However , subgroup analyses for the estrogen dose and the progestin type in relation to changes in SHBG levels did show significant differences : COCs containing second generation progestins and /or the lower estrogen doses ( 20–25 µg EE ) were found to have less impact on SHBG concentrations .
The current literature review and meta- analysis demonstrates that COCs decrease circulating levels of total T and free T and increase SBHG concentrations .
Due to the SHBG increase , free T levels decrease twice as much as total T. The estrogen dose and progestin type of the COC do not influence the decline of total and free T , but both affect SHBG .
BACKGROUND Combined oral contraceptives ( COCs ) reduce levels of and rogen , especially testosterone ( T ) , by inhibiting ovarian and adrenal and rogen synthesis and by increasing levels of sex hormone-binding globulin ( SHBG ) .
Although this suppressive effect has been investigated by numerous studies over many years , to our knowledge no systematic review concerning this issue had been performed .
Relation of androgen receptor sensitivity and mood to sexual desire in hormonal contraception users.
BACKGROUND Since very little research in this field is available , this study aims to assess the role of psychosexual , relationship , hormonal and genetic measures in the sexual desire of users of three hormonal contraceptive products [ low-dose combined oral contraceptive ( 20 mcg ethinylestradiol/150 mcg desogestrel ) , progestin-only pill ( 75 mcg desogestrel ) and vaginal ring ( daily dose of 15 mcg ethinylestradiol/120 mcg etonogestrel ) ]  . STUDY DESIGN Fifty-five couples were r and omized over three groups in which the women consecutively used each product during 3 months . Both partners repeatedly filled out question naires on solitary and dyadic sexual desire ( desire to behave sexually by oneself or towards a partner ) .  Total and free testosterone , sex hormone binding globulin and a genetic marker of and rogen receptor sensitivity [ cytosine-adenine-guanine ( CAG ) repeat length ] were assessed on blood sample s of the female partners . RESULTS Sexual desire was higher in women with either short or long CAG repeats ( solitary , p=.004 ; dyadic , p=.008 ) . Desire levels were higher during vaginal ring use ( solitary , p=.018 ; dyadic , p=.007 ) . The woman 's mood was found to impact her dyadic sexual desire ( p<.001 ) ; this scale was also strongly associated with the male partner 's dyadic sexual desire ( p<.001 ) . CONCLUSIONS The current study found evidence for a role of and rogen receptor sensitivity and mood in the sexual desire of hormonal contraceptive users
However , subgroup analyses for the estrogen dose and the progestin type in relation to changes in SHBG levels did show significant differences : COCs containing second generation progestins and /or the lower estrogen doses ( 20–25 µg EE ) were found to have less impact on SHBG concentrations .
The current literature review and meta- analysis demonstrates that COCs decrease circulating levels of total T and free T and increase SBHG concentrations .
Due to the SHBG increase , free T levels decrease twice as much as total T. The estrogen dose and progestin type of the COC do not influence the decline of total and free T , but both affect SHBG .
BACKGROUND Combined oral contraceptives ( COCs ) reduce levels of and rogen , especially testosterone ( T ) , by inhibiting ovarian and adrenal and rogen synthesis and by increasing levels of sex hormone-binding globulin ( SHBG ) .
Although this suppressive effect has been investigated by numerous studies over many years , to our knowledge no systematic review concerning this issue had been performed .