Explored relationship found between vitamin D and contraception methods
Estrogen-Based Birth Control Linked to Higher Vitamin D Levels in Women
A recent study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health has found a connection between estrogen-based contraceptives and higher levels of circulating vitamin D in women. Conversely, women who cease taking these contraceptives may experience a significant drop in vitamin D levels.
Vitamin D plays a pivotal role in maintaining the appropriate balance of calcium and phosphorous in the blood, as well as facilitating the body's absorption of calcium, a critical component in bone formation. Food sources rich in this vitamin include fish and eggs, while the body also produces approximately 90% of its vitamin D through a chemical reaction resulting from sun exposure.
Deficiency in vitamin D can lead to rickets and osteomalacia (softening of the bones), making it particularly important during pregnancy, as the body produces increased levels of the active form of vitamin D to support the growth of the fetal skeleton.
To explore potential differences in vitamin D levels associated with oral contraceptives, Dr. Quaker E. Harmon, of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, led a cross-sectional analysis of data from the Study of Environment, Lifestyle, and Fibroids (SELF). The study involved nearly 1,700 African-American women between the ages of 23-34 living in and around Detroit, MI.
The study asked participants about their contraceptive use and administered questions regarding sunlight exposure and vitamin D supplements. In total, 1,662 women provided blood samples for analysis of the most common circulating form of vitamin D, called 25-hydroxy vitamin D.
The findings showed that women who were using contraception containing estrogen tended to have higher vitamin D levels than other women. Controller factors, such as seasonal sunlight exposure, did not diminish the effect's significance.
"Our study found that women who were using contraception containing estrogen tended to have higher vitamin D levels than other women," Dr. Harmon stated. "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."
After adjustments for potential confounding variables, the use of contraceptive pills, patches, or rings containing estrogen was associated with a 20% increase in levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D. Current users of birth control had higher vitamin D levels, while past users experienced average levels.
As women planning to conceive or become pregnant typically scrutinize their health and lifestyle, Dr. Harmon advises paying attention to vitamin D intake during this time. With these findings, women who cease using birth control may find themselves at risk of vitamin D deficiency.
The study reveals that, as women begin trying to conceive, they should consider taking steps to ensure their vitamin D levels are adequate.
While the study focused solely on African-American women, the same association has been observed in women of various races, suggesting that this association may not be related to race. In the United States, African-American women are more likely to be vitamin D-deficient, so even small increases or decreases in their vitamin D concentrations may have a more significant impact.
Dr. Harmon continues to follow this group of women to further investigate the relationship between estrogen-based contraception and vitamin D levels. Additionally, she is working on another group of participants to investigate how vitamin D varies across the menstrual cycle.
In related research, higher vitamin D levels have been linked to lower cancer risk. As the relationship between estrogen-based contraception and vitamin D levels continues to be explored, understanding the intricacies of this connection may provide valuable insights for women making health decisions related to birth control and prenatal care.
- The connection between estrogen-based contraceptives and higher levels of circulating vitamin D in women may lead to higher bone formation due to vitamin D's critical role in absorbing calcium.
- Deficiencies in vitamin D can cause problems like rickets and osteomalacia, making it important, particularly during pregnancy.
- In the study of Environment, Lifestyle, and Fibroids (SELF), conducted by Dr. Quaker E. Harmon, African-American women using contraception containing estrogen showed higher vitamin D levels compared to others.
- Contraceptive pills, patches, or rings containing estrogen were associated with a 20% increase in levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D in current users, while past users had average levels.
- Understanding the relationship between estrogen-based contraception and vitamin D levels could provide valuable insights for women making health decisions related to birth control and prenatal care, as higher vitamin D levels have been linked to lower cancer risk.
- As women planning to conceive or become pregnant should pay attention to their vitamin D intake, women who cease using birth control should be aware of the potential risk of vitamin D deficiency.
