title: Effects of a subdermal levonorgestrel contraceptive implant (Norplant) on serum cholesterol, triglycerides, ALT and AST in Iranian women.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hematology, Zahedan Medical University, Zahedan 98135-396, Iran.
authors.forename: Mohsen
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Taheri
authors.forename: Majid
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rahimi
authors.forename: Mohammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Naderi
authors.forename: Saied
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ghavami
authors.forename: Mojgan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mokhtari
authors.forename: Homaira
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Rashidi
authors.forename: Mohammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hashemi
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D014280:Triglycerides; D016912:Levonorgestrel; D002784:Cholesterol; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases; D000410:Alanine Transaminase