Variations in serum iron and total iron binding capacity with the time of intake of combined oral contraceptives.

Serum iron and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) were estimated in 145 healthy subjects in the reproductive stage of life, using lyndiol and eugynone for a period of 1-72 months, and results were compared with those of 30 healthy individuals, of the same class, also in reproductive stage of life. Serum iron variation did not follow any clear pattern. TIBC increased in 80% of the subjects to a value equivalent to 3-110% of the mean control. There was also a clear increase observed in immunoelectrophoretic pattern of transferrin, following the use of oral contraceptives.