title: Serum ferritin levels in pill and IUD users.
abstract: 12 women using a low-dose combination oral contraceptive (OC) and 17 wearing a copper IUD were studied.  Serum ferritin concentrations were measured before and 1, 3, and 6 months after commencing contraception.  Ferritin levels in the iron-deficient range (below 50 mcg/l) were present in 5 (42%) and in 8 (47%) subjects, respectively, prior to the start of OCs or IUD insertion.  The OC use induced only a temporary decrease in serum ferritin levels at the start of treatment, whereas 12 of 17 (71%) IUD users had reached iron-deficient levels by the end of the follow-up period.  Thus, the use of OCs had no adverse effect on iron balance, but the monitoring of iron status and the administration of iron-replacement therapy seem to be indicated in the majority of women fitted with an IUD.
mesh_terms: D001695:Biology; D001769:Blood; D003267:Contraception; D003270:Contraceptive Agents; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol; D005193:Family Planning Services; D007434:Intrauterine Devices; D007435:Intrauterine Devices, Copper; D007501:Iron; D008234:Lynestrenol; D010827:Physiology; D012102:Reproductive Control Agents
chemical_list: D003270:Contraceptive Agents; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D012102:Reproductive Control Agents; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol; D007501:Iron; D008234:Lynestrenol
keywords: Biology; Contraception; Contraceptive Agents; Contraceptive Agents, Female; Contraceptive Methods--side effects; Ethinyl Estradiol; Family Planning; Hematological Effects; Hemic System; Iud, Copper Releasing; Iud--side effects; Lynestrenol; Oral Contraceptives--side effects; Physiology; Reproductive Control Agents; Serum Iron Level--changes