Effect of Norplant implants on liver, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism

In this study involving 100 women, the metabolic changes seen with Norplant use were evaluated. Besides a significant increase in serum bilirubin, there were no other changes in liver function to suggest possible hepatocellular dysfunction at the end of five years. Even the raised mean levels of bilirubin remained within the normal clinical range for the local population. As regards lipid metabolism, total triglycerides, cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol were decreased through the five years of Norplant use. The HDL-cholesterol showed a significant increase in the first year; it then decreased over the years to its preinsertion level at the end of five years. As a result, the HDL-cholesterol/Total cholesterol - HDL-cholesterol showed a significant increase in the first year and then decreased to almost its preinsertion value at the end of five years. The findings appear to indicate Norplant use not to be contributory to cardiovascular risk. The use of Norplant was not associated with any significant effect on carbohydrate metabolism.