Effect of oral contraceptives [LD and cilest] on clotting factors Vlll ix

Based on epidemiologic data, women who take oral contraceptives seem to have an increased risk of developing thromboembollic disease. The thrombotic effects of oral contraceptive [OC] are probably mediated, at least partly through their effects on the coagulation system. Plasma levels of several clotting factors have been shown to be elevated in OC users, and this increase is graduated according to the dose of estrogen. In this study, fifty healthy and non smoking women, aged 18-35 years, were randomly assigned to treatment with 2 different OCs: a monophasic pill containing 30 pg of ethinyl estradiol plus 150micro g levonorgestrel [LD] and a monophasic pill containing 35micro g ethinylestradiol plus 250pg norgestimate [Cilest]. Factor VIII plasma values were significantly decreased [P<0.05] only in women treated with the preparation LD, but the levels of factor VIII were not significantly different in the group treated with Cilest. Factor IX plasma values were significantly increased [P<0.05] only in women treated with the preparation Cilest, but the levels of factor Ix were not significantly different in the group treated with LD. In LD and cilest users factors VIII and IX were not significantly changed [P<0.05] in overweight and obese subjects in comparison to normal weight

Total and fractionated serum lipids before, during and after the use of norgestrel

The effects of norgestrel on the fasting serum level of total lipids, B-lipoproteins, Cholesterol, phospholipids and triglycerides have been studied in 100 women. The total and fractionated serum lipids were estimated before, during and six months after discontinuation of the drug. There was a significant reduction of serum triglycerides and phospholipids. Total lipids and B-liopoproteins showed an insignificant increase, while cholesterol showed an insignificant decrease. As progestogens tended to improvement the hyperlipidaemic state, contraceptive pills containing progestogens would be the ideal choice for women with hyperelipaemia or with a family history of premature vascular accidents