”If we understand these mechanisms, it can be used for the development of more potent medicines against osteoporosis, brittle bones. We also hope that the results will affect women's choices regarding breastfeeding positively”, says Kristina Åkesson, professor of orthopedics, in a press release from Lund University.
In a study she has conducted together with research colleague Lisa Egund, the bone density of 750 women has been followed over ten years, starting when they were 25 years old.
Pregnancy affects bone density to some extent. A small difference could be seen shortly after pregnancy, but after three years, no difference was seen unless the woman had become pregnant again.
In connection with breastfeeding, the dip becomes even greater, according to the study. If it had been six months or less since breastfeeding ended, the difference in bone density was seven percent compared to before breastfeeding. After breastfeeding ended, bone density recovered and after two years, it was slightly greater in the women in the study than before breastfeeding began.
