Contraceptive steroid effects on nonreproductive organ systems

Oral contraceptives affect many organ systems in addition to the reproductive tract. In some cases the alteration is just a clinical laboratory test result value; in others it represents a true alteration in metabolism, with the induction of increased enzyme activity. Even with the markedly reduced steroid content of today's oral contraceptives, the practitioner must continue to be aware of these potential and real effects on nonreproductive organ systems.