Women who take the Pill and exercise need more calcium
Because studies have shown that oral contraceptives could increase bone mass, some doctors have told women at risk of osteoporosis to take the Pill. Now, a Purdue University study has found that young women on the Pill who exercise are more, not less, prone to bone loss in their hips and spines.
Although researchers don’t know why this is, they are concerned because a loss of bone density can make women susceptible to fractures and lead to osteoporosis, the brittle bone disease that affects 10 million Americans. Still, “Women shouldn’t stop exercising or taking the Pill.” Says Felicia Cosman, M.D., clinical director of the National Osteoporosis foundation.
Instead, they should increase their calcium intake to up to 1,200 milligrams a day. Three of the women in the study did just that—and those were the only three whose bones didn’t suffer. – Dorie Edelstein
Because studies have shown that oral contraceptives could increase bone mass, some doctors have told women at risk of osteoporosis to take the Pill. Now, a Purdue University study has found that young women on the Pill who exercise are more, not less, prone to bone loss in their hips and spines.
Although researchers don’t know why this is, they are concerned because a loss of bone density can make women susceptible to fractures and lead to osteoporosis, the brittle bone disease that affects 10 million Americans. Still, “Women shouldn’t stop exercising or taking the Pill.” Says Felicia Cosman, M.D., clinical director of the National Osteoporosis foundation.
Instead, they should increase their calcium intake to up to 1,200 milligrams a day. Three of the women in the study did just that—and those were the only three whose bones didn’t suffer. – Dorie Edelstein
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