Oral contraception and cardiovascular risk factors during adolescence

The objective of the present study was to analyze the pattern of oral contraceptive (OC) use in teenagers and to examine the relationship between OC use and other cardiovascular risk factors. The study was conducted in 24 Belgian secondary schools. Most students (1526 adolescents aged 12-17 years) agreed to participate (participation rate: 83.6%). Smoking, physical activity habits, menarche, and OC use were assessed by a self-administered questionnaire. Total cholesterol level, blood pressure and anthropometric measurements were also measured. Fourteen per cent of mature girls (14%, n = 92) were OC users. Two-thirds of them (66.3%, n = 61) were taking OC which contained either gestodene or desogestrel. Blood pressure and BMI were similar for OC users and non-users. Total cholesterol level was significantly higher in OC users than in non-users (191 mg/dL versus 172 mg/dL). Logistic regression model confirmed the significant influence of OC use on total cholesterol level (OR = 3.08). OC users were also often smokers (39% versus 20% for non-users). In conclusion, the present study has found significant relationships between OC use and cardiovascular risk factors i.e., high total cholesterol and smoking. The first implication is a need for further research on lipoprotein profile in young OC users. Secondly, the combined use of OC and smoking in teenagers calls for preventive actions.