. A reference group not seeking hormonal contraception was also evaluated.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary end point was mean percent change in lumbar spine bone mineral density measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.

RESULTS

Of 1361 adolescents randomized/enrolled, 829 were included in the primary analysis. Mean changes in lumbar spine bone mineral density were +2.26% with LNG/EE extended regimen, +1.45% with LNG/EE 21/7, and +2.50% in the reference group. Noninferiority of the LNG/EE extended regimen compared with the reference group was shown. A statistically significant treatment difference was found between LNG/EE 21/7 and the reference group (1.05%; 95% confidence interval, 0.61%-1.49%) but not between LNG/EE extended regimen and the reference group (0.23%; 95% confidence interval, -0.20% to 0.67%). No new safety signals were noted.

CONCLUSION

Compared with the reference group, bone accrual was statistically significantly lower among LNG/EE 21/7 users but not among LNG/EE 30-μg extended regimen users. Additional research is needed to clarify the clinical relevance of these findings.

The associations of exposure to combined hormonal contraceptive use on bone mineral content and areal bone mineral density accrual from adolescence to young adulthood: A longitudinal study

Background

The association of long term combined hormone based contraceptives (CHC) use on bone mineral content (BMC) and areal bone mineral density (aBMD) development remains controversial, as it appears that the relationship may be age-dependent. The purpose of this study was to investigate the long-term associations of CHC exposure on the accrual of bone parameters from adolescence into young-adulthood.

Methods

110 women (67 exposed to CHC) were drawn from the Pediatric Bone Mineral Accrual Study (PBMAS). Serial measures of total body (TB), lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN) BMC and aBMD were assessed by DXA (a total of 950 scans) and aligned by biological age (BA, years from peak height velocity [PHV]). Multilevel random effects models were constructed to assess the time dependent associations between annual CHC exposure and the development of bone parameters.

Results

After BA, height, lean tissue mass, fat mass, calcium and vitamin D intake, and physical activity were controlled, it was observed that those individuals exposed to CHC 6-years post PHV developed significantly less (−0.00986 ± 0.00422 g/cm²) TB aBMD than their non CHC exposed peers. Additionally, there were significant BA by CHC exposure interactions, where CHC exposure 6-years or more post PHV resulted in developing less TB BMC (−4.94 ± 2.41 g), LS BMC (−0.29 ± 0.11 g) and LS aBMD (−0.00307 ± 0.00109 g/cm²). One year after the attainment of PHV, CHC users were predicted to have 1.2% more TB BMC, 3.8% more LS BMC and 1.7% more LS aBMD than non-users. At 9-years post PHV the predicted differences showed that CHC users had 0.9% less TB BMC and 2.7% less LS BMC and 1.6% less LS BMD than those not exposed to CHC.

Conclusions

CHC may not hinder the development of BMC or aBMD during adolescence; however, exposure 6-years or more after PHV may be detrimental.

•

The effects of combined hormone contraceptive (CHC) exposure on bone mass were assessed.

•

CHC exposure resulted in developing significantly less (− 9.86 ± 4.22 g/cm²) TB aBMD.

•

CHC exposure 6-years after PHV resulted in significantly less BMC and aBMD.

•

CHC may not hinder adolescent bone development, but may be detrimental after growth.

Different health behaviours and clinical factors associated with bone mineral density and bone turnover in premenopausal women with and without type 1 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Women with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) have an elevated fracture risk. We therefore compared the associations of health behaviours and clinical factors with bone mineral density (BMD) and bone remodelling between premenopausal women with and without T1DM to inform potential interventions.

METHODS

Participants included women with T1DM (n = 89) from the Wisconsin Diabetes Registry Study and age-matched and race-matched controls without diabetes (n = 76). Peripheral (heel and forearm) and central (hip and spine) BMD, markers of bone resorption and formation, bone cell signalling, glycaemic control, and kidney function were assessed. Health behaviours and medical history were self-reported.

