The Effect of Oral Contraceptives on Serum Copper Levels in Nigerian Women

Abstract

Summary Serum copper levels were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy in 224 Nigerian women attending the postpartum Family Planning Clinic of University College Hospital, Ibadan. Eighty‐seven of the women had been fitted with the Lippes intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD), 28 were taking Ovral 28, and 65 Norlestrin Fe. Forty‐four women attending for the first time served as normal controls. The mean serum copper levels in the women taking oral contraceptive agents were 144 μg./l00 ml. for the group taking Ovral 28, and 142 μg./100 ml. for those taking Norlestrin Fe. These values were similar, but significantly greater than the mean values for the control group and for the group fitted with IUCDs which were also similar. Compared to values reported in non‐Nigerians these values were all much lower and appear to be related to a reduction in appropriate binding and transport proteins in individuals in this environment.

Copper intrauterine contraceptive devices and serum essential metals

“…In a previous study on Nigerian women fitted with Lippes Loop IUDs, Olatunbosun and associates [20] found that the mean serum magnesium level was similar to that in the control group. The present study with copper IUDs is in agreement with their observation.…”

A Review of the Effects of Oral Contraceptives on Nutrient Status, with Especial Consideration to Folate in UK

“…Oestrogens lower serum levels of magnesium as a result of increasing uptake by bones and soft tissues resulting in an inverse relationship between the two [79][80][81]. Oestrogen therapy, whether through use of OCs or Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), reduces levels of serum and can result in hypomagnesemia, particularly in those with a low dietary intake of the mineral or as a result of other causes of its loss [79,81,[82][83][84][85]. The depletion of magnesium can subsequently alter the ratio of calcium/magnesium which in turn can affect blood coagulation [86] which supports the view that magnesium supplementation might be considered with OCs, since it is possible that hypomagnesemia might be associated with thromboembolic side effects associated with oestrogens [78,79].…”

Impact of magnesium deficiency on the quality of life of women using hormonal contraception

“…В зарубежных исследованиях была неоднократно доказана связь между приемом КОК и низким уровнем магния в организме [26][27][28][29]. В условиях ДМ в организме меняется соотношение кальция и магния, что может влиять на свертываемость крови.…”

“…В условиях ДМ в организме меняется соотношение кальция и магния, что может влиять на свертываемость крови. Таким образом, было высказано предположение, что снижение уровня магния в сыворотке является одной из причин повышенного риска тромбоза при использовании КОК [28]. Исходя из этих данных, считается целесообразным дополнительный прием магния во время применения КОК.…”