Changes in insulin receptors during oral contraception

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Metabolic Research
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Combined estrogen/progestagen oral contraceptives (OC) are linked to impaired glucose tolerance and reduced insulin sensitivity.
• Sex steroids are known to influence insulin receptor properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of oral contraceptives (OC) on insulin receptors in women.
• To determine if OC use alters insulin receptor concentration or affinity.

Main Methods:

• Insulin receptors on monocytes were evaluated in three groups: controls, OC users, and new OC users.
• Measurements were taken at 7-day intervals over a 28-day period.
• Fasting blood glucose and serum insulin levels were also assessed.

Main Results:

• Oral contraceptive (OC) use abolished the physiological variations in insulin receptor concentration seen during the normal menstrual cycle.
• Insulin receptor concentration in OC users was lower compared to the follicular phase or men.
• No significant differences in fasting blood glucose or serum insulin were observed between OC users and controls.

Conclusions:

• Oral contraceptives (OC) rapidly affect insulin receptor concentration, impacting normal physiological variations.
• The findings support the role of insulin receptors in the glucose intolerance and insulin insensitivity associated with OC use.
• Caution is advised when including women in clinical studies of insulin receptors due to potential OC influence.