Research has shown that women who take the contraceptive pill are more likely to have weak bones later in life. The oral contraceptive pill is most commonly taken by women under the age of 30; this is a critical bone-building phase of life. The pill works as a contraceptive by suppressing the body’s own hormones. Natural hormones are necessary for strong and healthy bones; women who take the pill can miss out on this benefit.

This research finding was published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. Delia Scholes, PhD was the senior investigator and study leader. She said "The teen years are when women most actively gain bone, so we thought it was important to look at that age group." The study involved 606 women who were teenagers or young adults. They were all classed as either users or non-user of oral contraceptives. The girls had hip, spine, and whole body bone density tests every six months for between 2 and 3 years. Approximately half of the girls on the pill stopped taking it during the study period. This allowed the researchers to measure changes in bone mineral density after discontinuation of the pill.

To quote professor Scholes regarding 14 to18 year-old girls: "We found that oral contraceptive use had a small negative impact on bone gain at these ages, but took time to appear, and depended on hormone dose." The effect on older women was smaller. Therefore it seems hormonal contraception used during the teenage years is most detrimental for bone health.

The pill is commonly prescribed to young girls for non-contraception reasons. It is often given in an attempt to correct a hormone imbalance. Acne, painful menstrual cramps or irregular cycles are typical symptoms the pill is given to remedy. Of course the synthetic hormones in the pill do not correct any of these conditions; they just temporarily mask them. There are safer, more natural remedies available. Progesterone deficiency, excessive inflammation and nutrient deficiencies are common culprits and must be addressed. Many teenage girls spend more than a decade taking hormonal contraceptives. This could be having detrimental effects on their bones. Osteoporosis and osteopenia are such incredibly common conditions in middle aged and older women. Any steps taken to prevent them are worthwhile.

Strategies to build bone density

Make sure you consume adequate minerals.

Calcium is not the only mineral needed for a strong skeleton. Magnesium, manganese, zinc, boron, and copper are essential also. Dairy products such as milk, yogurt and cheese are a source of calcium. Not everyone is able to digest dairy products well, or they can aggravate some immune system conditions. A2 milk, raw milk, goat, or sheep dairy products are an option for some people. Non-dairy foods high in calcium and other minerals include tinned fish (including the bones), broccoli, Bok choy and seaweed. Bone Build capsules contain the minerals required for strong bones.

Most people aren’t getting enough vitamin K2.

This vitamin puts calcium into the bones and reduces deposition of calcium in the arteries where you don’t want calcium to build up. The fermented soy food “natto” has the highest vitamin K2 levels of any food; it is an acquired taste and also not available to purchase for many people. Beef and lamb liver are high in vitamin K2. Oily fish, moldy cheese and egg yolks also contain vitamin K2. Leafy green vegetables contain vitamin K1, and good gut bugs can convert it into K2, but people with poor gut health lack these beneficial microbes and need to take a K2 supplement.

Vitamin D enables calcium absorption.

A few foods contain vitamin D; these include oily fish, eggs yolks, cod liver, full fat dairy products and the fat on meat. You can make vitamin D in your skin from the sun’s UVB rays, but many people are not able to spend enough time in the sun to achieve this. Taking a vitamin D3 supplement can be an effective solution.

Support your own body’s collagen production.

Vitamin C, zinc, biotin, silica and sulphur are required for collagen production. Your bones are made of 70 percent hard collagen, which is a type of protein. Collagen Food Powder contains all these things and can be added to drinks.

Consume adequate protein-rich foods.

Meat, seafood, poultry, eggs and whey protein all help provide your body with the building blocks for all types of protein synthesis, including collagen. Your bones need plenty of good quality protein to be strong.

Magnesium is an essential mineral for strong bones and tendons.

80% of the magnesium in your body is found in your bones and for good reason – magnesium is a mineral that gives your bones more density and weight.

Reference