OBJECTIVE: To examine whether multiparity is a risk factor for osteoporosis. Design. A retrospective evaluation. POPULATION: 16 grand-grand multiparous women and women who gave birth a maximum of three times (n= 15), aged 55-60 years. METHODS: X-ray absorptiometry was used to examine lumbar spine (L(1) -L(4) ) and femoral bone mineral densities. The relation between parity and osteoporosis was investigated by separating the bone mineral density into three categories according to the score from the absorptiometry. RESULTS: The women had a similar body mass index and post-menopausal status, lumbar spine (L(1) -L(4) ) and femoral bone mineral densities. There was no relation between multiparity and osteoporosis development in the lumbar spine (r=-0.02; p=0.992) or total femoral (r=0.20; p=0.916) regions. CONCLUSIONS: Many pregnancies and childbirths along with long total lactation times do not appear to play a role in increasing the risk of osteoporosis at a more advanced age.
OBJECTIVE: To examine whether multiparity is a risk factor for osteoporosis. Design. A retrospective evaluation. POPULATION: 16 grand-grand multiparous women and women who gave birth a maximum of three times (n= 15), aged 55-60 years. METHODS: X-ray absorptiometry was used to examine lumbar spine (L(1) -L(4) ) and femoral bone mineral densities. The relation between parity and osteoporosis was investigated by separating the bone mineral density into three categories according to the score from the absorptiometry. RESULTS: The women had a similar body mass index and post-menopausal status, lumbar spine (L(1) -L(4) ) and femoral bone mineral densities. There was no relation between multiparity and osteoporosis development in the lumbar spine (r=-0.02; p=0.992) or total femoral (r=0.20; p=0.916) regions. CONCLUSIONS: Many pregnancies and childbirths along with long total lactation times do not appear to play a role in increasing the risk of osteoporosis at a more advanced age.