Higher estrogen levels from 'hormone replacement therapy,' birth control pills, and pregnancy, increase intracellular copper and manganese levels, and they sometimes raise serum copper as well, which can contribute to changes in sugar metabolism, oxygen metabolism, and a female's mental and emotional well-being. Serum copper levels also generally increase during acute infections, whereas serum iron levels decline during that time. The only genetic association to toxic copper overload is found in Wilson's disease, which however is relatively rare... Full Text