The short-term effects of a low-dose oral contraceptive on glucose metabolism, plasma lipids and blood clotting factors.
Twelve young women were prospectively evaluated for the short-term metabolic effects of a low-dose oral contraceptive containing 30 micrograms ethinyl estradiol and 150 micrograms levonorgestrel. To each volunteer a 50 g glucose challenge was administered monthly as a screening test for changes in the glucose metabolism. Fasting and 30 minutes glucose and insulin values were measured and blood specimens were collected for determination of fasting triglycerides, cholesterol and blood clotting factors II, VII, X. During treatment the fasting plasma glucose level decreased significantly in the first two cycles and then normalized. No change in incremental glucose values was observed. Fasting insulin concentrations, incremental insulin values and the insulinogenic index did not change during the study period. Total plasma cholesterol values decreased during treatment, whereas the plasma triglyceride levels were unaffected. Immediately after tablet intake, an increase was found in the blood clotting factors and the elevated levels continued constantly throughout the study period. Comparing the data from the present study with data from previous investigations on low-dose ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel compounds, there seems to be no difference in the influence on blood clotting factors, glucose and lipid metabolism between treatment for 3 and 6 months. From the study, it is concluded that the impact of oral contraceptives on metabolic functions may emerge during the initial treatment cycles.
D000328:Adult; D001779:Blood Coagulation Factors / Q000032:analysis*; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism*; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood; D016912:Levonorgestrel; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood*; D009644:Norgestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D013997:Time Factors; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood
D001779:Blood Coagulation Factors; D001786:Blood Glucose; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined; D007328:Insulin; D008055:Lipids; D014280:Triglycerides; D009644:Norgestrel; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol; D016912:Levonorgestrel; D002784:Cholesterol