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Serum ferritin levels in pill and IUD users
Contraceptive Delivery Systems
|April 1, 1983
Summary
Oral contraceptives (OCs) did not negatively impact iron balance in women. However, copper intrauterine devices (IUDs) were associated with increased iron deficiency, necessitating iron status monitoring and potential replacement therapy for IUD users.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Iron Metabolism
- Contraception
Background:
- Iron deficiency is a significant global health concern.
- Hormonal and non-hormonal contraceptives can influence iron status.
- Understanding the impact of different contraceptive methods on iron balance is crucial for women's health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of low-dose combination oral contraceptives (OCs) and copper intrauterine devices (IUDs) on serum ferritin levels.
- To assess the impact of these contraceptive methods on iron status over a six-month period.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 12 women using low-dose combination OCs and 17 women using copper IUDs.
- Serum ferritin concentrations were measured at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months after initiating contraception.
Main Results:
- Oral contraceptive use resulted in a temporary decrease in serum ferritin, with no long-term adverse effect on iron balance.
- A significant proportion of copper IUD users (71%) reached iron-deficient ferritin levels by the end of the study.
- Pre-existing iron deficiency was noted in a substantial percentage of participants in both groups before contraception initiation.
Conclusions:
- Low-dose combination oral contraceptives appear to have a neutral effect on women's iron status.
- Copper IUDs are associated with a higher risk of developing iron deficiency.
- Routine monitoring of iron status and consideration of iron supplementation are recommended for women using copper IUDs.
Keywords:
BiologyContraceptionContraceptive AgentsContraceptive Agents, FemaleContraceptive Methods--side effectsEthinyl EstradiolFamily PlanningHematological EffectsHemic SystemIud, Copper ReleasingIud--side effectsLynestrenolOral Contraceptives--side effectsPhysiologyReproductive Control AgentsSerum Iron Level--changes