26 May, 2005 23:51 GMT
Women taking the pill had SHBG levels that were seven times higher than women who had never taken oral contraceptives. Women who quit taking the pill still registered SHBG levels that were four times as great as non-contraceptive users.
Women who take contraceptive pills may suffer reduced sex drive for the rest of their lives, University of Boston researchers say.
It has been long known that oral contraceptives lower levels of testosterone, and thus sex drive, and increase levels of sex hormone binding globulin, or SHBG.
While it was thought that the pill's adverse effects could be reversed, the University of Boston research shows they may be permanent, the London Daily Mail reported Thursday.
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin Remains High
An estimated 100 million women worldwide take oral contraceptives.
Based on 125 women attending a sexual dysfunction clinic, researchers measured their SHBG levels every three months for a year.
Women taking the pill had SHBG levels that were seven times higher than women who had never taken oral contraceptives.
Women who quit taking the pill still registered SHBG levels that were four times as great as non-contraceptive users.
Researchers reported their findings to American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists in Washington.
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