[The influence of oral contraceptives on lipoprotein status (author's transl)].

Sera from 500 female blood donors ages 18-40 were examined by quantitative lipoprotein electrophoresis. 218 women had been taking oral contraceptives (OCs) for more than 3 months; the remaining 282 who were not taking OCs acted as controls. The 2 groups were similar as to age distribution weight and smoking habits. There were 5 subgroups according to the composition of OCs. It was found that all OCs had a favorable influence on the atherogenic beta-lipoprotein fraction. The pure progestogen preparations were less advantageous because they reduced the concentration of potentially antiantherogenic alpha-lipoproteins. (authors) (summary in ENG)