Exploring the Effect of Hormonal Contraceptives on Postprandial Glucose Handling in Young Healthy Females
Objectives: We will investigate if the body's ability to handle glucose differs between these groups. We will also explore if these differences are linked to the levels of primary sex hormones in females, estrogen and progesterone, and if the synthetic versions produced by hormonal birth control have the same negative effect. We will use an oral glucose tolerance test to investigate these potential differences, having participants drink a 75 gram glucose beverage and taking blood samples every 15-30 minutes for a 2-hour timespan. These blood samples will be used to measure glucose and insulin levels in the blood to determine any changes that occur in the body in response to glucose.
• Within 18-45 years
• BMI between 18.5 and 30.0 kg/m2
• Weight stable for the past 6 months (± 2kg)
• VO2peak values within a below average to above average rangea
• Fasting blood glucose \<6.0 mMb
• Resting blood pressure \<140/90 mmHg
⁃ NAT females:
⁃ • Regular menstrual cycle for \> 6 months (defined as a cycle length of 21-35 days)
⁃ OCP users:
• Use of combined OCPs as prescribed for \> 3 months
• Second generation levonorgestrel drugs only
• Monophasic formulations only (Alesse, Alysena, Audrina, Aviane, Min-Ovral, Ovima, or Portia)
⁃ IUD users:
• Insertion of IUD no fewer than 3 months prior to beginning of study
• Hormonal, levonorgestrel-releasing IUD (Kyleena or Mirena)