Title: Biochemical effects in women following one year's exposure to a new triphasic contraceptive. I. Chemistry profiles.

POPLINE Document Number: 120200

Author(s):

Lox CD

Source citation:

GENERAL PHARMACOLOGY, 1996 Mar;27(2):367-70.

Abstract:

To evaluate the lipid and blood chemistry profiles associated with an experimental triphasic contraceptive (35 mcg of ethinyl estradiol and 7 days each of 0.18, 0.125, and 0.25 mg of norgestimate), 39 non-smoking female volunteers were enrolled in a 12-month study. Biochemical determinations of 21 variables were made at baseline and after 3, 6, and 12 months of exposure. There were no significant changes throughout the study period in the complete blood count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, or platelet count. Thyroxine increased, while resin uptake thyroxine 3 and urinary cortisol decreased--a finding consistent with hormonal contraceptive use. Slight increases in cholesterol and triglycerides were recorded, as well as nonsignificant increases in both high-density (HDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL). Most significant changes in chemistry profiles occurred in the 14 women with no previous history of oral contraceptive (OC) use. Overall, this low-dose triphasic contraceptive had a less deleterious effect on lipids than biphasic OCs and may provide some cardiovascular protection through its beneficial effect (17% increase) on HDL-cholesterol.

Keywords:

Research Report
Clinical Trials
Oral Contraceptives, Phasic
Norgestimate
Lipid Metabolic Effects
Cardiovascular Effects
Side Effects
Oral Contraceptives, Side Effects
Clinical Research
Research Methodology
Oral Contraceptives, Combined
Oral Contraceptives
Contraceptive Methods
Contraception
Family Planning
Contraceptive Agents, Progestin
Contraceptive Agents, Female
Contraceptive Agents
Lipids
Physiology
Biology
Treatment
Contraceptive Safety
Safety
Public Health
Health