DMPA contraceptive shot, 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-11127742 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will see if young women who use the DMPA injectable contraceptive have higher blood lead levels because bone loss can release lead stored in bones.
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 | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $616,096 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD112344-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11127742 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are reproductive-age women who are starting or currently using the DMPA injectable contraceptive, especially in areas with known lead exposure.
✕Less likely to help
People who do not use DMPA (for example, users of other contraceptives, men, or postmenopausal women) are unlikely to get direct benefit from participating in this work.
What this research studies
Researchers will follow women who use the DMPA contraceptive shot and compare them with women who use other contraceptive options or none. They will measure bone mineral density and blood/plasma lead levels over time, focusing on the first two years when DMPA-related bone loss is largest. The team will build on the Kampala Women’s Bone Study, adding repeated bone and blood tests to track whether bone loss corresponds with rising circulating lead. Results will be analyzed to link changes in bone turnover with changes in the biologically active fraction of lead in blood.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If confirmed, the findings could help women and clinicians choose safer contraception or add monitoring steps to reduce lead-related health risks.
How similar studies have gone: Two prior cross-sectional studies reported an association between DMPA use and higher lead levels, but prospective evidence is limited and this approach is relatively novel.
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.