FAQs

I am 28 yrs old and have used the contraceptive injection (Depo Provera ®/Depo Ralovera ®) for four years. Recently, my doctor suggested I have a bone density test why is this?

Answer

There is evidence that women using the contraceptive injection may be at risk of developing reduced bone density or osteoporosis.

Some studies show that once a woman stops using the contraceptive injection, her bone density will improve but it is not known whether it fully recovers.

Women who are at either end of their child bearing years may be at greater risk of developing long-term effects on bone density from using the contraceptive injection at that time in their lives.

All women using the contraceptive injection should talk with their doctors once a year to assess their personal risk of osteoporosis.

Risks include smoking, family history of osteoporosis, a diet that is poor or lacking in calcium, small build, lack of exercise, corticosteroid use, eating disorders, long term absence of periods and thyroid disease.

A bone density measurement will give you more information about any possible bone loss.

For more information see: http://www.fpnsw.org.au/sex-matters/faq/Depo4_20080430.html and http://www.fpnsw.org.au/sex-matters/faq/Depo5_20080430.html.