Liver-function tests during intake of contraceptive tablets in pre-menopausal women.

In a previous study in postmenopausal women elevated serum levels of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and glutamic pyruvic transaminase were found in every case whereas other workers found no evidence of abnormal liver function in premenopausal women. A study is reported which was undertaken to explain this apparent discrepancy. The incidence of abnormal liver-function tests was studied in 109 premenopausal women (mean age 29.4) taking contraceptive tablets. Volidan was given to 45 women and Lyndiol to 39 women aged 17-41 for contraception; Orgametril was administered therapeutically to 25 women aged 23-52. Standard liver-function tests were performed at regular intervals in every case. The same low incidence of abnormal results was found in the Volidan and Orgametril groups; serum-transaminase levels were raised in 4% of women and the bromsulphthalein (BSP) retention was increased in 19%. In the Lyndiol group however the incidence was much higher with raised serum-transaminase levels in 18% of cases and increased BSP retention in 48%. In all cases the liver-function tests returned to normal within 4 weeks of withdrawal of the drug.