These summaries of selected research projects give you a glimpse into what our Kinsey Institute researchers are working on today. You can find more information on these projects, and information on all our ongoing research on our Current Research page here >>

Several recent studies have noted changes in some women's sexual desire and mood related to oral contraceptives. To further understand these effects, researchers at The Kinsey Institute monitored changes in plasma androgen levels (including total testosterone (T), free testosterone (FT), dehydro-epiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S) in women after 3 months on the pill.

This is the first study that has assessed both hormone levels and mood and sexuality in women after they started on oral contraceptives. Results showed some support for the relationship between the decrease in androgen levels and reduction in sexual interest.

However, not all of the women starting on oral contraceptives reported adverse changes in sexual interest and there was no relationship between the hormonal changes and mood. The findings support the idea that some women may be more sensitive to hormonal changes than others.

Cynthia A. Graham, C, Bancroft, J, Doll, H, Greco, T and Tanner, A. (2007) Does oral contraceptive-induced reduction in free testosterone adversely affect the sexuality or mood of women? Psychoendocrinology 32:3.

See also:

Oral Contraceptives, Testosterone, and Sexuality in Women >>

Oral Contraceptives Study Slide Presentation >>