Effects of Oral, Vaginal, and Transdermal Hormonal Contraception on Serum Levels of Coenzyme Q₁₀, Vitamin E, and Total Antioxidant Activity

Abstract

The use of the transdermal contraceptive patch is associated with greater bioavailability of ethinyl estradiol (EE) compared with contraceptive vaginal ring or oral contraceptives (OC). We compared the influences of three contraceptive methods (OC, vaginal ring, and transdermal patch) on serum levels of coenzyme Q10, α-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol and total antioxidant capacity in premenopausal women. Blood samples from 30 premenopausal women who used hormonal contraception for at least 4 months were collected. Forty subjects who did not use any contraception were studied as control. Serum levels of coenzyme Q10, α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol were measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Serum samples were also assayed for total antioxidant capacity (TAOC). Serum levels of coenzyme Q10 and α-tocopherol were found to be significantly lower (P < .05) in all three contraceptive users compared with controls. Contraceptive patch users had the lowest levels of coenzyme Q10 levels compared with normal subjects. Serum TAOC levels were significantly lower (P < .05) among the contraceptive user groups. Alterations in coenzyme Q10 and α-tocopherol induced by hormonal contraception and the potential effect(s) of exogenous ovarian hormones should be taken into consideration in future antioxidant research.

Effect of Hormonal Contraceptives on the Total Antioxidants Status of Women from Isolo, Lagos State, Nigeria

“…The results of the present study revealed that there was significantly lower levels of serum TAS in users of both oral and injectable hormonal contraceptives when compared with non-contraceptive users. This is in agreement with the study of Palan et al (2010) who reported that hormonal contraceptives deplete antioxidant vitamins and trace elements, as measured by the activity of coenzyme Q 10 , vitamin E and total antioxidant activity [17]. Akinloye et al, 2011 attributed decrease in the serum levels of antioxidant trace elements more specifically to increased use of oral contraceptives [18].…”

Untitled

“…The decrease in alphatocopherol may be due to its consequent consumption in order to counterbalance the negative effects of radicals generated . Similarly decreased total antioxidant status (TAS) has been reported among the contraceptive users by Palan et al (2010). The findings of this research are in accordance with the work of Akinloye et al, (2011) who reported deficient trace elements and vitamins among the contraceptive users.…”

Hormonal contraceptive use and vitamin A deficiency among women in Tanzania

“…The lack of association between other types of hormonal contraceptive and vitamin A deficiency in the present study might be explained by differences in ovarian hormone concentrations resulting from the type of hormonal contraceptive used . For example, Palan et al . found that oral contraceptive pills produced the highest variation in serum exogenous ovarian hormone concentration, probably due to daily dosing.…”