Discovered connection between vitamin D and contraception intrigues researchers
Scooping the Sunshine Vitamin: Estrogen-Based Contraceptives and Vitamin D
Wanna know something fascinating? Women on estrogen-based birth control pills pack a punch of vitamin D in their system compared to those who aren't. And here's the curveball - when they ditch these contraceptives, their vitamin D levels take a significant dive.
Vitamin D, nicknamed the 'sunshine vitamin,' keeps calcium and phosphorus levels in check in your blood. It's also the PA to calcium, helping it do its magic on building sturdy bones. Yeah, think strong bones, minimal breaks, and a robust skeletal system.
Shockingly, you can snag this essential nutrient from fish, eggs, and sunshine. Yep, up to 90% of our vitamin D comes from exposure to the sun, thanks to a chemical reaction in our dermis. But, for those who clock fewer hours under the sun, their risk of vitamin D deficiency rises, leading to conditions like rickets and osteomalacia (soft bones, not cute).
Pregnancy's a critical time for vitamin D because it plays a significant role in developing a baby's bones. Unfortunately, pregnant women have an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency, bumping up the chances of complications.
Never heard of Dr. Quaker E. Harmon? Well, this scientist from the National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences in Research Triangle Park, NC, decided to dig deeper into the connection between vitamin D and oral contraceptives.
Popping Pills and Soaking up the Sun
So, how does contraception fit into this picture? Researchers decided to sift through data from the Study of Environment, Lifestyle, and Fibroids, an investigation into reproductive health. They zeroed in on almost 1,700 African-American women living around Detroit, MI, aged 23-34.
The study questionnaire queried women about their contraceptive use and outdoor time, plus any vitamin D supplements they used. Ultimately, 1,662 women shared their blood samples, measuring their levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D, the most common circulating form of vitamin D.
You might wonder, what about preggo gals? Well, during pregnancy, they produce increased levels of the active form of vitamin D to support their baby's growing bones. This increased risk of deficiency and subsequent bone issues can make them more vulnerable.
So, what did Dr. Harmon and her team find? "Our study found that women on contraception containing estrogen tended to have higher vitamin D levels than others." The association held up, even when factoring in variables like sun exposure and supplement use.
The researchers' analysis revealed that estrogen-based contraceptives bumped up participants' vitamin D levels by a whopping 20%. Cold hard numbers? Current users of birth control had higher vitamin D levels, while past users maintained average levels.
Low D on the Horizon
This week, the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism published these findings. What does this mean for you, especially when you're dreaming of a family? Take a seat and listen up.
"For women planning to stop using birth control, it's worth taking steps to ensure that their vitamin D levels are adequate while trying to conceive and during pregnancy," advises Dr. Harmon.
Medical News Today quizzed Dr. Harmon about the link between estrogen-based contraception and vitamin D levels. Her response? "We do not yet know why vitamin D levels are higher. Other research suggests that the levels of other vitamin D metabolites are changed when women use estrogen-containing contraception, which indicates that there might be alterations in vitamin D metabolism."
So, here's the lowdown: estrogen-based contraceptives boost vitamin D levels in women. During contraceptive use, this increase may support overall and vaginal health. As you ditch the contraceptives, vitamin D and estrogen levels may drop, potentially affecting vaginal tissue and increasing infection risk.
Monitoring and maintaining adequate vitamin D levels, especially during and after contraceptive use, is crucial. Talk to your doc for guidance on staying in the sunshine vitamin's good graces.
P.S. Keep an eye on our future conversations with Dr. Harmon as she continues to probe deeper into this fascinating topic!
Pro-Tip: Did you know higher vitamin D levels might lower cancer risk? Now, isn't that something to soak up?
- In the study of women and their vitamin D levels, researchers found that those on contraception containing estrogen tended to have higher vitamin D levels compared to others.
- Estrogen-based contraceptives were found to increase participants' vitamin D levels by approximately 20%.
- During pregnancy, women produce increased levels of the active form of vitamin D to support their baby's bone development, but they have an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency.
- As women plan to stop using birth control, it's worth taking steps to ensure that their vitamin D levels are adequate while trying to conceive and during pregnancy.
- The association between estrogen-based contraception and vitamin D levels held up even when factors like sun exposure and supplement use were considered.
- Other research suggests that estrogen-containing contraception might alter vitamin D metabolism, but the specific reasons why vitamin D levels are higher are not yet known.
