Comparative effects of combined oral contraceptives containing desogestrel or levonorgestrel on serum lipids, lipoproteins and sex hormone binding globulin in healthy women

Abstract

The use of oral contraceptives has been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease in past studies and research. One method of detecting such a risk is by monitoring changes in serum lipid profiles. Progestogens, particularly those containing 19-nortestosterone, are linked to an increase in LDL-C and a decrease in HDL-C; these changes increase the risk of atherogenesis. However, estrogens have a diametric effect. Therefore, it would seem that the best OC would decrease LDL-C and increase HDL-C. Previous studies on the effects of OCs on serum lipids differ considerably. In this study, 2 types of combined oral contraceptives containing ethinylestradiol plus desogestrel or levonorgestrel were tested for their effects on lipid metabolism and sex hormone binding globulin. Ethinylestradiol plus desogestrel showed more favorable results on serum lipoproteins and levonorgestrel, and so it would appear that the former preparation would be more suitable for contraceptive use especially among women with androgenic symptoms.