Depot Provera Injection Induced Bone Density Loss Recovers After Discontinuation.

Depot Provera is a commonly used contraceptive method by women in the childbearing age. In 2004, the FDA raised concerns about the loss on bone in women who use the medication for a prolonged period. Many South African women use this type of contraception. A recent study was done on South African women who used Depot Provera and Norethindrone (given by injection and is similar to Depot Provera). Bone loss measurement by ultrasound showed loss of bone that was worse in women who used the medications for ten years or more. The good news is that when the women discontinued the injections, the loss of bone recovered within 2 years.

This is good news for women who are using this medication to prevent pregnancy. There is hope that when they discontinue the injections their bone loss recover. This should give assurance to caregivers and women to continue using this effective and convenient hormonal contraceptive method.

Reference: Bone status after cessation of use of injectable progestin contraceptives. Rosenberg et al.