Comparison of estradiol levels of oral contraceptives on mood

The results of a study comparing two different forms of triphasic oral contraceptive pills (OCP) on both mood and sexual interest were compared in a recent study which was published in the journal Contraception. Both pills had the same amount of progestin, but differing amounts of estradiol. The OCP with the lower amount of estradiol reducted free testosterone less and also resulted in a greater improvement in mood in a popluation of 60 university students.

"The lower EE (Ethinyl estradiol) pill reduced FT (free testosterone) less and was associated with greater improvement in premenstrual mood. A causal relation between these two effects is uncertain" (Greco et al, 2007).

References:
1. Greco T, Graham CA, Bancroft J, Tanner A, Doll HA. The effects of oral contraceptives on androgen levels and their relevance to premenstrual mood and sexual interest: a comparison of two triphasic formulations containing norgestimate and either 35 or 25 microg of ethinyl estradiol. Contraception. 2007 Jul;76(1):8-17. Epub 2007 May 23.