Effects of a subdermal levonorgestrel contraceptive implant (Norplant) on serum cholesterol, triglycerides, ALT and AST in Iranian women.
BACKGROUND
To evaluate the effects of Norplant (36 mg of levonorgestrel, six capsules) on serum cholesterol, triglycerides, alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transminase (AST), we enrolled 465 healthy women from Zahedan, Iran, into a longitudinal study.


METHODS
Blood samples were collected after an overnight fast before implant insertion and after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of use.


RESULTS
Total cholesterol and triglyceride levels did not significantly change during Norplant use. Although there were statistically significant increases in ALT and AST levels during Norplant use, the values were within the reference range.
Taheri
Mohsen
M
Department of Hematology, Zahedan Medical University, Zahedan 98135-396, Iran.
Rahimi
Majid
M
Naderi
Mohammad
M
Ghavami
Saied
S
Mokhtari
Mojgan
M
Rashidi
Homaira
H
Hashemi
Mohammad
M
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood*; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases / Q000097:blood*; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007492:Iran; D016912:Levonorgestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008875:Middle Aged; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood*
D014280:Triglycerides; D016912:Levonorgestrel; D002784:Cholesterol; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases; D000410:Alanine Transaminase