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

The dose-dependent effect of estrogen on bone mineral density in trans girls

OBJECTIVE

Treatment in transgender girls can consist of puberty suppression (PS) with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) followed by gender-affirming hormonal treatment (GAHT) with estrogen. Bone mineral density (BMD) Z-scores decrease during PS and remain relatively low during GAHT, possibly due to insufficient estradiol dosage. Some adolescents receive high-dose estradiol or ethinyl estradiol (EE) to limit growth allowing comparison of BMD outcomes with different dosages.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

METHODS

Adolescents treated with GnRHa for ≥1 year prior to GAHT followed by treatment with a regular estradiol dose (gradually increased to 2 mg), 6 mg estradiol or 100-200 µg EE were included to evaluate height-adjusted BMD Z-scores (HAZ scores) on DXA.

RESULTS

Eighty-seven adolescents were included. During 2.3 ± 0.7 years PS, lumbar spine HAZ scores decreased by 0.69 [95% confidence interval (CI) -0.82 to -0.56)]. During 2 years HT, lumbar spine HAZ scores hardly increased in the regular group (0.14, 95% CI -0.01 to 0.28, n = 59) vs 0.42 (95% CI 0.13 to 0.72) in the 6 mg group (n = 13), and 0.68 (95% CI 0.20 to 1.15) in the EE group (n = 15). Compared with the regular group, the increase with EE treatment was higher (0.54, 95% CI 0.05 to 1.04). After 2 years HT, HAZ scores approached baseline levels at start of PS in individuals treated with 6 mg or EE (difference in 6 mg group -0.20, 95% CI -0.50 to 0.09; in EE 0.17, 95% CI -0.16 to 0.50) but not in the regular group (-0.64, 95% CI -0.79 to -0.49).

CONCLUSION

Higher estrogen dosage is associated with a greater increase in lumbar spine BMD Z-scores. Increasing dosage up to 2 mg estradiol is insufficient to optimize BMD and approximately 4 mg may be required for adequate serum concentrations.

Management of acne in transgender and gender diverse youth Part 2: Unique considerations and strategies in medical treatment

Acne vulgaris is among the most common skin disorders afflicting adolescents worldwide, and though well-established guidelines of care exist for acne management, these guidelines do not uniformly consider or address the unique psychosocial and medical needs of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth. Part 2 of this two-part review provides guidance on a stepwise approach to the medical treatment of acne in TGD youth, with an emphasis on safety, efficacy, and the delivery of medical care in a culturally humble, thoughtful, and gender-affirming manner.

Effect of two combinations of low-dose oral contraceptives on adolescent bone mass: A clinical trial with 2 years follow-up

INTRODUCTION

Most contraceptive combinations can interfere with the processes of bone formation and resorption.

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 2 combinations of low-dose oral hormonal contraceptives (20 µg ethinyl estradiol [EE]/150 mg desogestrel [COC1] or 30 µg EE/3 mg drospirenone [COC2]) on bone mass acquisition in adolescents over 2 years by means of bone densitometry and measurement of biomarkers of bone remodeling.

METHODS

Parallel-group, non-randomized controlled clinical trial of 127 adolescents divided into a control group and 2 groups receiving either COC1 or COC2. The participants were submitted to anthropometric assessment and evaluation of secondary sexual characteristics (Tanner criteria) and bone age. Bone densitometry by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and measurement of bone biomarkers (bone alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and C-terminal telopeptide) were performed at baseline and after 24 months.

RESULTS

No significant differences in the variables analyzed were observed between COC1 or COC2 users and the control group at baseline. After 24 months, non-users had incorporated more bone mass (content and density) than either group of contraceptive users. This negative impact was more pronounced in the COC2 group than in the COC1 group. A significant reduction in the percentage values of bone alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin was observed in users of oral contraceptives.

CONCLUSION

Bone mass acquisition was compromised in adolescent users of combined hormonal contraceptives. The negative impact was more pronounced in adolescents using contraceptives that contain 30 µg EE/3 mg drospirenone.

