A STUDY COMPARING THE EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES ON LIPID PROFILE

Abstract

Compare changes in serum lipid profile induced by Monophasic and Triphasic oral contraceptive pills (OCP). 80women aged 18-38 years, BMI 17-29 Kg/M², regular menstrual cycles, no contraindication for usage of OCP, not had hormonal treatment, Triphasic containing 30-40-30 micrograms ethinylestradiol and 50-75-125micrograms levonorgestrel  (21/7-day regimen) given to forty women, Monophasic containing 30μg ethinyloestradiol  and 150μg levonorgestrel (21/7-day regimen) given to forty women. Fasting samples collected prior to treatment and after completion of 6 cycles. Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, HDL Cholesterol and LDL Cholesterol were determined. In Monophasic OCP, LDL Cholesterol was significantly increased and HDL Cholesterol decreased significantly.  Levonorgestrel in combined OCP is potent androgenic. They maintain high levels of levonorgestrel throughout the cycle, causing raised LDL and reduced HDL Cholesterol. In Triphasic OCP Triglycerides and HDL Cholesterol increased, LDL Cholesterol decreased significantly   due to less progestin and more estrogenic dominance. Triphasic OCP cause favorable changes in plasma lipids. Monophasic OCP causes more disturbances in lipid metabolism suggesting that long term use could increase the risk of Coronary artery disease.