Gene variant that lowers the hormone levels in birth control

 

    

There has been a gene variant discovered in 5% of the population that has been linked to the low blood  levels of the active ingredient in hormonal contraceptives. This genetic variant is known as CYP3A7. This variant is mostly known to affect oral contraceptives as opposed to the implant forms of contraceptives. There were also two other gene variants discovered, however, those did not have as much of an impact on the hormonal contraceptives as the CYP3A7. 

    

The CYP3A7 gene variant will explain the rise of unplanned pregnancies that a lot of women are experiencing even while on birth control. The assumption that women who experienced unplanned pregnancies while on birth control is a fault has been around for many years and can now be explained by this gene variant. 

Source 1: https://www.the-scientist.com/news-opinion/gene-variant-linked-to-lower-levels-of-hormonal-birth-control-65600

Source 2: https://www.snpedia.com/index.php/CYP3A7