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 .
Preliminary study on the effect of four-phasic estradiol valerate and dienogest (E2V/DNG) oral contraceptive on the quality of sexual life.
INTRODUCTION A new oral contraceptive containing the natural estrogen estradiol and a 19-nortestosterone derivate dienogest ( DNG ) in a four-phasic 28-day regimen may be used by women . AIM To investigate the quality of sexual life of healthy women on estradiol valerate and DNG ( E2V/DNG ) oral contraceptive . METHODS Fifty-seven women ( age range 18 - 48 years ) were enrolled . The Short Form-36 ( SF-36 ) question naire to assess quality of life ( QoL ) was administered at baseline and at the 26th day of both the 3rd and 6th cycles of oral contraceptive ( OC ) intake . The Short Personal Experience Question naire ( SPEQ ) to measure the change of sexual behavior was used at the 2nd , 7th , 14th , 21st , 26th , and 28th days of the baseline cycle , as well as at the same days of both the 3rd and 6th cycle of contraceptive intake . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE The SF-36 and the SPEQ question naires . RESULTS Women reported QoL improvement at the 3rd ( P < 0.05 ) and at the 6th cycles ( P < 0.01 ) . By SPEQ , improvement of sexuality during the 3rd and the 6th cycle with respect to baseline experience was observed ( P < 0.05 ) . The frequency of sexual activity remained basically unchanged ( P = NS ) . Enjoyment and desire improved at the 6th cycle with respect to the 3rd cycle ( P < 0.05 ) . All women reported decreased dyspareunia at the 3rd and 6th cycles ( P < 0.05 ) . Interestingly , desire , arousal , orgasm , enjoyment , and sexual activity improved , reaching a peak around the 14th day of the menstrual cycle ( P < 0.05 ) . At the 3rd and 6th cycle , women on OCs were sexually cyclic , but the peak improvement of desire , arousal , orgasm , enjoyment , and sexual activity appeared around the 7th day of OC intake ( P < 0.05 ) . CONCLUSION Reduced hormone-free interval is a new concept in low-dose OC regimens . Moreover , the E2V/DNG multiphasic extended regimen has been found to positively modify the sexuality of 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 .