RESULTS

In controls, but not in women with T1DM, older age was associated with lower bone resorption (p ≤ 0.006) and formation (p = 0.0007). Body mass index was positively associated with heel and forearm BMD in both controls and T1DM women (all p < 0.0001), but with hip and spine BMD only in controls (p ≤ 0.005). Worse glycaemic control during the previous 10 years, greater alcohol intake, history of smoking, and lack of physical activity were associated with poorer bone outcomes only in women with T1DM (all p ≤ 0.002), whereas use of hormonal contraceptives was related to low bone formation in both women with and without T1DM (all p ≤ 0.006). Diabetes duration, insulin dose, residual C-peptide, and kidney function were not associated with bone in T1DM.

CONCLUSIONS

Age and body mass index may not predict bone health in T1DM women. However, modifiable behaviours such as optimizing glycaemic control, limiting substance and hormonal contraceptive use, and increasing physical activity may improve bone health in T1DM women.

Low-dose combined oral contraceptive use is associated with lower bone mineral content variation in adolescents over a 1-year period

BACKGROUND

Low-dose combined oral contraceptives (COCs) can interfere with bone mass acquisition during adolescence. This study aimed to evaluate bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) in female adolescents taking a standard low-dose COC (ethinylestradiol 20 μg/desogestrel 150 μg) over a 1-year period and to compare their data with those of healthy adolescents from the same age group not taking COCs.

METHODS

This was a non-randomized parallel-control study with a 1-year follow-up. Sixty-seven adolescents aged from 12 to 19 years, divided into COC users (n = 41) taking 20 μg ethinylestradiol/150 μg desogestrel and COC non-user controls (n = 26), were evaluated by bone densitometry examinations at baseline and after 12 months. Comparisons between the groups at the study onset were performed using the Mann-Whitney test with the significance level fixed at 5% or p < 0.05. Comparisons between the groups at the study onset and after 12 months were based on variations in the median percentages for bone mass variables.

RESULTS

The COC users presented with low bone mass acquisition in the lumbar spine, and had BMD and BMC median variations of 2.07% and +1.57%, respectively, between the measurements at baseline and 12 months. The control group had median variations of +12.16% and +16.84% for BMD and BMC, respectively, over the same period. The total body BMD and BMC showed similar evolutions during the study in both groups. Statistical significance (p < 0.05) was seen for the BMC percentage variation between COC users and non-users.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of a low-dose COC (ethinylestradiol 20 μg/desogestrel 150 μg) was associated with lower bone mass acquisition in adolescents during the study period.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registry Number, RBR-5h9b3c.

Effects of long-term postoperative oral contraceptive use for the prevention of endometrioma recurrence on bone mineral density in young women

Concerns for negative effects of oral contraceptives (OCs) on bone mineral density (BMD) in long-term users have been raised, since OCs suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. However, there have been still limited data regarding the effects of long-term OC use on BMD in young women in the twenties. We investigated the effects of long-term OC use for the prevention of endometrioma recurrence on BMD in young women. Ninety-two women aged 20-30 years who underwent conservative surgery for endometrioma and used postoperative OC for at least 12 months to prevent the recurrence were included for this cross-sectional study, and BMDs after OC use were analyzed. The mean age at starting OC and duration of OC use was 25.6 ± 2.9 years and 40.7 ± 28.5 months, respectively. No correlation was found between BMDs and age at starting OC at all sites. In addition, BMDs were also not correlated with the duration of OC use, and were comparable according to the dose of OC (20 versus 30 μg). In conclusion, long-term use of OCs has no adverse effect on BMD in post-adolescent young women.

Diminished bone strength is observed in adult women and men who sustained a mild trauma distal forearm fracture during childhood

