The Association Between Birth Control Use and Metabolic Profiles of Women Residing in the United States (NHANES 2015 - 2016) Open Access

Abstract

Introduction: With the increased use of hormonal contraceptives among women in the United

States, alongside the linkage between reproductive hormones and metabolic disease, it is

important to understand if the use of birth control impacts metabolic profiles in women. While

there is previous research on the effects of birth control history in menopausal women, there is

less research in women who are of reproductive age. The objective of this research is to conduct

cross-sectional descriptive analysis of five metabolic outcomes according to women’s history of

birth control usage.

Methods: Data were from the nationally representative National Health and Nutrition

Examination Survey (NHANES) 2015-2016. The study population comprised non-pregnant

women aged 20-44 years in the United States. We compared metabolic measures between those

who have ever used birth control and those who have not. Differences by birth control history in

total cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference, and

glycohemoglobin levels were modeled using linear and quantile regression.

Results: A total 694 women with mean age 32.5 were included in the analysis; 66.57% reported

a minority race and ethnicity background. 67.44% reported history of birth control use. In

adjusted regression models, women who had used birth control had, on average, a 3.17 mmHg

(95%CI) higher systolic blood pressure compared to those who had never used birth control.

There were no other statistically significant differences in metabolic measures between women

who had ever or never used birth control.

Discussion: In a diverse group of US women, we found that women with a history of birth

control had higher systolic blood pressure. Findings motivate further research on the role of birth

control in hypertension development and the appropriateness of birth control among women at

high risk for hypertension.

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION 1

LITERATURE REVIEW 2

BIRTH CONTROL USE IN THE UNITED STATES 2

PATHWAYS LINKING CONTRACEPTIVE USE TO METABOLIC HEALTH 4

Weight and Body Mass Index 4

Birth Control Use and Glycohemoglobin 5

Hypertension 5

Hyperlipidemia 6

BIRTH CONTROL USE AND METABOLIC OUTCOMES 7

SCIENTIFIC PREMISE 7

METHODS 8

STUDY POPULATION 8

STUDY MEASURES 9

RESULTS 12

CONCLUSION 18

REFERENCES 20

TABLES AND FIGURES 23

About this Master's Thesis

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• Permission granted by the author to include this thesis or dissertation in this repository. All rights reserved by the author. Please contact the author for information regarding the reproduction and use of this thesis or dissertation.

School	Rollins School of Public Health
Department	Hubert Department of Global Health
Degree	M.P.H.
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Health Sciences, Public Health
Keyword	metabolic outcomes birth control women's health
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Dr. Shivani A. Patel, Emory University

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