Determination of risk factors for osteopenic changes in women pregnant using assisted reproductive technologies

  • Received 10.09.2024

  • Revised 15.11.2024

  • Accepted 25.02.2025



  • 762 Views

  • Retrieved from Vol. 7, No. 1, 2025

  • Pages 60-68

The study aimed to investigate the factors that influence the risk of osteopenic changes in women who became pregnant with the help of assisted reproductive technologies. The study involved 150 women aged 25-40 who became pregnant after in vitro fertilisation, intrauterine insemination and oocyte donation. Bone mineral density was assessed by ultrasound densitometry in the distal forearm at the early (8-12 weeks) and late (32-36 weeks) stages of pregnancy. The T-score values showed a significant decrease in the third trimester in all groups, the largest – in patients who became pregnant due to oocyte donation (-1.3 ± 0.3 in the distal forearm). An analysis of socio-demographic characteristics revealed that age over 35, low physical activity, vitamin D and calcium deficiency, and bad habits such as smoking and excessive caffeine consumption significantly increased the risk of developing osteopenic changes. Women with regular consumption of dairy products, calcium supplements and a normal level of physical activity had significantly better bone mineral density. Biochemical markers confirmed higher levels of calcium, magnesium and vitamin D in the oocyte donation group, while the intrauterine insemination group demonstrated a deficiency of these elements and increased markers of bone resorption. The hormonal profile also had a significant impact on bone health: high oestrogen levels in the oocyte donation group were associated with less severe osteopenic changes, while elevated parathyroid hormone levels in the intrauterine insemination group contributed to increased bone loss. Patients with the highest levels of prolactin had better bone mineral density preservation due to the positive effect of this hormone on calcium metabolism. The findings emphasise the need for comprehensive monitoring of bone health in women who have become pregnant using assisted reproductive technologies

bone density; biochemical markers; hormonal profile; intrauterine insemination; oocyte donation

https://doi.org/10.63341/bmbr/1.2025.60

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