Children and adolescents who sustain a distal forearm fracture (DFF) owing to mild, but not moderate, trauma have reduced bone strength and cortical thinning at the distal radius and tibia. Whether these skeletal deficits track into adulthood is unknown. Therefore, we studied 75 women and 75 men (age range, 20 to 40 years) with a childhood (age < 18 years) DFF and 150 sex-matched controls with no history of fracture using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HRpQCT) to examine bone strength (ie, failure load) by micro-finite element (µFE) analysis, as well as cortical and trabecular bone parameters at the distal radius and tibia. Level of trauma (mild versus moderate) was assigned using a validated classification scheme, blind to imaging results. When compared to sex-matched, nonfracture controls, women and men with a mild trauma childhood DFF (eg, fall from standing height) had significant reductions in failure load (p < 0.05) of the distal radius, whereas women and men with a moderate trauma childhood DFF (eg, fall while riding a bicycle) had values similar to controls. Consistent findings were observed at the distal tibia. Furthermore, women and men with a mild trauma childhood DFF had significant deficits in distal radius cortical area (p < 0.05), and significantly lower dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-derived bone density at the radius, hip, and total body regions compared to controls (all p < 0.05). By contrast, women and men with a moderate trauma childhood DFF had bone density, structure, and strength that did not differ significantly from controls. These findings in young adults are consistent with our observations in children/adolescents with DFF, and they suggest that a mild trauma childhood DFF may presage suboptimal peak bone density, structure, and strength in young adulthood. Children and adolescents who suffer mild trauma DFFs may need to be targeted for lifestyle interventions to help achieve improved skeletal health.

Evaluation and management of the premenopausal woman with low BMD

Interpretation of bone mineral density (BMD) results in premenopausal women is particularly challenging, since the relationship between BMD and fracture risk is not the same as for postmenopausal women. In most cases, Z scores rather than T scores should be used to define "low BMD" in premenopausal women. The finding of low BMD in a premenopausal woman should prompt thorough evaluation for secondary causes of bone loss. If a secondary cause is found, management should focus on treatment of this condition. In a few cases where the secondary cause cannot be eliminated, treatment with a bone active agent to prevent bone loss should be considered. In women with no fractures and no known secondary cause, low BMD is associated with microarchitectural defects similar to young women with fractures; however, no longitudinal data are available to allow use of BMD to predict fracture risk. BMD is likely to be stable in these women with isolated low BMD, and pharmacologic therapy is rarely necessary. Assessment of markers of bone turnover and follow-up bone density measurements can help to identify those with an ongoing process of bone loss that may indicate a higher risk for fracture, and possible need for pharmacologic intervention.

Impact of oral contraceptive on bone metabolism

Oral contraceptives are used by numerous women very often throughout a prolonged period of time and more and more and more frequently early in life, within the first reproductive years. According to the close relationship between estrogen and bone metabolism, the question of the impact of combined oral contraceptive (COC) on bone needs to be addressed. During adulthood, most studies have reported that COC, even those containing a low dose of ethinyl-estradiol had neutral or possibly beneficial effect on bone health. Use of COC within the perimenopausal years prevents the activation of bone metabolism and the decrease in bone mass. In adolescent girls, the skeletal effect of COC is of greater concern. Recent data suggest that the oral contraception may impede the development of peak bone mass, particularly when started within the teen years. Initiation of COC within the first 3 years after menarche would be a strong determinant of bone mass acquisition impairment. Whether this bone impact is also dependent on the dose of ethinyl-estradiol has not been fully elucidated. To date epidemiological studies did not report association between use of combined oral contraceptive and the risk of fracture.

Adolescent contraception: review and guidance for pediatric clinicians

The objectives of this article are to review current contraceptive methods available to adolescents and to provide information, guidance, and encouragement to pediatric clinicians to enable them to engage in informed up-to-date interactions with their sexually active adolescent patients. Pregnancy prevention is a complex and dynamic process, and young people benefit from having a reliable authoritative source for information, counseling, and support. Clinicians who provide services for adolescents have a responsibility to develop their skills and knowledge base so that they can serve as that source. This review begins with a discussion about adolescent sexuality and pregnancy in the context of the adolescent developmental stages. We discuss approaches to introduce the topic of contraception during the clinic visit and contraceptive counseling techniques to assist with the discussion around this topic. In addition, information is included regarding confidential services, support of parental involvement, and the importance of male involvement in contraception. The specific contraceptive methods are reviewed in detail with the adolescent patient in mind. For each method, we discuss the mechanism of action, efficacy, contraindications, benefits and risks from the medical perspective, advantages and disadvantages from the patient's perspective, side effects, patient adherence, patient counseling, and any medication interactions. Furthermore, we have included a section that focuses on the contraceptive management for the adolescent patient with a disability and/or chronic illness. The article concludes with an approach to frequently asked or difficult questions. This section largely summarizes subsections on specific contraceptive methods and can be used as a quick reference on particularly challenging topics. Finally, a list of useful contraceptive management resources is provided for both clinicians and patients.

The female athlete triad

Context:

The female athlete triad (the triad) is an interrelationship of menstrual dysfunction, low energy availability (with or without an eating disorder), and decreased bone mineral density; it is relatively common among young women participating in sports. Diagnosis and treatment of this potentially serious condition is complicated and often requires an interdisciplinary team.

Evidence Acquisition:

Articles from 1981 to present found on PubMed were selected for review of major components of the female athlete triad as well as strategies for diagnosis and treatment of the conditions.

Results:

The main goal in treatment of young female athletes with the triad is a natural return of menses as well as enhancement of bone mineral density. While no specific drug intervention has been shown to consistently improve bone mineral density in this patient population, maximizing energy availability and optimizing vitamin D and calcium intake are recommended.

Conclusions:

Treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach involving health care professionals as well as coaches and family members. Prevention of this condition is important to minimize complications of the female athlete triad.

Teen pregnancy prevention on a LARC: an update on long-acting reversible contraception for the primary care provider

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This update will highlight recent research and recommendations on long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) in the teen population, in order to make primary care providers more comfortable counseling on these methods in the medical home. LARC methods, which include intrauterine devices (IUDs) and subdermal hormonal implants, are used by only a small minority of sexually active teens, despite their endorsement by professional organizations as effective and well tolerated birth control options in this population.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies show a lack of knowledge about LARC methods among young women, as well as persistent misconceptions among providers regarding who is eligible for LARC use. Existing trials of small numbers of adolescents generally show enthusiasm for its use among teens who are educated about LARC, high satisfaction rates among users of subdermal implants and IUDs, as well as varying pregnancy and continuation rates.

SUMMARY

The existing research on LARC shows promise for these methods in the teen population. However, larger trials are needed to establish accurate data on satisfaction, continuation, and failure rates, as well as to explore other barriers to use. Medical home providers should stay informed of research on LARC in order to improve contraceptive counseling to young women.

Combined oral contraceptives' influence on weight, body composition, height, and bone mineral density in girls younger than 18 years: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) are increasingly used by adolescents. The aim of this review is to investigate the evidence regarding COCs' influence on weight, height and bone mineral density (BMD) in girls younger than 18 years.

METHOD

Systematic literature search using PubMed/Medline and Scopus (January 1990-February 2012) on COCs for girls under 18 years of age and the possible influence on body parameters. MeSH terms: Oral contraception; Adolescent; Weight; Body composition; Height; Bone mineral density.

RESULTS

There is no evidence that COCs induce weight gain in girls younger than 18 years. Obese girls are not at higher risk of gaining weight. COCs do not cause changes in body fat and lean mass beyond the changes caused by natural development. Moreover, growth and stature are unaffected. Few studies indicate that COCs have a negative impact on BMD, but the evidence is presently too limited for definite conclusions.

CONCLUSION

Studies in young users are few. Presently, there are no indications of a negative impact of COCs on weight, body composition or height. Lesser increases in BMD cannot be excluded. As the demand for COCs is increasing among the youngest girls, there is a need for prospective studies addressing this issue.

