More than ten years ago when I was researching the first edition of my book, Better Bones, Better Body, I came across a single scientific study reporting that tubal sterilization disrupted endocrine functioning and was likely linked to increased risk of fracture. As the body is one whole, interacting unit, it made sense to me that the natural hormonal flow would be disrupted by having the “tubes tied” and this might well impact bone health. Recent research by Dr. Grace Wyshak from Harvard School of Public Health has confirmed this speculation. As she reported in Osteoporosis International, tubal sterilization disturbs ovarian function and is associated with more menstrual and menopausal symptoms and an increased risk of vertebral fracture. Specifically, she found a 2.7 to 3.3 times increased risk of vertebral fracture among women who had undergone tubal sterilization.

This is important because tubal ligation is used more than any other single form of birth control in the US and worldwide. In 1995, 34.6% of ever-married US women between the ages of 35-44 had undergone tubal ligation. Little by little we are finding more hidden underlying causes of our current bone health crisis and discovering new areas of health maximization we need to work on. A safe, effective, yet bone-preserving birth control method is clearly one of them!

References:

Wyshak, G. 2005. Tubal ligation and the risk of vertebral fracture. Osteoporosis International, 16, 651-658.

We created the Osteo Blast blog as our forum to express opinions and educate the public about natural means of supporting and improving bone health and overall wellness. As part of this forum, we sometimes discuss medical issues and medications, and their effects on bone health in general. However, we cannot advise readers about specific medical issues in this forum. If you wish to obtain advice from Susan E. Brown, PhD, about your specific bone health and nutritional concerns, please visit our Consultations page. Other specific medical questions should be referred to your healthcare provider.