Do birth control hormones show in a blood test? (+1 facts)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will discuss whether birth control hormones show up in a blood test. Birth control is used to prevent pregnancy before it begins. Birth control is also known as fertility control, contraception, and anticonception.
Do birth control hormones show in a blood test?
Birth control hormones do not typically show up in a blood test. Most blood tests will not show if you are taking birth control pills. If your doctor is specifically looking for birth control hormones, then he might detect that particular hormone in a specific blood test (1).
Birth control devices contain one or more hormones which prevent you from getting pregnant. These hormones include estrogen and progestin. Progestin is a synthetic form of progesterone. It has the same pharmacological effect as progesterone but a different chemical structure.
Estrogen, contained in birth control devices, may be detected in the blood or urine test through estradiol test. Birth control hormonal therapy can be given via pills, implants, vaginal rings, patches, injections, and intrauterine devices.
How long do birth control hormones stay in your system?
The stay of estrogen and progestin in the body depends on the dosage form used for birth control. Hormones may take 48 hours to leave your blood when given as a pill (estrogen and progestin), or mini-pill (progestin only) (2).
In the case of implants, the hormones stay in the body for 7-14 days due to the sustained release of hormones in the bloodstream. The hormonal levels go down within 48 hours after the ring is removed from a vagina. The same is true for birth control patches (3).
In the case of an intrauterine device, the hormones leave the system immediately after the device is removed. In most of the cases, the hormonal levels go back to ‘normal’ within three months of stopping the birth control. However, an early pregnancy is also possible.
How do birth control hormones go into your bloodstream?
The hormones present in birth control go into your bloodstream, irrespective of the route of administration. When taken orally, the hormones become available in the bloodstream through the digestive tract. In the case of injection, the hormones are directly given to the bloodstream.
When patches are used, the hormones travel through the epidermis to reach the dermis where there is a network of blood vessels. The same is true for a vaginal ring, where the hormones are absorbed into the bloodstream through the vaginal wall (3).
Because birth control intrauterine devices release hormones directly into the uterus, their effect is mostly paracrine rather than systemic, It means the hormones do not become available in the blood. However, as implants are inserted under the skin, the hormones become available in the bloodstream (4).
Factors that may influence birth control hormones in the blood
Several factors may influence the estrogen and progesterone levels in the blood, including (5, 6, 7):
- Menopause: During menopause, estrogen levels are fluctuating rapidly. This may affect the proper detection of estrogen in the blood test.
- Diet: Some fruits (such as apples, berries, and grapes) and grains (such as barley, oats, and wheat) may boost estrogen levels in the body.
- Obesity: Adipose tissues are known to increase estrogen levels. Having a high percentage of body fat may boost the estrogen levels in the blood.
- Liver problem: Estrogen is metabolized in the liver. Therefore, if you have a liver problem then too much estrogen may accumulate in your body.
Do birth control hormones affect your blood?
Birth control has been known to increase the occurrence of blood clots. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), some birth controls have higher chances of forming blood clots than others (4).
FDA states that birth control containing synthetic drospirenone is more prone to form blood clots than birth control that contains progestin. FDA recommends that women should talk with their healthcare provider about the possibility or history of blood clots before starting birth control (4).
Birth control is an effective way of delaying pregnancy. Most of the time it is 93% effective. However, you should never start taking birth control before consulting your doctor. In case you miss a dose, you should immediately take a birth control pill.
You may experience side effects while taking birth control, including breast tenderness, breast pain, mood changes, nausea, abdominal pain, vaginal irritation, cramps, and spotting. In rare cases, blood in stool is also noted after taking a birth control pill.
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References
1.-
Barakat M, Al-Qudah RA, Akour A, Al-Qudah N, Dallal Bashi YH. Unforeseen uses of oral contraceptive pills: Exploratory study in Jordanian community pharmacies. PLoS One. 2020 Dec 21;15(12):e0244373. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7751968/
2.-
Keating A. The history of the birth control pill. Journal of Undergraduate Social Work Research. 2020 Nov 13;4(2):13-23. https://ugresearchjournals.illinois.edu/index.php/juswr/article/view/677
3.-
Antisell J, Poon T, Borey A, Briddell J, Palesch S. Hormone Delivery System: The Contraceptive Ring. https://ecommons.cornell.edu/items/6fcac27e-178b-45f9-999d-0b5b5e9a9758
4.-
Rivera R, Yacobson I, Grimes D. The mechanism of action of hormonal contraceptives and intrauterine contraceptive devices. American journal of obstetrics and gynecology. 1999 Nov 1;181(5):1263-9. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0002937899701201
5.-
Bernstein L, Ross RK, Pike MC, Brown JB, Henderson BE. Hormone levels in older women: a study of post-menopausal breast cancer patients and healthy population controls. British journal of cancer. 1990 Feb;61(2):298-302. https://www.nature.com/articles/bjc199056
6.-
Lackie E, Fairchild A. The birth control pill, thromboembolic disease, science and the media: a historical review of the relationship. Contraception. 2016 Oct 1;94(4):295-302. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0010782416301299
7.-
Leeners B, Geary N, Tobler PN, Asarian L. Ovarian hormones and obesity. Human reproduction update. 2017 May 1;23(3):300-21. https://academic.oup.com/humupd/article/23/3/300/3058798
