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 .
Testosterone and sexual behavior in oral contraceptive users and nonusers: A prospective study
The relationship between plasma testosterone ( T ) secretion and patterns of sexual behavior was examined in 18 women using oral contraceptives ( OCs ) and 13 nonusers matched for partner availability . Retrospective assessment s of perimenstrual symptoms , sexual attitudes , and sexual experience were obtained and women completed daily ratings of the frequency of sexual activities and the level of well-being for 1 month . Plasma levels of sex hormone binding globulin ( SHBG ) , progesterone , Total T , Free T , and non-SHBG bound T were determined by radioimmunoassay at four phases of the pill or menstrual cycle . Overall , women not using OCs had higher plasma levels of Total , Free , and non-SHBG bound T and lower plasma levels of SHBG than those of OC users . Further , only nonusers had perimenstrual decreases in plasma levels of Total and Free T. The two groups were comparable on most retrospective measures . However , OC users reported more satisfaction with their sexual partners than did nonusers and prospect i ve monitoring revealed that they engaged in sexual interactions more frequently than did nonusers across the cycle . In contrast , both groups reported a similar frequency of autosexual activities across the cycle . There were no correlations between average levels of T and levels of sexual desire , sexual interactions , or autosexuality . Moreover , only nonusers reported a decrease in levels of sexual desire during the perimenstrual period that was associated with the changes in Free T over the menstrual cycle
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 .