Metabolic effects of contraceptive pills
Laatikainen, T.; Tikkanen, M.J.
Duodecim; Laaketieteellinen Aikakauskirja 103(9): 532-537
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0012-7183 PMID: 3331141 Document Number: 368138
The side effects and health risks associated with contraceptive pills have been explained by the metabolic changes they produce. The steroids in them affect the metabolism of hormones, vitamins, trace elements, carbohydrates, proteins and lipids. The changes, however, are minimal, and the steroid content has decreased over the years. The liver toxicity of currently used pills is small. Serum amino transferase values need to be checked once during the 1st 3-6 months of use, although routine liver tests have been halted. Contraceptive pills cause fluid retention and weight increase because of the estrogens. Progestin increases the secretion of water and natrium. Osteoporosis, however, does not develop. Contraceptive pills do not cause diabetes, although blood sugar increases more than average during the glucose tolerance test. Some progestins have a poor anabolic effect. The ethinylestradiol pill increases the content of some liver-based proteins in the circulation. Smoking is an important risk factor because it increases changes in the content of coagulation factors and antithrombin III. The progestin component determines the effect of the pill on lipoproteins. Changes in the cholesterol and triglycerides have remained minimal, as the estrogen-progestin content of the pill has been decreased. A new product that acts antiandrogenically has been developed for contraception by those suffering from acne.