Lipoprotein alterations from a triphasic oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol and gestodene. A 12-month trial.

To evaluate the lipid and lipoprotein changes induced by a triphasic oral contraceptive (OC) containing ethinyl estradiol and gestodene, 25 healthy women from the Baltimore metropolitan area were enrolled in an open-label, noncomparative study. Serum lipids were measured prior to starting the OCs and again during the 3rd, 6th and 12th treatment cycles. Mean lipid concentrations in each treatment cycle were compared to baseline levels using the t test for paired samples. Small but statistically significant (P < or = .05) increases in the mean concentrations of total cholesterol, total triglycerides, total high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, HDL3 cholesterol, apolipoprotein A1 and apolipoprotein B were noted. Although the increases were statistically significant, the mean lipid concentrations were still within the normal range. The mean HDL2 and low density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations were unchanged, as was the mean total cholesterol/HDL ratio. Healthy women taking a triphasic OC containing ethinyl estradiol and gestodene have minimal changes in lipids and should not be at increased risk of atherosclerosis due to OC-induced lipid alterations.