The effect of hormonal oral contraception on acquisition of peak bone mineral density of adolescents and young women

Maximizing bone mass in youth is touted as the best strategy to offset the natural losses of aging and the menopausal transition. Not achieving maximum peak bone mineral density (BMD) is an independent risk factor for osteoporosis and thus a public health concern. Adolescence is a critical time of bone mineralization mediated by endogenous estradiol. Research has shown that the highest velocity of bone mass accrual occurs 1 year before menarche and after the first 3 years. Low-peak attainment of BMD in young women is associated with contributing factors such as diets low in calcium, eating disorders, lack of exercise, smoking, and low estrogen states. Oral contraceptives (OCs) suppress endogenous estradiol production by suppressing the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. Thus, OCs, by replacing endogenous estradiol with ethinyl estradiol (EE), establish and maintain new hormone levels. The early initiation and the use of very low dose of EE raises the possibility that bone mass accrual at a critical time of bone mineralization in young women or adolescents may be jeopardized. This review examines the studies of BMD in adolescents and young women that use combination hormonal contraception. Some studies had inherent limitations, such as small trial, poor control of confounders, failure to exclude women with prior use of hormonal contraceptives, or prior pregnancy from control groups. The vast majority of reviewed studies showed OCs containing 20 to 30 µg of EE interfere with acquisition of peak BMD. Limited numbers of studies examine the effects of OCs containing 35 µg on adolescents and young adults. Additionally, studies are needed evaluating the progestin component of OCs as their differing androgenic properties may affect bone mineralization as well.

Effect of two kinds of different combined oral contraceptives use on bone mineral density in adolescent women

BACKGROUND

Steroid hormonal contraceptives are highly effective and widely used. Most studies have shown a negative effect of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) on the bone mineral density (BMD) of adolescents. The study was conducted to compare BMD among users of ethinylestradiol/desogestrel, users of ethinylestradiol/cyproterone acetate and nonhormonal control subjects in women aged 16-18 years.

STUDY DESIGN

The study included 450 women 16-18 years of age. One hundred fifty women were using ethinylestradiol/desogestrel, 150 women were using ethinylestradiol/cyproterone acetate, and 150 women were using nonhormonal contraception as control subjects. BMD ofthe lumbar spine and femoral neck was obtained using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and mean BMD changes in COCs users and nonusers were compared.

RESULTS

At 24 months of treatment, lumbar spine and femoral neck mean BMD values in women (n=127) who used ethinylestradiol/desogestrel were slightly lower compared with baseline, but these effects did not reach statistical significance (p=.837 and p=.630, respectively). The mean lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD values in women (n=134) who used ethinylestradiol/cyproterone acetate were slightly higher compared with baseline, but there was no statistical significance (p=.789 and p=.756, respectively). The increases in mean percent change in lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD in the ethinylestradiol/cyproterone acetate group were less than those in the control group (1.88% vs. 0.30% and 0.98% vs. 0.49%, respectively). There were no significant differences in mean BMD of the lumbar spine and femoral neck between the users of ethinylestradiol/desogestrel or ethinylestradiol/cyproterone acetate and nonusers (p>.05).

CONCLUSION

Our study indicates that 2 years of COCs therapy had no significant effect on bone density in adolescents, but it remains unknown whether therapy longer than 2 years has a significant adverse effect on the attainment of peak bone mass.

Oral contraceptive use and bone density change in adolescent and young adult women: a prospective study of age, hormone dose, and discontinuation

CONTEXT

Oral contraceptive (OC) use is common, but bone changes associated with use of contemporary OC remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to compare bone mineral density (BMD) change in adolescent and young adult OC users and discontinuers of two estrogen doses, relative to nonusers.

DESIGN AND SETTING

This was a prospective cohort study, Group Health Cooperative.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants included 606 women aged 14-30 yr (50% adolescents aged 14-18 yr): 389 OC users [62% 30-35 μg ethinyl estradiol (EE)] and 217 age-similar nonusers; there were 172 OC discontinuers. The 24-month retention was 78%.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The main outcome measure was BMD measured at 6-month intervals for 24-36 months.

RESULTS

After 24 months, adolescents using 30-35 μg EE OCs, but not those using lower-dose OCs, had significantly smaller adjusted mean percentage BMD gains than nonusers at the spine [group means (95% confidence interval for between group differences) 1.32 vs. 2.26% (-1.89, -0.13%)] and whole body [1.45 vs. 2.03% (-1.29%, -0.13%)]. Adolescents who discontinued 30-35 μg EE OC showed significantly smaller gains than nonusers at the spine after 12 months [0.51 vs. 1.72% (-2.38%, -0.30%)]. Young adult OC users did not differ from nonusers. However, OC discontinuers of both doses differed significantly from nonusers at the spine 12 months after discontinuation [-1.32% < 30 μg EE, -0.92% 30-35 μg EE vs. +0.27% nonusers (-2.48, -0.54, and -1.94%, -0.55%, respectively)]. Results were similar for mean absolute BMD change (grams per square centimeter).

