Serum copper and zinc in hormonal contraceptive users

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Nutritional Biochemistry

Background:

• Growing awareness of trace element alterations with hormonal contraceptive use.
• Potential health consequences of altered trace element profiles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate serum copper and zinc levels in users of combined estrogen-progestogen contraceptives.
• To examine serum copper and zinc levels in users of injectable progestogen.

Main Methods:

• Serum samples analyzed for copper and zinc levels.
• Comparison between users of different hormonal contraceptive types.

Main Results:

• Combined contraceptives: rapid decrease in serum zinc (within 3 days), increase in serum copper (within 10 days).
• Injectable progestogen: rapid decrease in serum zinc (within 24 hours), no change in serum copper.
• Contraceptive composition, dosage, route, and duration (beyond 3 months for combined, beyond 1 month for injectable) did not alter these trace element changes.

Conclusions:

• Hormonal contraceptives, both combined and injectable, significantly impact serum zinc levels.
• Combined contraceptives also affect serum copper levels.
• Trace element alterations are consistent across various formulations and durations of use beyond initial periods.