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 .
ANDROGENS AND SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR IN WOMEN USING ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES
Twenty women using oral contraceptives and complaining of impaired sexual function were compared with twenty women without sexual problems , matched for age and oral contraceptive . Whilst the sexual behaviour differed in the two groups , the plasma testosterone , and rostenedione , oestradiol and SHBG concentrations were very similar . The total and rogen levels were low in both groups . Plasma testosterone and oestradiol concentrations were correlated with measures of sexual interest in the no‐problem group , but not in the problem group . Administration of exogenous and rostenedione to women in the problem group , using a double blind cross‐over comparison with a placebo , failed to improve their sexual function except in one case . The majority of women showed a rise in and rogen and oestradiol between day 24 of one pill cycle and day 4 of the next . The possible behavioural indications of this pattern are discussed
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 .