Alterations in blood sugar, protein, and lipid levels in Indian women by norethisterone enanthate.

ABSTRACT

Fasting levels of sugar, protein, and lipids, namely, cholesterol, triglyceride, and phospholipid, were determined in the blood of 150 women taking an injectable contraceptive, norethisterone enanthate, 200 mg every 60 days for 24 months. Triglyceride and cholesterol showed a statistically significant decrease from 10 and 16 months of use; however, both values returned to control level after use for 24 months. Serum phospholipids and total protein did not show significant changes, while the blood sugar level increased significantly from 12 months onwards and remained elevated (P less than .001) up to the end of the trial period.

ABSTRACT

PIP 150 healthy female subjects aged 18-35 and ranging in parity from 1 to 3 were tested to determine the fasting levels of sugar, protein and lipids, particularly cholesterol, triglyceride and phospholipid. All of the women were receiving injections of the contraceptive norethisterone enanthate 200 mg every 60 days for 2 years. The samples of blood were obtained from an antecubital vein before an injection of norethisterone enanthate (NET-EN). A substantial decline in serum triglyceride level was evident after 8 months. Serum cholesterol level declined after 14 months, but resumed its normal level after continued use. Changes in the phospholipid level were minor. Blood sugar increased substantially; however, the total protein level remained relatively unchanged. A tendency to decrease total cholesterol and triglyceride levels was observed. Levels returned to normal, however, after 2 years. In contrast to past studies, the fasting blood sugar level rose steadily. Although the rise in blood sugar level was not sufficient to cause concern, caution should still be practiced when administering NET-EN.