Copper Toxicity in Women
- There are a few reasons why women may be more prone to copper toxicity
Copper is an essential mineral. However, at high levels, it acts as a toxic metal1,8.
Anyone subjected to years of chronic stress can end up with excess stored copper. See the article: Adrenal Fatigue and Copper for more information.
However, there are a few factors that may make women more prone to copper overload, and adrenal fatigue.
Higher Estrogen in Women
- Women are more likely to retain copper due to higher estrogen levels
Women have higher estrogen levels 2. And Estrogen increases copper retention3,6.
The blood levels of copper and zinc even change during the menstrual cycle due to changing estrogen levels11.
Copper levels in the brain have been shown to increase with increased estrogen6.
4 weeks after implantation with 17 beta-estradiol (estrogen) their serum copper and ceruloplasmin and brain copper levels increased 6.
menstruating women have increased copper (Cu) absorption and half-life, so they tend to accumulate more Cu than males 12.
This likely why progesterone cream can be helpful for the anxiety that happens with adrenal fatigue. Progesterone counters Estrogen, and will therefore reduce copper accumulation.
Oral Contraceptive
- Oral Contraceptives result in even higher copper levels
Oral contraceptives contain estrogen, which results in even higher levels of copper 3,7
Widespread use of estrogen medications such as the birth control pill is one of the main reasons for the prevalence of copper overload today3.
A 1998 study found that all types of oral contraceptives increase blood levels of copper14.
A 2010 report filed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found that 82% of women had used oral contraceptives at some point in their lives15.
Oral contraceptives may be one reason women are prone to adrenal fatigue and copper toxicity.
Copper IUDs
A Copper IUD is a device inserted into the uterus as a form of contraceptive. They are non-hormonal based, which makes them attractive for those worried about hormone based contraceptives.
How many women have ever used them? A 2014 report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported the following :
Ever-use of the IUD declined from 1982 (18%) through 2002 (5.8%), but increased between 2002 and 2006-2010 (7.7%) 17
But do they have an impact on copper levels?
A study of 122 women using Copper IUDs, published in 2014 found a significant increase in
copper serum
levels
16. Serum means blood levels.
Summary
Copper toxicity is a concern for anyone exposed to chronic stress. However, women seem especially prone.
This may be part of the why 82% of visitors to this adrenal fatigue site are female (based on a site survey).
References
1. Copper toxicity2. Estrogen
3. Why Am I Always So Tired?. HarperCollins. Ann-Louise Giddleman
4. www.psychologytoday.com--Zinc! An Antidepressant? The essential mineral for resiliency Published on September 15, 2013 by Emily Deans, M.D. in Evolutionary Psychiatry
5. Zinc and copper interact antagonistically in the regulation of linolenic acid metabolism
6. Effect of estrogen on serum and tissue levels of copper and zinc.
7. Serum copper in rural women taking combined oral contraceptive.
8. The Role of Glutathione in Copper Metabolism and Toxicity - The Journal of Biological Chemistry, 1989
9. Effect of estrogen-progestogen administration on tissue cation concentrations in the rat.
10. Estrogen impairs glucocorticoid dependent negative feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis via estrogen receptor alpha within the hypothalamus
11. Changes in copper and zinc plasma concentrations during the normal menstrual cycle in women.
12. The possible role of gradual accumulation of copper, cadmium, lead and iron and gradual depletion of zinc, magnesium, selenium, vitamins B2, B6, D, and E and essential fatty acids in multiple sclerosis
13. Influence of estrogens on copper indicators: in vivo and in vitro studies
14. Effect of oral contraceptive progestins on serum copper concentration
15. Use of Contraception in the United States: 1982-2008
16. Changes in copper and zinc serum levels in women wearing a copper TCu-380A intrauterine device
17. Contraceptive Methods Women Have Ever Used: United States. 1982-2010
18. Human Physiology/Homeostasis
19. IUD with copper