CONCLUSIONS

Both OC use and discontinuation were associated with BMD losses/smaller gains relative to nonusers (differences < 2% after 12-24 months for all skeletal sites). The clinical significance of these results regarding future fracture risk is unknown. Study of longer-term trends after discontinuation is needed.

Update on hormonal contraception and bone density

Combination hormonal contraception and progestin-only contraception (including depot medroxyprogesterone acetate [DMPA]) are effective and convenient forms of reversible contraception that millions of women use worldwide. In recent years, observations of reduced bone mineral density in current users of these methods have led to concerns that this hormone-induced bone loss might translate into long-term increased fracture risk. Special focus has been placed on adolescent users who have not yet attained their peak bone mass as well as perimenopausal users. In 2004, the FDA added a black box warning to DMPA package labeling warning of the risk of significant bone loss and cautioning against long-term use (> 2 years). This article reviews evidence on the use of hormonal contraception and its effect on bone density in adolescent, premenopausal, and perimenopausal populations. Recommendations from reproductive healthcare organizations are reviewed and clinical recommendations are provided.

Infant milk feeding influences adult bone health: a prospective study from birth to 32 years

Background

Peak bone mass, attained by early adulthood, is influenced by genetic and life-style factors. Early infant feeding and duration of breastfeeding in particular, associate with several health-related parameters in childhood. The aim of this study was to examine whether the effects of early infant feeding extend to peak bone mass and other bone health characteristics at adult age.

Methods and Findings

A cohort of 158 adults (76 males) born in Helsinki, Finland, 1975, prospectively followed up from birth, underwent physical examination and bone densitometry to study bone area, bone mineral content (BMC), and bone mineral density (BMD) at 32 years of age. Life-style factors relevant for bone health were recorded. For data analysis the cohort was divided into three equal-size groups according to the total duration of breastfeeding (BF): Short (≤3 months), Intermediate and Prolonged (≥7 months) BF groups. In males short BF is associated with higher bone area, BMC, and BMD compared to longer BF. Males in the Short BF group had on average 4.7% higher whole body BMD than males in the Prolonged BF group. In multivariate analysis, after controlling for multiple confounding factors, the influence of BF duration on adult bone characteristics persisted in males. Differences between the three feeding groups were observed in lumbar spine bone area and BMC, and whole body BMD (MANCOVA; p = 0.025, p = 0.013, and p = 0.048, respectively), favoring the Short BF group. In women no differences were observed.

Conclusions

In men, early infant milk feeding may have a significant impact on adult bone health. A potential explanation is that the calcium and phosphate contents were strikingly higher in formula milk and commercial cow milk/cow milk dilutions as opposed to human milk. Our novel finding merits further studies to determine means to ensure optimal bone mass development in infants with prolonged breastfeeding.

Oral contraceptive use and bone

Sex hormones play a key role in bone homeostasis, and oral contraceptive (OC) use may affect bone mass in women. However, the nature of the association between OC use and bone remains controversial. This paper critically reviews studies on OC use and bone published between January 2009 and August 2010. Studies of OC use and bone mass mainly focus on adolescents or young adults and showed mixed results. Weak evidence suggests that OC use has no effect or a beneficial effect on bone mass, except in women commencing OCs shortly after menarche, and a consistently negative effect on bone turnover markers. A limited number of studies have examined the effect of ultra-low-dose OC (20 μg ethinyl estradiol) on bone mass in adolescents or young adults, and present conflicting results. The lack of randomized trials indicates that further high-quality prospective studies are required to investigate the effect of OC use on bone mass, particularly the optimal dose and timing of initiation of OC use in adolescents requiring contraception.