RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

The Impact of Hormonal Contraceptive Use and Lifestyle Factors on Fracture Risk and Bone Quality in Young Female Adults

This study is investigating bone health in young women who are soldiers in the German armed forces. Researchers want to understand how different types of birth control, along with other lifestyle factors like exercise, body composition, how strong they are, their diet, and iron levels, might affect their bones. The aim is to gather information about their general health and physical condition, and specifically to see if these factors play a role in how strong their bones are and their risk of fractures (broken bones). This research could help us better understand how to maintain strong bones in young women.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Bundeswehr University Munich

Enrolment target

150

Start

01 Oct 2023

Estimated completion

31 Jul 2026

Osteoporosis Osteopenia Fracture Reduction Body Composition Nutrition Hemoglobin Muscle Strength Bone Density Contraception Behavior Physical Activity Menstrual Irregularities

What is this study about?

This study is gathering important information about the bone health of young women serving in the German armed forces. Bones are living tissues that are always changing, and having strong bones is really important, especially as we get older, to prevent conditions like osteoporosis (where bones become weak and brittle) or osteopenia (a step before osteoporosis).

The researchers are particularly interested in how different methods of birth control might affect bone strength. They are also looking into other things that can influence bone health, such as how much physical activity these women do, their overall body makeup (like muscle and fat), how strong their muscles are, what they eat, and even their iron levels. All these factors can play a part in how healthy and strong our bones are.

The main goal is to get a clear picture of the general physical and health status of these women. By looking at all these different aspects together, the study hopes to find out if there's a link between lifestyle choices, birth control use, and the strength of their bones, which could help protect against fractures in the future.

Key takeaways

The study explores bone health in young women in the German armed forces.
It investigates links between birth control, lifestyle, and bone strength.
Aims to understand factors influencing fracture risk.
Focuses on women aged 18-35 who are occupational soldiers.
Participation involves various health and physical assessments.
Your privacy is protected using a made-up name (pseudonym).

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be a woman between 18 and 35 years old and work as a soldier. You should also be willing to take part using a made-up name to protect your privacy.

It's important that you don't currently have any long-term or new injuries to your muscles, bones, or joints that are causing you problems. You also cannot participate if you have electronic devices fitted in your body, like a pacemaker, or if you are pregnant, as these would affect some of the tests involved.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you female?
Are you between 18 and 35 years old?
Are you an occupational soldier?
Are you free from any current or ongoing muscle, bone, or joint injuries?
Are you not pregnant and do you not have any electronic implants (like a pacemaker)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The detailed description of what taking part involves hasn't been provided in the information. However, based on the study's aim to gather information on physical state and health, it would likely involve some assessments. These could include measurements of your body (like height, weight, and body composition using a method called bioelectrical impedance), tests to check your muscle strength and bone density, and possibly blood tests to look at things like iron levels. You would also likely be asked about your lifestyle, including your physical activity habits and diet, and about your use of birth control. The exact number of visits, the duration of each visit, and the total length of your participation would be explained to you if you decide to inquire further about the study.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in any study has potential benefits and risks. A potential benefit of this study is that it could help us understand more about bone health in young women, especially how birth control and lifestyle affect it. This knowledge could eventually lead to better advice for maintaining strong bones and preventing fractures. As for risks, some tests, like blood tests, might involve minor discomfort, and body composition measurements can't be done if you have certain electronic implants or are pregnant. Remember, you would be fully informed about all procedures, and you always have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

University of the Bundeswehr Munich
Verified postcode
Munich, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What does a 'cross-sectional design' mean?

It means the study looks at a group of people at one particular point in time, like taking a snapshot, to see how different factors relate to each other then.

What does 'bone quality' refer to?

Bone quality is about how strong and healthy your bones are, not just how dense they are. It includes their structure and ability to resist breaks.

What is 'bioelectrical impedance'?

It's a safe and quick way to estimate your body composition, like how much fat and muscle you have, by sending a very small, harmless electrical current through your body.

Will my personal details be kept private?

Yes, you would participate under a made-up name (pseudonym), meaning your real identity would be protected and kept confidential.

Will I receive my study results?

The information provided doesn't specify if individual results will be shared, but this is a good question to ask the research team.

How to find out more

Jennifer Schlie, M.Sc. Biomedical Science

jennifer.schlie@unibw.de 0049 89 6004 4774 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.