Decreased neuroactive steroids induced by combined oral contraceptive pills are not associated with mood changes.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of a low-dose combined oral contraceptive pill (OCP) on peripheral neuroactive steroid concentrations, precursors for neuroactive steroid synthesis, and mood in healthy women desiring contraception. These neuroactive steroids are gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor agonists and are important in the modulation of affect and adaptation to stress.


METHODS
Prospective observational study.


METHODS
Human ambulatory patient study.


METHODS
Healthy OCP-naive women without current or history of affective disorder.


METHODS
A 0.020-mg ethinyl E2-0.1-mg levonorgestrel containing OCP for 3 months.


METHODS
Serum neuroactive steroids allopregnanolone, allotetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone, and DHEA; neuroactive steroid precursors P and pregnenolone; E2; and mood and anxiety as assessed by the Premenstrual Syndrome Daily Ratings Form, Beck Depression Inventory, Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Profile of Mood States.


RESULTS
The combined OCP resulted in a decrease in neuroactive steroids and neuroactive steroid precursors as well as in E2. However, this decline was not associated with adverse mood changes on any of the well-validated assessment tools.


CONCLUSIONS
Healthy women without underlying mood or anxiety disorder who were given a low-dose OCP did not experience adverse psychological symptoms despite a significant reduction in neuroactive steroids.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095-1740, USA. arapkin@mednet.ucla.edu
Andrea J
AJ
Rapkin
Melinda
M
Morgan
Cristiana
C
Sogliano
Giovanni
G
Biggio
Alessandra
A
Concas
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect / Q000187:drug effects*; D001923:Brain Chemistry; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000097:blood* / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis
D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones