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Dr. Jim Shelton's Pearls "Pearl" for the week of July 29, 2005

Bone density and other progestin-only methods

Thanks for the information about bone density and injectable progestin-only contraceptives such as DMPA. But what about other progestin-only contraceptives such as progestin-only pills and implants like Norplant?

They do not appear to have an effect on bone density, though the data are somewhat limited. Presumably this is because these methods do not completely suppress the ovary and allow for considerable natural ovarian estrogen production.

Thus, the recent WHO expert meeting recommended: "There should be no restriction on the use of other progestogen-only contraceptive methods among women who are otherwise eligible to use these methods, including no restrictions on duration of use."

Reference: WHO statement on hormonal contraception and bone health. July 2005.

The "Pearls" offer answers to commonly asked questions about family planning. These "Pearls" are prepared by Dr. James D. Shelton, Senior Medical Scientist, Office of Population, United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

Disclaimer: The information provided on this web site is not official U.S. Government information and does not represent the views or positions of the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. Government or The Johns Hopkins University.