Bone Metabolism, Bone Mass, and Bone Structure During Pregnancy and Lactation: Normal Physiology and Pregnancy and Lactation-Associated Osteoporosis

Abstract

This article reviews bone metabolism, bone mass, and bone structure changes expected during and after pregnancy and lactation, as well as the condition of pregnancy and lactation-associated osteoporosis (PLO)-a presentation with fragility fracture(s) in the context of these physiologic changes. Clinical implications of physiologic bone changes will be addressed, as will specific management considerations that apply to premenopausal women with PLO.

Keywords: Bone mineral density; Osteoporosis treatment; Pregnancy and lactation-associated osteoporosis; Premenopausal osteoporosis; Vertebral fracture.