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Paris, France – A groundbreaking study published in the journal Science Advances has unveiled significant insights into the factors influencing steroid hormone levels in healthy adults. Researchers have found that oral contraceptive use and smoking, among other lifestyle choices, significantly impact these levels, alongside biological sex and age.
The ambitious research, conducted by the Milieu Interieur consortium and led by Dr. Darragh Duffy and Dr. Molly Ingersoll, aimed to expand the understanding of steroid hormone levels, including corticoids and sex hormones, across a broad age range. This is the first study to analyze such a large number of hormones in nearly 1,000 healthy individuals, filling a critical knowledge gap.
Dr. Jamie Sugrue, co-first author and Trinity College Dublin graduate, highlighted the study’s significance, stating, “Our study provides a significant resource for the research community, and generates many new hypotheses for further research.”
Key findings revealed that hormone levels vary with age and sex, but are also influenced by genetics and common behaviors. Notably, oral contraceptive use in women affected numerous steroid hormone levels beyond sex hormones. In men, smoking was associated with altered levels of nearly every steroid hormone measured.
Furthermore, a 10-year follow-up of the same donors showed that decreases in specific androgens were linked to various diseases in aging men, suggesting a role for these hormones in disease development.
“This study brings much needed data to a subject that is receiving a lot of interest in the mainstream news and on social media platforms, providing a strong basis for investigating the role of steroid hormones in health and disease,” said co-first author Dr. Léa G. Deltourbe.
The research also underscores the potential impact of the contraceptive pill on physical and mental health, emphasizing the need for a better understanding to improve the quality of life for women using this medication.
Professor Cliona O’Farrelly from Trinity College Dublin added, “If the COVID pandemic taught us anything it was how different all our immune systems are, and being part of the Milieu Interieur collaboration is giving us Trinity researchers a wonderful opportunity to study the molecular and genetic mechanisms responsible for these differences at scale.”
The researchers plan to further investigate how variations in hormone levels contribute to differences in immune responses between individuals.
Disclaimer: This article is based on scientific research published in Science Advances. The information provided is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice.1Individuals should consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to their health or treatment. The effects of oral contraceptives and smoking on steroid hormone levels can vary significantly between individuals. More research is needed to fully understand these complex interactions.(
More information: Léa Deltourbe et al, Steroid hormone levels vary with sex, aging, lifestyle, and genetics, Science Advances (2025). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adu6094. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adu6094
