In patients taking oral contraceptives, iron and TIBC levels are typically:

In patients taking oral contraceptives, iron and TIBC levels are typically:

• A. Not determinable
• B. Normal
• C. Increased
• D. Decreased

Answer: (C)

HORMONAL EFFECT ON iron binding proteins and iron stores. Estrogen-containing oral contraceptives reduce monthly menstrual blood loss, so there is less iron lost from the body. That loss reduction allows iron stores in the body to rise, and circulating iron can increase as well. At the same time, estrogen stimulates the liver to produce more iron-binding proteins such as transferrin, which raises the total iron-binding capacity (TIBC). Since TIBC reflects transferrin levels, it tends to be higher when estrogen is present. So, in patients taking oral contraceptives, both iron and TIBC levels are typically increased.

HORMONAL EFFECT ON iron binding proteins and iron stores. Estrogen-containing oral contraceptives reduce monthly menstrual blood loss, so there is less iron lost from the body. That loss reduction allows iron stores in the body to rise, and circulating iron can increase as well. At the same time, estrogen stimulates the liver to produce more iron-binding proteins such as transferrin, which raises the total iron-binding capacity (TIBC). Since TIBC reflects transferrin levels, it tends to be higher when estrogen is present. So, in patients taking oral contraceptives, both iron and TIBC levels are typically increased.