Background: Both insulin like growth factor-1(IGF-1) and oral contraceptive (OC)
use have been linked to premenopausal breast and colorectal cancers, osteoporosis
and cardiovascular disease. Understanding the effects of different patterns of use of
OC on IGF-1 levels and bone mineral density (BMD) may offer insight into its
influence on osteoporosis. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 135
women who were included into 3 groups (Group A= OC users, 43 women; Group B
who never use OC, 51 women; and Group C who were past users, 41 women). Each
patient completed a questionnaire on demographic parameters, marital state history,
and contraception history including duration of use and type of contraceptive pills or
used method. Lower end radius, proximal femur and lumbar spine BMD were
measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. IGF-1 was assessed with
chemiluminescent immunometric assay. Results: The 3 groups were matched for age
and BMI, and nearly similar in total body T- value of BMD (with slight better results
in past-users than the other 2 groups but it was statistically insignificant difference),
but the other BMD values shows significant difference between the studied groups
regarding the measurement at lumbar spine and femur which were statistically
significantly better results in Group C (past users). Among past-users women the
mean level of circulating IGF-1 was higher than the other 2 groups, and that
difference was statistically significant. Conclusion: Lower IGF-1 level among
current users may also potentially lead to decreased BMD, while the higher levels we
observed in older past users may decrease the osteoporosis risk, reflecting observed
relationship between IGF-1, BMD, and oral contraceptives.