Fig. 1: Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of the CHRIS plasma proteome data reveals that proteomes of young women cluster into two distinct groups, which are attributable to the use of hormonal contraceptives.

a Grouping of individuals on PC1 and PC2. Women (red) and men (blue) are distinguished by color. A distinct cluster of women separates from the main bulk of male and female participants, particularly along PC1, indicating the presence of a subgroup of female study participants with a strong characteristic plasma proteome. b PCA loadings on PC1 and PC2. Each arrow represents a protein, with its length and direction indicating the protein’s contribution to the respective principal component, highlighting the proteins most influential in driving variance. c Relationship between PC1 (x-axis) and participant’s age (y-axis). The cluster of women on PC1 is clearly enriched with young women below the age of 40.