Growth and puberty in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in children, with an annual incidence of 2-20 cases per 100,000 and a prevalence of 16-150 per 100,000. It is associated with several complications that can cause short-term or long-term disability and reduce the quality of life. Among these, growth and pubertal disorders play an important role. Chronic inflammatory conditions are often associated with growth failure ranging from slight decrease in height velocity to severe forms of short stature. The prevalence of short stature in JIA varies from 10.4% in children with polyarticular disease to 41% of patients with the systemic form, while oligoarthritis is mostly associated with localized excessive bone growth of the affected limb, leading to limb dissymmetry. The pathogenesis of growth disorders is multifactorial and includes the role of chronic inflammation, long-term use of corticosteroids, undernutrition, altered body composition, delay of pubertal onset or slow pubertal progression. These factors can exert a systemic effect on the GH/IGF-1 axis and on the GnRH-gonadotropin-gonadic axis, or a local influence on the growth plate homeostasis and function. Although new therapeutic options are available to control inflammation, there are still 10-20% of patients with severe forms of the disease who show continuous growth impairment, ending in a short final stature. Moreover, delayed puberty is associated with a reduction in the peak bone mass with the possibility of concomitant or future bone fragility. Monitoring of puberty and bone health is essential for a complete health assessment of adolescents with JIA. In these patients, an assessment of the pubertal stage every 6 months from the age of 9 years is recommended. Also, linear growth should be always evaluated considering the patient's bone age. The impact of rhGH therapy in children with JIA is still unclear, but it has been shown that if rhGH is added at high dose in a low-inflammatory condition, post steroids and on biologic therapy, it is able to favor a prepubertal growth acceleration, comparable with the catch-up growth response in GH-deficient patients. Here we provide a comprehensive review of the pathogenesis of puberty and growth disorders in children with JIA, which can help the pediatrician to properly and timely assess the presence of growth and pubertal disorders in JIA patients.

Bones and Birth Control in Adolescent Girls

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.

Kontrazeptionsbeginn in der Pubertät – wann, wie, womit?

Während der Pubertät stellen sich Mädchen in der Praxis oft mit Fragen bezüglich und dem Wunsch nach einer Verhütung vor. Diese Beratung ist eine besondere Herausforderung, da gerade in der Adoleszenz die zuverlässige Kontrazeption zur Vermeidung ungewollter Schwangerschaften sehr wichtig ist und die Jugendlichen durch Nebenwirkungen der Kontrazeptiva nicht verunsichert werden sollten. Dennoch ist es aus medizinischer Sicht obligat, Kontraindikationen wie beispielsweise ein erhöhtes Thromboserisiko oder Wechselwirkungen mit einer bestehenden Medikation abzuklären, um dann gemeinsam mit der Jugendlichen ein geeignetes Kontrazeptivum auszuwählen. Neben der am häufigsten verwendeten Verhütungsmethode in der Adoleszenz – kombinierte Hormonpräparate, auch ggf. im Langzyklus – sollten die Mädchen umfassend über Barrieremethoden, insbesondere über den zusätzlichen Gebrauch von Kondomen zum Schutz vor Geschlechtskrankheiten, über Notfallkontrazeption und über lang wirksame kontrazeptive Maßnahmen informiert werden.

One-year adolescent bone mineral density and bone formation marker changes through the use or lack of use of combined hormonal contraceptives

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of two low-dose combined oral contraceptives on bone metabolism in adolescents for one year.

METHODS

This was a quasi-experimental study. The adolescents were divided into three groups: oral contraceptives 1 (n=42) (20μg EE/150μg desogestrel), oral contraceptives 2 (n=66) (30μg EE/3mg drospirenone), and a control group (n=70). Adolescents underwent anthropometric assessment and densitometry (dual-energy X-ray). Bone age and bone formation markers (osteocalcin and bone alkaline phosphatase) were evaluated. The oral contraceptives users were evaluated again after 12 months. Linear regression analysis was used to indirectly study the effect of each additional year of chronological age on anthropometric and densitometric variables as well as on bone markers in the control group.

RESULTS

At study entry, no significant differences were observed between the oral contraceptives 1, oral contraceptives 2, and controls in the analyzed variables. Linear regression analysis showed an increase in bone mineral density and bone mineral content for each additional year. There was a significant reduction in bone alkaline phosphatase levels; no significant difference was observed for osteocalcin in control individuals. Comparison of dual-energy X-ray variables at baseline and after one year showed no significant differences in the oral contraceptives 1 or oral contraceptives 2 groups. A significant reduction in bone alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin levels was observed in both the oral contraceptives 1 and oral contraceptives 2 groups.

