Effect of low-dose oral contraceptives on lipid profile levels in Sudanese women using oral contraceptive pills

Oral contraceptives provide highly reliable contraceptive protection even though imperfect use is considered, and are widely used worldwide. This study aimed to assess the effect of low dose combined oral contraceptive pills use on lipid profile levels in Sudanese women, and to find its correlation with age, BMI and duration of using oral contraceptive. A clinically-based descriptive study was conducted during the period from May to October 2013. Sixty six women using low dose combined oral contraceptive were selected as a test group compared to sixty six apparently healthy non users as a control, attending the family planning center of Omdurman Maternity Hospital in Khartoum state, Sudan. Blood specimens were collected from both groups and serum levels of Total Cholesterol, Triglyceride and High Density Lipoprotein [HDL] were estimated and Low Density Lipoprotein [LDL] was calculated using Friedewaled equation. Results showed a significant increase in the mean serum levels of Total Cholesterol, Triglyceride and HDL in the test group compared with the control group [p <0.05] and insignificant increase in the mean serum levels of LDL in the test group [P = 0.327]. HDL levels decreased with age [P value 0.000] while Cholesterol, Triglyceride and LDL levels were not affected. The study also showed significant increase in Cholesterol, Triglyceride and decrease in HDL with duration of oral contraceptive use [P <0.05].The BMI was significantly higher in users than non-users [P 0.025]. Combined oral contraceptive pills adversely affect the lipid profile. This may be due to drug responsiveness, as well as increased BMI. There isa correlation between duration of oral contraceptive use and lipid profile among the studied cases