Effect of a new low-dosage oral contraceptive pill on blood electrolytes. A combined clinical and laboratory evaluation.

PIP: Effects of a new low-dosage combination oral contraceptive containing .5 mg WY3707 (a progestational substance) plus .05 mg ethinyl estradiol were studied on 30 normal women. Findings based on 25 patients remaining in the study for 5 months indicate a weight gain (64%), a tendency to hypo- and oligomenorrhea (58.3%), headache (52%), dizziness (44%) and nausea (20%) as common side-effects. Blood pressure recordings were below 140/90 and had no major variations. Blood sodium and potassium levels, measured before therapy initiation and 2 and 5 months after use, showed no significant changes. Discussion centers on 20 previous studies relating oral contraceptives to blood electrolytes and pressure and weight and menstrual changes.^ieng