Effect of long-term hormonal contraception on plasma lipids

Serum lipid and apoprotein levels were determined in fasting women after long-term use (5-12 years) of Depo Provera, Orgametril, Ortho Novum SQ, Binordiol, Microgynon-50, and Ministat. Compared with matched controls, pure progestogens (Depo Provera and Orgametril) caused a moderate decrease of TG, HDL chol, and Apo A1, whereas estrogen-dominant oral contraceptives (Ortho Novum SQ) increased the same parameters. The effects of long-term use of hormonal contraception on lipids did not differ from those predicted from short-term (6 months) studies.