Serum lipid and lipoprotein changes induced by preparations containing low-dose ethinylestradiol plus levonorgestrel

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects on lipid metabolism of a new low-dose monophasic combination oral contraceptive with 100 microg levonorgestrel and 20 microg ethinylestradiol. Sixty healthy women aged 18-45 years were administered the medication during three cycles. The study participants were screened for lipid changes. The differences in cholesterol and triglyceride levels were not statistically significant, but high-density lipoprotein levels were significantly lower and low-density lipoprotein levels were significantly higher than the baseline. Women at risk of cardiovascular disease should be carefully monitored even when using low-dose preparations.