The effects of transdermal contraception on lipid profiles, carbohydrate metabolism and coagulogram in Thai women

Methods. Fifty healthy Thai women were assigned to use contraceptive patches. Blood chemistries test including liver function test, lipid profiles and coagulogram were evaluated at baseline, cycles 3 and 6. Results. Total cholesterol, triglyceride and HDL were significantly increased, whereas LDL was slightly decreased. The ratio of total cholesterol/HDL and LDL/HDL significantly decreased when applying the patch. After discontinued use of contraceptive patch, the women whose blood tests present hypercholesterol during patch use showed a continuous decrease in blood results of total cholesterol level over 3 months. Moreover, mean fasting glucose, SGOT, SGPT and alkaline phosphate were decreased. No woman suffering from VTE in this study. Conclusions. The use of contraceptive patch does not exert a negative effect on carbohydrate metabolism, lipid profile, liver function test and blood coagulogram. However, further studies are required to elucidate the effect of the contraceptive on the patch user in long term.