Estrogen-Containing Contraception May Boost Vitamin D Levels

For women discontinuing estrogen-containing contraceptives to attempt pregnancy, clinicians should consider advising use of multivitamins containing vitamin D and folic acid.

Vitamin D deficiency is common among U.S. women: Overall, about 42% have levels below the threshold of 20 ng/mL for 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) recommended by the Institute of Medicine, and a higher proportion of non-Hispanic black women (80%) fall below this threshold. Using cross-sectional data from 1662 black women (age range, 23–34) in the Detroit, Michigan area, investigators estimated percent change in season-adjusted serum levels of 25(OH)D in relation to estrogen use after adjustment for many factors.

The overall median level of 25(OH)D was 15.7 ng/mL, and 70% of participants had levels <20 ng/mL. Women using estrogen-containing contraceptives had a median 25(OH)D level of 19.4 ng/mL, but 49% of them also used a supplement that con…

Reviewing Author

Robert W. Rebar, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMyovant Sciences, Inc.

Editorial BoardsEndoText; Clinical OB/GYN Alert

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society for Reproductive Medicine (Member, Ethics Committee)

Robert W. Rebar, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMyovant Sciences, Inc.

Editorial BoardsEndoText; Clinical OB/GYN Alert

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society for Reproductive Medicine (Member, Ethics Committee)

Estrogen-Containing Contraception May Boost Vitamin D Levels

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Reviewing Author