INTRODUCTION: This study compares bone mineral density (BMD) scores in peri-menopausal women with and without a history of teenage pregnancy (TP) or pregnancies (TPs), for the femoral neck and lumbar spine.
METHODS: Obstetric history, history of menstruation, education, exercise, sex, marital status, residency, income level, and tobacco/alcohol use were assessed. After a DEXA scan, both groups were compared for variables.
RESULTS: A total of 485 patients were included in the study. Most of the analyzed demographic characteristics showed no significant difference between the research groups. The childless group had a higher incidence of femoral bone osteopenia than the group without a history of teenage pregnancy (non-TP) (p<0.05). However, there was no difference in the lumbar spine results between the TP(s), non-TP, and no pregnancy groups (p>0.05). The BMD, T, and Z scores of women's femoral neck/lumbar spine did not alter according to whether they had had one or more TPs.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Despite numerous studies, modifiable variables that impact peri-menopausal women's bone health, such as TPs, have not yet been sufficiently identified. Further studies are still needed to find the causes of bone loss in peri-menopause and develop preventive measures/treatments.