Article Abstract:
Evidence is emerging linking cardiovascular disease with the use of oral contraceptives. It is thought that oral contraceptives cause cardiovascular events by inducing changes in the blood clotting process and altering lipid metabolism. In addition, oral contraceptives alter the metabolism of glucose, causing impaired glucose tolerance, which can lead to diabetes. In an effort to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and impaired glucose metabolism, the amounts of estrogen and progesterone contained in oral contraceptive formulas have been reduced. Although there have been many studies examining the effects of these newer formulas, results have been inconsistent. To further determine their effects, risk factors for diabetes and altered lipid metabolism were determined for 431 women taking oral contraceptives and 859 women who were not. Oral contraceptive users had higher two-hour blood glucose after a glucose challenge, higher fasting insulin levels, and higher triglyceride levels, even after adjusting for age and body mass index (a ratio of height to weight). Fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A (elevated in poorly controlled diabetics) and total blood cholesterol were the same in both groups. The influence of the estrogen/progesterone balance on metabolism does not seem to differ among women who take the low- or high-dose formulas. Oral contraceptives thus tend to increase the presence of markers for insulin resistance, such as fasting blood insulin, triglycerides and two-hour blood glucose. This inability of the cells to use insulin effectively (insulin resistance) occurs despite an adequate secretion of insulin by the pancreas. Women who take oral contraceptives should have periodic insulin-marker evaluations. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
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Article Abstract:
Oral contraceptives appear to strengthen bones. In a study of 710 women, those who took oral contraceptives had 3% higher bone density in their spine on average than women who did not use oral contraceptives. Premenopausal women were most likely to have higher bone density than postmenopausal women.
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Article Abstract:
Oral contraceptives may increase the production of nitric oxide, which is a naturally occurring vasodilator in the body. Vasodilators dilate blood vessels, making them larger and increasing blood flow.
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