Metabolic profile of a continuous versus a cyclic low-dose combined oral contraceptive after one year of use
article
Objectives?To compare the effects of a combined oral contraceptive (COC) taken continuously with those of one of similar composition taken cyclically on 30 variables related to haemostasis, lipids, carbohydrates, bone metabolism, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). Methods?Randomised, open-label, multicentre, comparative substudy of a larger phase 3 trial involving 147 healthy women (age 18-?49 years). Participants received the COC either continuously (levonorgestrel [LNG] 90 µg/ethinylestradiol [EE] 20 µg) or cyclically (21/7 days pattern; LNG 100 µg/EE 20 µg). Results?After 13 pill packs, changes in total cholesterol (+0.23 vs. -?0.06 mmol/l), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (+0.25 vs. -?0.12 mmol/l), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol3 (-?0.06 vs. -?0.15 mmol/l) differed significantly (p<0.05) between the continuous and cyclic regimens, respectively. Increases were significantly greater (p <0.05) for protein C antigen (+11.8% vs. +6.1%) and SHBG (+791 vs. +565 nmol/l), and significantly smaller (p <0.05, ranks) for D-dimer (+19 vs. +37 µg FE/l). Conclusions?Overall, the continuous and cyclic regimens affected metabolic variables similarly. The larger increase in SHBG with the continuous COC is consistent with a higher net oestrogenic effect due to a lower daily dose of LNG. Prospective studies are required to determine the long-term effects of this continuous COC regimen. © 2011 The European Society of Contraception and Reproductive Health.
TNO Identifier
428812
ISSN
13625187
Source
European Journal of Contraception and Reproductive Health Care, 16(2), pp. 85-94.
Pages
85-94
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