CONCLUSION

Adolescent women gain peak bone mass during this phase of life. Two low-dose combined oral hormonal contraceptives were associated with lower bone gain and lower bone formation markers than in untreated controls.

Use of Hormone Replacement in Females with Endocrine Disorders

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is necessary in adolescents with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) in order to avoid estrogen deficiency. The goal of this minirewiew is to present the different types of estrogens (17β-estradiol, estradiol valerate, ethinyl estradiol, and combined equine estrogens) as well as the different types of progestins available. In order to choose among the different types of HRTs, the features of each regimen are being discussed as well as their risks and their respective benefits. The differences between oral combined contraceptive pills and a dissociated regimen containing estrogen and progestins are emphasized. The different effects of HRTs, mainly on feminization, growth spurt, bone mass as well as cardiovascular risk, and the follow-up of these young patients are presented. HRT in adolescents and young adults with estrogen deficiency is necessary and should be continued until the age of natural menopause. Studies have so far essentially included children or adolescents with Turner syndrome. Therefore, studies on HRT including patients with POI and a normal karyotype are necessary.

Estrogen receptor α drives pro-resilient transcription in mouse models of depression

Most people exposed to stress do not develop depression. Animal models have shown that stress resilience is an active state that requires broad transcriptional adaptations, but how this homeostatic process is regulated remains poorly understood. In this study, we analyze upstream regulators of genes differentially expressed after chronic social defeat stress. We identify estrogen receptor α (ERα) as the top regulator of pro-resilient transcriptional changes in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a key brain reward region implicated in depression. In accordance with these findings, nuclear ERα protein levels are altered by stress in male and female mice. Further, overexpression of ERα in the NAc promotes stress resilience in both sexes. Subsequent RNA-sequencing reveals that ERα overexpression in NAc reproduces the transcriptional signature of resilience in male, but not female, mice. These results indicate that NAc ERα is an important regulator of pro-resilient transcriptional changes, but with sex-specific downstream targets.

The Efficacy of Postoperative Cyclic Oral Contraceptives after Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist Therapy to Prevent Endometrioma Recurrence in Adolescents

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Young age is a possible risk factor of endometriosis recurrence after surgery. However, the efficacy of postoperative medical treatment has not been well addressed in adolescents. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether postoperative medical treatment is as effective in adolescents as it is in adults in the prevention of endometrioma recurrence.

DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.

PARTICIPANTS

This study included 176 reproductive-aged women who underwent conservative laparoscopic surgery for pathology-confirmed endometrioma. Women were classified into 2 groups according to age: adolescents (20 years of age and younger, n = 34; group I) and reproductive-aged women (aged 25-35 years, n = 142; group II).

INTERVENTIONS

The same surgeon performed all of the surgeries for uniformity. Postoperatively, patients were treated monthly with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist depot for 3-6 months, followed by cyclic oral contraceptives.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Endometrioma recurrence was determined using ultrasonography. The recurrence rate of endometrioma was compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

During the treatment period (median, 41.0 months; range, 6-159 months), recurrence was noted in 8 cases (4.5%). After adjusting for confounders (which were statistically different between the groups), the cumulative proportion of recurrent endometriomas after 60 months was comparable between the 2 groups (5.3% in group I and 8.5% in group II).

CONCLUSION

Long-term postoperative medical treatment with cyclic oral contraceptives after a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist can be as effective in adolescents as it is in adults in the prevention of endometrioma recurrence.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation's position statement on peak bone mass development and lifestyle factors: a systematic review and implementation recommendations

