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 .
Does oral contraceptive-induced reduction in free testosterone adversely affect the sexuality or mood of women?
The aim of this study was to examine whether changes in plasma and rogen levels ( total testosterone ( T ) , free testosterone ( FT ) , and dehydro-epi and rosterone-sulfate ( DHEA-S ) ) induced by oral contraceptive ( OC ) use were related to changes in sexual interest or response or in mood . Sixty-one women provided blood sample s and were assessed , using interviews and st and ardized question naires , prior to starting , and after 3 months on OCs ( Ortho-Tricyclen , Ortho-Tricyclen-Lo , or Ortho-Cyclen , all containing the same progestagen , norgestimate ) . Significant decreases in T , FT , and DHEA-S were found after 3 months , although the extent of reduction was variable across women . There was some support for a relationship between the degree of reduction in total T and FT and the frequency of sexual thoughts after 3 months on OCs . However , some women had no loss of sexual interest in spite of substantial reduction in FT , and there was overall no evidence that reduction in FT affected enjoyment of sexual activity with a partner . The findings are consistent with the idea that some women may be more sensitive to changes in T than others . No relationship was found between negative mood , as assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory , and changes in T , FT , or
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 .