Study Links Estrogen-Based Contraceptives and Circulating Vitamin D Levels
Connection between vitamin D and birth control pharmaceuticals revealed
New research suggests that the use of estrogen-containing contraceptives can impact vitamin D levels in women. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, women taking estrogen-based birth control pills are likely to have higher vitamin D levels compared to non-users.
Led by Dr. Quaker E. Harmon from the National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, the study analyzed data from the Study of Environment, Lifestyle, and Fibroids (SELF), which focused on reproductive health. The research involved almost 1,700 African-American women aged between 23 and 34 living in and around Detroit, MI.
Respondents were asked about their contraceptive use and any vitamin D supplements they took. The study found that women using estrogen-based contraception had higher vitamin D levels compared to other women.
After accounting for confounding factors such as seasonal light exposure and any changes in outdoor activities, the effect remained significant. Dr. Harmon noted that they could not find any behavioral differences to explain the increase, suggesting that the contraceptives may directly boost vitamin D levels.
After adjustments for confounding variables, the use of contraceptive pills, patches, or rings containing estrogen was associated with 20 percent higher levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D. Significantly, current users of birth control had higher levels of vitamin D, while past users had average vitamin D levels.
This study sheds light on the potential impact of estrogen-based contraceptives on vitamin D levels during reproductive years. Given the importance of vitamin D during pregnancy, it is advisable for women planning to conceive or become pregnant to ensure adequate vitamin D levels after stopping the use of birth control.
Dr. Harmon continues to follow the participating women to further investigate the relationship. Additionally, she is working on another group of participants to investigate how vitamin D varies across the menstrual cycle.
The researchers acknowledge that further research is necessary to fully understand the interaction between estrogen-based contraceptives and vitamin D. Despite the findings, more study is needed to determine whether the same associations are observed in women of different racial and ethnic backgrounds.
- The study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism reveals that estrogen-based contraceptives might influence the health-and-wellness aspect of women's vitamin D levels.
- The research involving nearly 1,700 African-American women indicates that those using estrogen-based contraception generally have higher vitamin D levels as compared to non-users.
- After checking for confounding factors such as seasonal light exposure and changes in outdoor activities, the study has found a significant association between contraceptive use and increased vitamin D levels.
- The study reveals that the use of contraceptive pills, patches, or rings containing estrogen is linked to a 20 percent increase in 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels.
- Intriguingly, the study shows that current users of birth control have higher vitamin D levels, while past users have levels that are average.
- As the importance of vitamins, especially vitamin D, in women's health and nutrition, particularly during pregnancy, is well-established, women planning to conceive or become pregnant should ensure proper vitamin D levels after stopping the use of birth control.
