This longitudinal study of ten healthy women systematically examined whether initiation of oral contraception (OC) influences the diversity, composition, or function of the gut microbiome
No changes were noted in the diversity or composition of the gut microbiome within six months after OC initiation, but the relative abundance of the biosynthesis pathways of peptidoglycan and certain amino acids increased
Although initiation of OC was not associated with major changes in gut microbiome composition, serum levels of endogenous estradiol and sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG) were positively associated with Eubacterium ramulus, a flavonoid-degrading bacterium
Similarly, microbes involving biosynthesis of L-lysine, L-threonine, and L-methionine were significantly associated with lower estradiol and SHBG and higher total testosterone
