Serum lipid and lipoprotein changes induced by preparations containing low‐dose ethinylestradiol plus levonorgestrel

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects on lipid metabolism of a new low-dose monophasic combination oral contraceptive with 100 microg levonorgestrel and 20 microg ethinylestradiol. Sixty healthy women aged 18-45 years were administered the medication during three cycles. The study participants were screened for lipid changes. The differences in cholesterol and triglyceride levels were not statistically significant, but high-density lipoprotein levels were significantly lower and low-density lipoprotein levels were significantly higher than the baseline. Women at risk of cardiovascular disease should be carefully monitored even when using low-dose preparations.

Ethinylestradio-Chlormadinone Acetate Combination for the Treatment of Hirsutism and Hormonal Alterations of Normal-Weight Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Evaluation of the Metabolic Impact

“…Actually, earlier studies demonstrated that the combinations containing less androgenic progestogens are associated with less pronounced effects on lipids. 36,40,41 In our participants with PCOS, the EE-CMA combination did not affect total cholesterol and triglycerides, which remained in the normal range during the study. Conversely, LDL cholesterol was significantly reduced by treatment, this change being associated with a minor increase in HDL cholesterol levels observed at the end of the treatment period.…”