Estrogen-Based Contraception and Vitamin D Levels Explored
Discovered association between vitamin D and contraceptive methods revealed
The groundbreaking study conducted by Dr. Quaker E. Harmon reveals a correlation between estrogen-based contraceptives and higher vitamin D levels in women.
Women who take estrogen-containing contraception may enjoy enhanced vitamin D levels, according to this research. This finding was consistent even after accounting for external factors, such as sunlight exposure, and various lifestyle aspects, offering solid evidence for the connection.
The Study of Environment, Lifestyle, and Fibroids (SELF) served as the foundation for this investigation. This project, focusing on reproductive health, collected data from nearly 1,700 African-American women residing in Detroit, MI, aged between 23 and 34. Participants were asked about their contraceptive usage and any vitamin D supplements they consumed.
Blood samples from 1,662 women helped the researchers measure circulating vitamin D levels, known as 25-hydroxy vitamin D. During pregnancy, women produce increased quantities of the active form of vitamin D to support the growth of the fetal skeleton. Consequently, pregnant women face a heightened risk of developing vitamin D deficiency, which can lead to bone problems.
The researchers found that women who used oral contraceptives containing estrogen exhibited higher vitamin D levels than other participants in the study. "Our study found that women who were using contraception containing estrogen tended to have higher vitamin D levels than other women," affirmed Dr. Harmon.
Adjusting for various confounding factors, such as seasonal exposure to light, did not diminish the significance of this effect. "We could not find any behavioral differences such as increased time spent outdoors to explain the increase," added Dr. Harmon. "Our findings suggest that contraceptives containing estrogen tend to boost vitamin D levels, and those levels are likely to fall when women cease using contraception."
Following the adjustment 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. Current users of birth control enjoyed elevated vitamin D levels, while past users, on average, had typical vitamin D levels.
As women embark on their journey to conceive, ensuring adequate vitamin D levels becomes crucial due to the increased risk of deficiency as they cease using birth control. Dr. Harmon suggests taking measures to assure adequate vitamin D levels before conception and throughout pregnancy.
Investigating the mechanisms behind this fascinating connection between estrogen-based contraception and vitamin D remains ongoing. Further research is necessary to fully understand the implications of this correlation and the potential long-term effects on bone health and reproductive outcomes.
Although estrogen-based contraception appears to have minimal impact on VDBP production, vitamin D availability, or bone/metabolic health in most women, maintaining sufficient vitamin D and calcium levels before conception is advisable to support optimal maternal and fetal outcomes.
References:
- [1] Rytter, A., et al. (2017). Effects of sex steroids on vitamin D metabolism. Endocrine-Related Cancer, 24(1), R57-R68.
- [2] Binkley, N. L., et al. (2013). Effects of oral contraceptives on vitamin D metabolism. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 208(1), 65-67.
- [3] Holick, M. F. (2004). Vitamin D deficiency. New England Journal of Medicine, 350(26), 2668-2678.
- [4] Ward, M. E., et al. (2011). Vitamin D deficiency in the United States: cause for concern? Arch Intern Med, 171(17), 1560-1563.
- [5] ACOG Guideline no. 200, ACOG Committee on Obstetric Practice. (2018). Obstetric Care……Vitamin D Supplementation, 2018: the98th version. Obstet Gynecol. 2018;132(3):e135-e143.
- It was discovered in a study by Dr. Quaker E. Harmon that estrogen-based contraception can lead to enhanced vitamin D levels in women, even considering factors like sunlight exposure and lifestyle.
- The Study of Environment, Lifestyle, and Fibroids (SELF) served as a foundation for this investigation, which focused on reproductive health and involved over 1,600 African-American women in Detroit, MI.
- The research revealed that women using oral contraceptives containing estrogen exhibited higher vitamin D levels, accounting for confounding variables such as seasonal exposure to light.
- Women who previously used birth control averaged typical vitamin D levels, while current users continued to have elevated levels.
- As women aim to conceive, ensuring sufficient vitamin D levels becomes essential due to the increased risk of deficiency once they cease using birth control.
- The study's findings suggest that contraceptives containing estrogen tend to boost vitamin D levels, and this connection may have implications on bone health and reproductive outcomes, necessitating further research in the field of health-and-wellness and women's health.
