Effect of oral contraceptive usage on zinc and copper in serum and hair.

Zinc and copper concentration in serum and hair were determined in 12 women before the initiation of oral contraceptive therapy and after a period of 3 months and 6 months. A significant elevation in serum copper occured after the usage of oral contraceptive for 3 months. The taking of oral contraceptive agent (OCA) for a subsequent 3 month period caused no further significant increase in serum copper concentration. No significant effect of OCA on serum zinc and on hair concentration of these trace elements was noted. Further study is indicated to establish the significance of these on overall metabolism and on clinical consequences.