Serum lipoprotein changes in women over the age of 35 years using combined oral contraceptives

Abstract

The reduction of steroid dose has led to the increase in safety of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) use. Since then modern “low-dose” formulations of COCs have been widely recommended not only for young women but also for women of late reproductive age.

Full Text

Objective: To evaluate the effect of two COC formulations (30 g ethinylestradiol with 300 g norgestrel and 20 g ethinylestradiol with 150 g desogestrel) on serum levels of lipoproteins and apoproteins in women over the age of 35 years.

Methods: 45 women within the age interval of 35-49 years were enrolled in the study. Measurement of lipoproteins and apolipoproteins-Al and apolipoproteins-В was performed at the commencement of the study and after 6 cycles of COCs use.

Results: There was a significant reduction in serum cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels in both groups. The coefficient of atherogenesis was decreased in both groups as well. There was a significant increase in HDL and apoprotein-Al serum levels in women who used COC with 20 g ethinylestradiol and 150 g desogestrel (1,77±0,15 and 1,40±0,11 mmol/l; p<0,05 and 2,37±0,14 and 1,87±0,15 g/l; p<0,05 respectively). No increase in triglycerides was detected in this group (1,46±0,19 and 1,45±0,15 mmol/l).

Conclusions: COC formulation with 20 g ethinylestradiol and 150 g desogestrel has more beneficial effect on antiatherogenic lipoprotein profile as compared to COC formulation with 30 g ethinylestradiol and norgestrel as a progestagen component.