An open prospective study on the effects on carbohydrate metabolism of an oral monophasic contraceptive containing gestodene (WL-70).

The effects of a monophasic oral contraceptive (gestodene 75mcg + ethinylestradiol 30 mcg) on plasma glucose (PG) and insulin (IRI) responses to an oral glucose load (OGTT) and on glycosylated haemoglobin Alc (HbAlc), fructosamine (Fr), total cortisol (FT) and transcortin (CBG) were studied in 30 healthy women. Blood samples were taken before treatment and after 6 and 12 cycles. After 6 and 12 months, OGTT-PG and IRI levels showed substantially unchanged values; for HbAlc and Fr the same behaviour was seen with the exception of the latter between 6 and 12 months; FT and CBG showed significant rises. All recorded values were in the normal range. The basal and dynamic PG and IRI behaviour failed to show any significant variations between pre-treatment values and those after 6 and 12 months of OC administration. Other data showed a substantial neutrality for this oral contraceptive containing gestodene.