The effects of two progestogen-only pills containing either desogestrel (75 μg/day) or levonorgestrel (30 μg/day) on carbohydrate metabolism and adrenal and thyroid function

Objective To compare the effects of two progestogen-only pills, containing either desogestrel or levonorgestrel, on carbohydrate metabolism, and adrenal and thyroid function. Methods In a double-blind, randomized, multicenter study in Finland, 84 healthy female volunteers received either desogestrel 75 μg/day or levonorgestrel 30 μg/day for seven treatment periods of 28 days. The following laboratory parameters were measured at screening, and at treatment periods 3 and 7: carbohydrate metabolism (glucose, insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C)), adrenal function (total cortisol, cortisol binding globulin (CBG), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS)), thyroid function (thyroid stimulating hormone, free thyroxine). Results Overall, the effect on carbohydrate metabolism was minimal with both study medications. There was a trend for higher glucose and insulin values for the levonorgestrel group at both treatment periods 3 and 7. None of the changes were thought to be clinically relevant. Both preparations ...