Effect of administration and withdrawal of oral contraceptive pills on serum lipids and lipoproteins
Arora, S.; Arora, R.C.; Garg, R.K.; Agarwal, N.; Nautiyal, A.
Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 32(1): 67-71
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5499 PMID: 3169963 Document Number: 360127
Studies on the use of oral contraceptives in the West have shown that they induce changes in total serum cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoproteins, low density lipoproteins, and very low density lipoproteins -- changes which are implicated in the development of atherosclerosis. In India, however, women consume low fats, low cholesterol and fewer calories; they drink less alcohol and rarely smoke; and they engage in more physical activities. 2 groups of Indian women were tested for lipid metabolism alterations during and after use of oral contraceptives supplied by the Indian government. 1 group of 23 women, aged 20-30, received low dose oral contraceptives containing 30 ug ethinyl estradiol and 1 mg of norethisterone acetate, and their serum lipid levels were tested after 3 and 6 months of use. A 2nd group of 12 multiparas, aged 25-35, who had been taking oral contraceptives for 1 1/2 to 2 years (either 50 um ethinyl estradiol and .5 mg norgestrel, called Ovular or Primovlar-50, or 30 ug ethinyl estradiol and .5 mg ethynodiol diacetate, called Ovular-50) were examined for serum lipid levels 3 and 6 months after withdrawal from the pills. In the 1st group no significant change was observed in any lipid fraction after 3 or 6 months of oral contraceptive use. In the 2nd group low density lipoprotein levels were significantly lower 3 and 6 months after withdrawal, in comparison with the basal values of the 1st group. It is concluded that low dose oral contraceptives supplied by the Indian government have no significant effect on serum lipids after 6 months of use.