Contraceptive bone loss and lead exposure in young women
Official title: Contraceptive DMPA-induced bone loss: A novel source of toxic metal lead exposure in young women
Funded at Michigan State University · NIH-11396280 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at whether a common birth control shot (DMPA) can raise levels of lead in the blood of premenopausal women.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michigan State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $547,066 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD112344-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11396280 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Women of reproductive age who use or are considering DMPA as contraception, especially in settings with high lead exposure.
✕Less likely to help
Women not using DMPA or with no exposure to high lead environments may not benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will follow women using DMPA to see if their blood lead levels rise as their bones lose density. The project builds on prior bone studies to track lead in plasma over time and relate it to bone turnover. The goal is to understand if DMPA-related bone loss could release lead into the bloodstream, with attention to global settings where lead exposure is common.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could inform safer contraceptive choices and lead monitoring strategies for women using DMPA.
How similar studies have gone: Previous cross-sectional studies suggested a link between DMPA and lead, but this project prospectively examines the association.
Where this research is happening
-
Michigan State University
East Lansing, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Upson, Kristen — Michigan State University
- Study coordinator: Upson, Kristen
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.