Comparative study of lipid metabolism and endocrine function in women receiving levonorgestrel- and desogestrel-containing oral contraceptives

  • U. J. Gaspard
  • M. A. Romus
  • D. Gillain
Chapter

Summary

The aim of this randomized study was to evaluate potential alterations of the lipid profile and endocrine function in carefully matched healthy female volunteers investigated before and at 6 months’ use of three new oral contraceptives (OCs): Logynon (n=13), a triphasic OC containing low doses of ethinyloestradiol (EE) + levonorgestrel (LNg), Marvelon (n=14), a monophasic OC containing low dpses of EE + desogestrel (DOG, a new progestogen derived from LNg) and Ovidol (n=11), a sequential OC containing higher doses (50μg) of EE + DOG.

At the 6th month of OC use, results were as follows: (1) Lipid profile: Total-C, HDL-C, LDL-C and their ratios were unchanged; Apo AI/Apo B ratio was somewhat increased with all three OCs. VLDL + total triglycerides were significantly increased with Ovidol only. (2) Hormones: PRL levels were unchanged. FSH, LH, E2 and P were low, indicating effective ovulation inhibition in all individuals. Free T levels were equally well inhibited by all three OCs due to increased SHBG (Ovidol + 397% from basal, Marvelon + 352%, Logynon + 127%). PRA was significantly increased with Ovidol only. Free F was unchanged.

In conclusion, Marvelon, and particularly Ovidol (marked increase in VLDL, TG, SHBG, CBG, PRA) are distinctly more oestrogenic than Logynon.

Keywords

Oral Contraceptive Plasma Renin Activity Ethinyl Estradiol Fertility Control Oral Contraception 
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References

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Copyright information

© MTP Press Limited 1984

Authors and Affiliations

  • U. J. Gaspard
  • M. A. Romus
  • D. Gillain

There are no affiliations available

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