Lifestyle choices influence 20-40 % of adult peak bone mass. Therefore, optimization of lifestyle factors known to influence peak bone mass and strength is an important strategy aimed at reducing risk of osteoporosis or low bone mass later in life. The National Osteoporosis Foundation has issued this scientific statement to provide evidence-based guidance and a national implementation strategy for the purpose of helping individuals achieve maximal peak bone mass early in life. In this scientific statement, we (1) report the results of an evidence-based review of the literature since 2000 on factors that influence achieving the full genetic potential for skeletal mass; (2) recommend lifestyle choices that promote maximal bone health throughout the lifespan; (3) outline a research agenda to address current gaps; and (4) identify implementation strategies. We conducted a systematic review of the role of individual nutrients, food patterns, special issues, contraceptives, and physical activity on bone mass and strength development in youth. An evidence grading system was applied to describe the strength of available evidence on these individual modifiable lifestyle factors that may (or may not) influence the development of peak bone mass (Table 1). A summary of the grades for each of these factors is given below. We describe the underpinning biology of these relationships as well as other factors for which a systematic review approach was not possible. Articles published since 2000, all of which followed the report by Heaney et al. [1] published in that year, were considered for this scientific statement. This current review is a systematic update of the previous review conducted by the National Osteoporosis Foundation [1]. [Table: see text] Considering the evidence-based literature review, we recommend lifestyle choices that promote maximal bone health from childhood through young to late adolescence and outline a research agenda to address current gaps in knowledge. The best evidence (grade A) is available for positive effects of calcium intake and physical activity, especially during the late childhood and peripubertal years-a critical period for bone accretion. Good evidence is also available for a role of vitamin D and dairy consumption and a detriment of DMPA injections. However, more rigorous trial data on many other lifestyle choices are needed and this need is outlined in our research agenda. Implementation strategies for lifestyle modifications to promote development of peak bone mass and strength within one's genetic potential require a multisectored (i.e., family, schools, healthcare systems) approach.

Eating disorders, menstrual dysfunction, weight change and DMPA use predict bone density change in college-aged women

INTRODUCTION

There are limited longitudinal studies that have evaluated bone mineral density (BMD) changes in college-aged women. Our objective was to simultaneously evaluate factors influencing 4-year BMD change.

METHODS

This was a longitudinal cohort study of healthy, physically active women in the US Military Academy (n=91; average age=18.4years). Assessments over four years included: height, weight, calcium intake, physical fitness, menstrual function (annual number cycles), oral contraceptives (OCs) or depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) use, and eating disorder behavior (Eating Disorder Inventory; (EDI)). BMD was measured annually at the lumbar spine and total hip by dual X-ray absorptiometry and calcaneal BMD by PIXI. Slope of 4year BMD change at each skeletal site (spine total hip and calcaneus) was calculated for each woman.

RESULTS

BMD gains occurred at the spine in 50% and the hip in 36% of women. In unadjusted analyses, spine bone gain was positively related to menstrual cycle frequency (p=0.04). Spine and hip BMD loss occurred in those using DMPA (p<0.01) and those with the highest EDI quartile scores (p<0.05). BMD change was unrelated to OC use. Hip and calcaneus BMD decreased with weight loss (average 4.8+2.2lb/year) as compared to those with stable weight/weight gain (p<0.05). In multivariable analysis, spine BMD increase was significantly related to African American (AA) race, normal EDI score and normal menses. Hip BMD increase was related to AA race, weight increase and normal menses. DMPA use was associated with spine, hip, and calcaneus bone loss.

CONCLUSION

On average, BMD may modestly increase in college-aged women, in the absence of risk factors. However, risk factors including subclinical eating disorders, weight loss, menstrual dysfunction and DMPA use can have significant detrimental effects on BMD in young healthy physically active women.

Bridging progestogens in pregnancy and pregnancy prevention

Steroid hormones have been in use for more than a half a century as contraceptive agents, and only now are researchers elucidating the biochemical mechanisms of action and non-target effects. Progesterone and synthetic progestins, critical for women's health in the US and internationally, appear to have important effects on immune functioning and other diverse systems. Apart from the contraceptive world is a separate field that is devoted to understanding progesterone in other contexts. Based on research following a development timeline parallel to hormonal contraception, progesterone and 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate are now administered to prevent preterm birth in high-risk pregnant women. Preterm birth researchers are similarly working to determine the precise biochemical actions and immunological effects of progesterone. Progesterone research in both areas could benefit from increased collaboration and bringing these two bodies of literature together. Progesterone, through actions on various hormone receptors, has lifelong importance in different organ systems and researchers have much to learn about this molecule from the combination of existing literatures, and from future studies that build on this combined knowledge base.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.