Effect of a continuous regimen of contraceptive combination of ethinylestradiol and drospirenone on lipid, carbohydrate and coagulation profiles
Received 9 June 2009; accepted 25 August 2009. published online 05 October 2009.
Abstract
Background
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a contraceptive pill containing ethinylestradiol (30 mcg) and drospirenone (3 mg) in a continuous regimen on lipid, carbohydrate and coagulation parameters.
Study Design
This open, prospective, randomized study included 78 participants (mean age 27.8 years) who were randomized into two groups to use the pill continuously for 168 days or for six 28-day cycles with a 7-day hormone-free interval between cycles. Markers of lipid, carbohydrate and coagulation profiles were measured prior to initiation and after the 6 months of pill use.
Results
No statistically significant differences were found between the two contraceptive regimens with respect to carbohydrate or lipid profiles or in the parameters related to coagulation.
Conclusions
The contraceptive combination of ethinylestradiol and drospirenone used in a continuous regimen was associated with metabolic alterations similar to those found during the traditional cyclic regimen of oral contraceptive use.
aDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jundiaí School of Medicine, 13202-550 Jundiaí, São Paulo, Brazil
bDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, 05403-900 São Paulo, Brazil
cCentro de Pesquisa e Assistência em Reprodução Humana (CEPARH), 44015-340 Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
Corresponding author. Departamento de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia, Faculdade de Medicina de Jundiaí., R. Francisco Telles 250, 13202-550 Jundiaí, São Paulo, Brazil. Tel.: +55 11 4521 6466; fax: +55 11 4521 6040.
ABSTRACT