Does Birth Control Lower Testosterone?
Many people wonder if birth control can lower testosterone and what that means for health. Hormonal contraceptives, especially combined oral contraceptives, often reduce testosterone by decreasing the body’s natural production and by raising sex hormone-binding globulin, which makes less free testosterone available in the body. Yes, certain types of birth control can lower testosterone, and this change may affect energy, mood, muscle mass, and sexual health.
The hormones in birth control work to prevent pregnancy, but they also influence other systems in the body. By looking at both research and practical effects, we can see how these changes in testosterone connect to issues like low libido or shifts in metabolism. This topic matters because the effects are not always obvious at first. Some may notice changes right away, while for others the impact builds over time.
Definition of Symptom
A symptom is a change in the body or mind that a person notices and reports. It is a subjective experience, meaning it cannot always be measured directly by a test or exam. Symptoms often signal shifts in hormone levels, such as testosterone. For example, low testosterone may lead to fatigue, reduced muscle strength, or changes in mood.
These are symptoms because the individual feels and describes them. A sign is an objective finding observed by a healthcare provider, such as low hormone values in a blood test. Symptoms and signs together help guide diagnosis and treatment. Common symptoms linked to low testosterone may include:
- Decreased libido
- Low energy
- Mood changes
- Reduced bone or muscle strength
Researchers have found that combined oral contraceptives can lower free testosterone by raising sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). This may explain why some women report symptoms such as lower sexual desire or reduced energy. The table below shows the difference between signs and symptoms:
| Category | Example |
|---|---|
| Symptom (subjective) | Feeling tired, low libido |
| Sign (objective) | Low testosterone in lab test |
Possible Causes/Diseases Condition
Hormonal contraception can influence testosterone levels in several ways. Birth control pills often contain estrogen (commonly ethinyl estradiol) and progestin (such as levonorgestrel, gestodene, or desogestrel).
These hormones work together to prevent ovulation but also affect the body’s natural balance of androgens. Combined oral contraceptives increase sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), which binds to testosterone and reduces the amount of free or active testosterone available in the body, even if total testosterone stays the same.
Estrogen and progestin in birth control pills also signal the body to lower its natural hormone output, leading to decreased androgen levels, including testosterone. The table below highlights main mechanisms:
| Cause | Effect on Testosterone | Related Hormones |
|---|---|---|
| Increased SHBG | Lowers free testosterone | Estrogen, SHBG |
| Ovarian suppression | Reduces androgen production | Estradiol, Progestin |
| Adrenal suppression | Lowers overall androgen output | Progesterone, Androgens |
Different formulations may influence hormone levels in varying ways. Pills with ethinylestradiol and certain progestins may have a stronger effect on testosterone suppression compared to other options.
These changes can impact areas such as libido, energy, and muscle strength. While not everyone experiences the same effects, research supports the link between hormonal contraceptives and lower testosterone.
Other Non-Disease Causes
Not all cases of lower testosterone come from medical conditions. Everyday factors related to birth control use and lifestyle can also play a role.
- Hormonal contraception, such as the pill, patch, or certain IUDs, can influence hormone balance. In premenopausal women, these methods often raise sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), which can reduce the amount of free testosterone in the body.
- Changes in the menstrual cycle caused by oral contraceptives or patches may also contribute. By altering natural hormone rhythms, some women experience lower androgen levels compared to those not using hormonal birth control.
- Family planning choices can matter as well. Long-term use of combined oral contraceptives has been linked with reduced testosterone production, while non-hormonal IUDs typically do not show the same effect.
Other influences include:
- Stress from lifestyle or daily demands
- Diet and weight changes that affect hormone metabolism
- Lack of sleep which can lower natural testosterone production
The type of contraception chosen often determines the degree of impact. For example, hormonal IUDs and patches may have different effects compared to pills, depending on the dose and formulation. Women’s health experts note that these changes usually remain within safe ranges for most users. Still, some may notice shifts in energy, libido, or mood when hormone levels adjust.
How It Causes the Symptom
Birth control lowers testosterone by affecting how the body produces and manages hormones. Many oral contraceptives change the signals from the brain that control the ovaries, particularly those involving LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone).
These signals are important for natural testosterone production. When SHBG levels increase, more testosterone binds to it, reducing the amount of free testosterone, which is the active form available for the body to use.
| Hormone/Protein | Effect of Birth Control | Result |
|---|---|---|
| LH & FSH | Reduced stimulation | Lower ovarian testosterone production |
| SHBG | Increased levels | Less free testosterone available |
| DHEA/DHEAS | May decrease | Reduced precursor hormones for testosterone |
Changes in DHEA and DHEAS can also play a role. These hormones act as precursors for testosterone, and when they drop, overall testosterone balance shifts lower. This shift in hormonal balance can lead to symptoms such as lower energy, changes in mood, or reduced libido.
The effect varies by individual, depending on their baseline hormone levels and the type of contraceptive used. By altering both production and binding, birth control influences testosterone in more than one way.
Possible Complications
Some people notice changes in sexual function when testosterone levels drop. This may include decreased sex drive or reduced libido, which can affect intimacy and overall satisfaction. Lower testosterone can also influence muscle mass. Over time, this may make it harder to maintain strength or build lean tissue, especially if paired with reduced energy levels.
Mood changes are another possible complication. Some individuals report feeling more irritable, anxious, or down when hormone balance shifts. These changes are not the same for everyone, but they can impact daily life. A few side effects may appear together, such as:
- Fatigue or low energy
- Reduced sexual desire
- Difficulty with muscle tone
- Shifts in mood or motivation
The rise in sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) plays an important role. Birth control can raise SHBG, which lowers the amount of free testosterone available in the body. This may explain why some people notice changes in energy, mood, or sexual health. These effects vary by person and depend on the type of contraceptive used.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Some changes in hormone levels are expected with birth control, but certain symptoms may signal the need for medical care. If these issues appear and persist, contact a healthcare provider. Common reasons to seek help include:
- Noticeable drop in sexual desire
- Ongoing fatigue or low energy
- Mood changes such as irritability or sadness
- Unexplained weight gain or muscle loss
If you experience pain, irregular bleeding, or sudden changes in menstrual cycles, discuss these with a doctor. These signs can point to hormone imbalance or another health concern. A healthcare provider can check testosterone and other hormone levels with blood tests to find out if birth control is affecting them or if another condition is involved.
Anyone who feels that side effects are interfering with daily life should not wait. Scheduling an appointment ensures proper guidance, whether through adjusting birth control, exploring alternatives, or treating hormone changes directly.
