A genetic component in some women breaks down contraceptive hormones

Researchers at the Anschutz Medical Center at the University of Colorado may be carrying a gene that breaks down hormones commonly used in contraceptives during pregnancy while using a contraceptive method.

"These findings mark the first time that a genetic variant is badociated with birth control," said lead author of the study, Aaron Lazorwitz, MD, badistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the faculty of medicine of the University of Colorado.

The study was published today in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Contraceptives are not 100% effective but the reasons for their failure have never been fully explained.

Women are generally accused of not using the drug properly. But Lazorwitz and his colleagues suspected that there could be other reasons to work. They examined 350 healthy women whose median age was 22.5 years and who had a contraceptive implant in place between 12 and 36 months.

The researchers found that 5% of the women tested had a gene called CYP3A7 * 1C, usually active in the fetus and then deactivated before birth. But some women with this gene continue to produce the CYP3A7 enzyme in adulthood.

"This enzyme breaks down hormones in birth control and can expose women to a greater risk of pregnancy when using contraceptives, especially lower-dose methods," Lazorwitz said.

The variant could be found during genetic screening.

"When a woman says that she became pregnant while she was under birth control, it was always badumed that it was somehow her fault," Lazorwitz said. "But these results show that we should listen to our patients and determine if there is something in their genes that is causing it."

The results show that pharmacogenomics, a relatively new area that badyzes the impact of genes on a person's response to medication, can potentially dramatically alter the field of women's health.

"Especially in light of the social, financial and emotional consequences of the failure of contraception and the extent of indications for steroid hormones throughout a woman's life," said l & # 39; study.

Lazorwitz said the study could help stimulate the development of more accurate medical tools that can help tailor treatment to each patient.

"As more genetic data become available, clinicians may need to consider adding a genetic predisposition to increased steroid hormone metabolism in their differential diagnosis of unwanted pregnancies in women reporting perfect adherence to methods." hormonal contraception, "he said.

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CU Anschutz Medical Campus