Researchers did this study to evaluate the effects of the etonogestrel contraceptive implant on bone metabolism in lactating women using markers for bone formation and resorption.
This was a single-center, prospective cohort study. The study group that included twenty-five participants used an implant and the control group that included twenty-five participants used a non-hormonal contraceptive intrauterine device inserted forty days postpartum. Bone metabolism differences at the time of insertion and after half a year were assessed quantitatively by biochemical analysis of serum and urine samples.
At baseline, serum levels of bone metabolism parameters were similar for the two groups. In the implant group, serum ALP levels decreased and total protein levels increased after half-year. In the control group, serum levels of bone metabolism parameters did not change at 6 months compared to baseline. However, serum levels of phosphorus and ALP decreased at 6 months compared to baseline. There was no impact on bone turnover.
The study concluded that the six months’ postpartum use of Implanon was found to have no deleterious impact on bone turnover in healthy lactating women.
Reference: https://srh.bmj.com/content/43/2/113
