A new low-dose estrogen oral contraceptive combination: effect on endocrine parameters and lipid status

In this study the variations of endocrine and metabolic parameters of 39 women treated with a new oral contraceptive combination containing 20 mcg of ethinylestradiol and 150 mcg of desogestrel were examined. Gonadotropins and androgen presented a significant decrease, showing the efficiency of suppression of the pituitary-ovarian activity and of the contraceptive effect. The significant increase of SHBG and the corresponding reduction of free testosterone reflect the estrogenic environment of this pill and the low androgenicity of desogestrel. During the observation period, plasma levels of total cholesterol, trglycerides, LDL-C and HDL2-C were not altered, whereas total phospholipids, HDL-C and HDL3-C increased significantly. Besides a general positive effect on the main lipid parameters involved in atherogenic process, this pill also presented an optimal subjective tolerability.