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 .
Effects of two combined hormonal contraceptives with the same composition and different doses on female sexual function and plasma androgen levels.
BACKGROUND This study was conducted to compare the effects of two contraceptive pills with different doses of the same components , on plasma and rogen levels and female sexual function among women without previous sexual dysfunction .  STUDY DESIGN The participants were r and omized into two groups , to receive pills containing ethynylestradiol ( EE ) 30 mcg and levonorgestrel ( LNG ) 150 mcg or EE 20 mcg and LNG 100 mcg , for six cycles . Sexual function was assessed using a st and ardized question naire [ Female Sexual Function Index ( FSFI ) ] . Hormone assays were performed at baseline and after the sixth cycle . RESULTS Forty-nine women were included in the EE30/LNG150 group and 48 in the EE20/LNG100 group .  EE30/LNG150 group presented 54 % and 67 % decreases of total testosterone and free and rogen index , respectively , with statistical significance . EE20/LNG100 presented reductions of 20 % and 42 % , respectively , but without statistical significance . Both groups showed improvements in the FSFI " desire " score , but with statistical significance only for EE20/LNG100 group . CONCLUSIONS EE30/LNG150 decreased plasma and rogen levels , but there was no impairment in sexual desire , on the other h and , sexual desire score increased with EE20/LNG100 formulation
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 .