Lactation history and bone mineral density among perimenopausal women
Feldblum, P.J.; Zhang, J.; Rich, L.E.; Fortney, J.A.; Talmage, R.V.
Epidemiology 3(6): 527-531
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 1044-3983 PMID: 1420520 DOI: 10.1097/00001648-199211000-00012Document Number: 334689
The relation between lactation and bone mineral density was examined by studying white nonsmoking, perimenopausal women, 40-54 years old. 352 women completed a questionnaire covering medical and reproductive histories, physical activity, and diet. Bone density of lumbar vertebrae 2-4 with dual photon absorptiometry, and the midradius and distal radius with single photon absorptiometry was measured. Women with a history of lactation had 41 mg/cmsuperscript 2 higher lumbar bone mineral density than women with no lactation (95% confidence interval = 8-74 mg/cmsuperscript 2), controlling for parity, body mass, physical activity, and menopausal status. No important increase at mid- or distal radius was found.