Take the Pill, Lose Your Libido?

A recent study by Boston University Medical College researchers found that women who take oral contraception may suffer a *permanent* loss of sex drive.
While researchers knew that oral contraceptives lower levels of testosterone (and therefore sex drive), and increase levels of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), scientists had previously believed that levels of SHBG would decline when women quit taking the pill. However, the new study found that levels of SHBG remained elevated. Dr. Claudia Panzer explained that: “You would expect levels to drop back to normal after about six weeks, but the worry is that these women will always have more. That means they will have very low testosterone, which has huge implications for their sexual function.” Whoa.
However, in her interview with the Guardian, Dr. Mayur Lakhani, chairman of the Royal College of General Practitioners, remarked that: “I am unconvinced by this study; there is no cause for alarm…I want to reassure women about the safety and efficacy of the contraceptive pill and to stress that there’s no need to stop taking the pill as a result of this study. Loss of libido is a recognised side effect but in the experience of GPs and practice nurses this is uncommon among most women.” Hmmm…
Regardless, the findings may be worth a chat with your gynocologist on your next visit.