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Ask Dr. Hennessy What does the Depo shot do to your bones? Great question but medicine does not have all the answers on this one yet. The Depo shot, also known as Depo-Provera, is a great method of pregnancy prevention. It is very effective and only needs to be given every 12 weeks. But there are some questions about the use of Depo and the growing teenage girl. The concern about Depo is that it is progesterone only. Let me step back and give you a little physiology lesson. There are two female hormones. They are estrogen and progesterone. They are released in very sophisticated ways to prepare a woman's body for pregnancy. Estrogen also plays a role in bone health. That is, estrogen helps promote strong bones. When you take a progesterone only medication such as the Depo shot, then your body makes less estrogen. This prevents pregnancy. It may also decrease healthy bone growth. There is not a great deal of long-term research on this subject. We don't know if the effect on teenage bones is permanent. What we do know is that the effects of pregnancy on the teenage body can be big. Not only is the teenager trying to grow herself but so is the baby. Surely, that will stress the bones. What also affects bone growth? Smoking, malnutrition, anorexia, not exercising, chronic steroid use, and being underweight can also weaken bones. Some people with conditions such as Cystic Fibrosis, Celiac Disease, and Crohn's Disease can also have trouble with their bones. The effects that alcohol and caffeine (found in Pepsi, Coke, and Mountain Dew!) have on bone growth are unclear. Regardless, I don't recommend that teens drink alcohol and keep caffeine in moderation. Being Caucasian can also increase your risk of weak bones as you get older. Bottom line is this; teenagers need calcium in their diets. Male and female teens need 1200 mg of calcium each day. Three servings of milk will give you plenty of calcium. You don't have to drink milk if you don't like it but you do need the calcium. Alternative sources of calcium include yogurt and cheese. Other great sources of calcium include sardines, oysters, spinach, greens, and salmon. Otherwise try orange juice that is fortified with calcium. Lastly, Depo is almost 100% effective in preventing pregnancy if doses are received every 12 weeks, but does nothing to prevent you getting a sexually transmitted disease. Dual protection by using a latex condom consistently and correctly every time you are sexually active is a good way to protect your health and not get pregnant. You hopefully won't drive without using a seat belt every time. Don't have sex without using protection either. So keep your bones strong and your body safe! For other Ask Dr. Hennessy articles, click here Email: Margaret.Hennessy@wfhc.org |