Lipid carbohydrate and androgen metabolism in women using a triphasic oral contraceptive containing norethindrone for one year.

A clinical trial was conducted to determine the effects of a norethindrone-containing triphasic oral contraceptive (OC) Ortho-Novum 7/7/7 on lipid carbohydrate and androgen metabolism in 22 women during 12 cycles of use. Examinations were made in 2 consecutive cycles prior to treatment and after 3 6 9 and 12 cycles of treatment. Treatment consisted of ethinyl estradiol 35 mcg/day for 21 days together with norethindrone in stepwise-increasing doses of 0.5 0.75 and 1.0 mg/day with each dose given for 7 days. Only a minimal impact on lipid metabolism was observed during treatment. There were no unfavorable changes in any HDL-related measurement. HDl-cholesterol and alpha levels were not altered in any cycle. The HDL:LDL ratio was not significantly altered during treatment. LDL cholesterol levels were also unaltered during treatment but there were slight elevations in other LDL-related measurements in some cycles. Total cholesterol phospholipid and triglyceride levels elevated in cycle 9 and triglyceride levels also increased in cycle 3 but no significant changes were observed in these levels at any other sampling times. Carbohydrate metabolism did not change significantly as indicated by means fasting levels of glucose insulin and HbA1c or by levels of these parameters indicate the lack of androgenicity. The results of this study demonstrate that Ortho-Novum 7/7/7 use results in a minimal impact on lipid metabolism no change in carbohydrate metabolism and no potential for androgenic side effects. (authors)