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 mug levonorgestrel and 20 mug ethinylestradiol. Sixty healthy women aged 1845 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.