IMPACT OF ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES ON LIPID PROFILE: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Oral contraceptives mainly consist of two hormonal classes: estrogen and progesterone. Considering that these hormones influence the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids in the female body, the present study aimed to evaluate different types of oral contraceptive pills concerning the phases (monophasic, biphasic, and triphasic) and especially the type of progestin used in the formula on the female lipid profile. The results showed that the effects of this contraceptive method specifically depend on the type of progesterone used in the pills, where it was observed that some progestins, such as levonorgestrel, are associated with increases in levels of LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol