1
|
Hampson E. Oral contraceptives in the central nervous system: Basic pharmacology, methodological considerations, and current state of the field. Front Neuroendocrinol 2023; 68:101040. [PMID: 36243109 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.101040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Millions of women around the world use combined oral contraceptives (OCs), yet surprisingly little is known about their central nervous system (CNS) effects. This article provides a short overview of the basic pharmacology of OCs, emphasizing features that may be relevant to understanding their effects in the CNS. Historical and recent findings from studies of cognitive function, mood, and negative affect (depressive changes under OC use) are then reviewed. We also present data from an archival dataset from our own laboratory in which we explore dysphoric changes in women using four generations of contraceptive progestins. Current data in the field are consistent with a modest effect of OC use on CNS variables, but conclusions based on current findings must be made very cautiously because of multiple methodological issues in many published studies to date, and inconsistencies in the findings. Directions for future research over the next 10 years are suggested. (150 words).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Hampson
- Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Oguz SH, Yildiz BO. An Update on Contraception in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Endocrinol Metab (Seoul) 2021; 36:296-311. [PMID: 33853290 PMCID: PMC8090477 DOI: 10.3803/enm.2021.958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in reproductive-aged women, characterized by hyperandrogenism, oligo/anovulation, and polycystic ovarian morphology. Combined oral contraceptives (COCs), along with lifestyle modifications, represent the first-line medical treatment for the long-term management of PCOS. Containing low doses of estrogen and different types of progestin, COCs restore menstrual cyclicity, improve hyperandrogenism, and provide additional benefits such as reducing the risk of endometrial cancer. However, potential cardiometabolic risk associated with these agents has been a concern. COCs increase the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), related both to the dose of estrogen and the type of progestin involved. Arterial thrombotic events related to COC use occur much less frequently, and usually not a concern for young patients. All patients diagnosed with PCOS should be carefully evaluated for cardiometabolic risk factors at baseline, before initiating a COC. Age, smoking, obesity, glucose intolerance or diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, thrombophilia, and family history of VTE should be recorded. Patients should be re-assessed at consecutive visits, more closely if any baseline cardiometabolic risk factor is present. Individual risk assessment is the key in order to avoid unfavorable outcomes related to COC use in women with PCOS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seda Hanife Oguz
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Bulent Okan Yildiz
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Obesity and hormonal contraception: an overview and a clinician's practical guide. Eat Weight Disord 2020; 25:1129-1140. [PMID: 31515745 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-019-00774-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The growing prevalence of obesity among the fertile female population poses a considerable problem to contraceptive providers. Obese women, who are more at risk for venous thromboembolism and cardiovascular events due to their condition, might be at an even higher risk of developing thromboembolic events when on medical contraception. Combined hormonal contraceptives might be less effective in obese women and may lead to unacceptable metabolic side effects for this population. In addition, the lack of safety data for weight loss drugs and the higher risk for complications during and after pregnancy require a close surveillance of the fertility status of obese patients. OBJECTIVE The aim of this narrative review is to summarize the available medical contraceptive options and to give the readers a practical guidance for a wise contraceptive choice with regards to obesity. METHODS A general literature review of peer-reviewed publications on the topic "obesity and contraception" was performed using the PubMed database. RESULTS Nowadays, there are many useful tools that help clinicians in choosing among the wide range of therapeutic possibilities, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) Medical Eligibility Criteria for contraceptive use. Furthermore, the great diversity of hormonal contraceptive formulations (combined hormonal formulations; progestin-only methods) and active substances (different estrogens and progestins) allow physicians to tailor therapies to patients' clinical peculiarities. CONCLUSION Long-acting reversible contraceptives [progestin-only implants, levonorgestrel-intra-uterine devices (IUDs) and copper IUDs] and progestin-only methods in general are excellent options for many categories of patients, including obese ones. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V, narrative review.
Collapse
|
4
|
Cattoni A, Parissone F, Porcari I, Molinari S, Masera N, Franchi M, Cesaro S, Gaudino R, Passoni P, Balduzzi A. Hormonal replacement therapy in adolescents and young women with chemo- or radio-induced premature ovarian insufficiency: Practical recommendations. Blood Rev 2020; 45:100730. [PMID: 32654893 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2020.100730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In women with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), hormonal therapy (HT) is indicated to decrease the risk of morbidity and to treat symptoms related to prolonged hypoestrogenism. While general recommendations for the management of HT in adults with POI have been published, no systematic suggestions focused on girls, adolescents and young women with POI following gonadotoxic treatments (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, stem cell transplantation) administered for pediatric cancer are available. In order to highlight the challenging issues specifically involving this cohort of patients and to provide clinicians with the proposal of practical therapeutic protocol, we revised the available literature in the light of the shared experience of a multidisciplinary team of pediatric oncologists, gynecologists and endocrinologists. We hereby present the proposals of a practical scheme to induce puberty in prepubertal girls and a decisional algorithm that should guide the clinician in approaching HT in post-pubertal adolescents and young women with iatrogenic POI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Cattoni
- Department of Pediatrics, Università degli Studi di Milano Bicocca, Fondazione Monza e Brianza per il Bambino e la sua Mamma, Azienda Ospedaliera San Gerardo, Via Pergolesi 33, 20900 Monza, Italy.
| | - F Parissone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata di Verona, Università di Verona, Piazzale Aristide Stefani 1, 37126 Verona, Italy
| | - I Porcari
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata di Verona, Università di Verona, Piazzale Aristide Stefani 1, 37126 Verona, Italy
| | - S Molinari
- Department of Pediatrics, Università degli Studi di Milano Bicocca, Fondazione Monza e Brianza per il Bambino e la sua Mamma, Azienda Ospedaliera San Gerardo, Via Pergolesi 33, 20900 Monza, Italy.
| | - N Masera
- Department of Pediatrics, Università degli Studi di Milano Bicocca, Fondazione Monza e Brianza per il Bambino e la sua Mamma, Azienda Ospedaliera San Gerardo, Via Pergolesi 33, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - M Franchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata di Verona, Università di Verona, Piazzale Aristide Stefani 1, 37126 Verona, Italy.
| | - S Cesaro
- Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Department of Mother and Child, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata di Verona, Università di Verona, Piazzale Aristide Stefani 1, 37126 Verona, Italy.
| | - R Gaudino
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata di Verona, Università di Verona, Piazzale Aristide Stefani 1, 37126 Verona, Italy.
| | - P Passoni
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Azienda Ospedaliera San Gerardo, Via Pergolesi 33, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - A Balduzzi
- Department of Pediatrics, Università degli Studi di Milano Bicocca, Fondazione Monza e Brianza per il Bambino e la sua Mamma, Azienda Ospedaliera San Gerardo, Via Pergolesi 33, 20900 Monza, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hampson E. A brief guide to the menstrual cycle and oral contraceptive use for researchers in behavioral endocrinology. Horm Behav 2020; 119:104655. [PMID: 31843564 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2019.104655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that reproductive hormones exert regulatory effects in the central nervous system that can influence behavioral, cognitive, perceptual, affective, and motivational processes. These effects occur in adults and post-pubertal individuals, and can be demonstrated in humans as well as laboratory animals. Large changes in 17β-estradiol and progesterone occur over the ovarian cycle (i.e., the menstrual cycle) and afford a way for researchers to explore the central nervous system (CNS) effects of these hormones under natural physiological conditions. Increasingly, oral contraceptives are also being studied, both as another route to understanding the CNS effects of reproductive hormones and also as pharmacological agents in their own right. This mini-review will summarize the basic physiology of the menstrual cycle and essential facts about oral contraceptives to help novice researchers to use both paradigms effectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Hampson
- Department of Psychology and Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Connors JM, Middeldorp S. Transgender patients and the role of the coagulation clinician. J Thromb Haemost 2019; 17:1790-1797. [PMID: 31465627 DOI: 10.1111/jth.14626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The medical care of transgender patients relies on the use of sex hormones to develop and maintain the physical characteristics consistent with gender identity as the first step in transitioning. Hormonal therapy is usually continued indefinitely, even following gender-affirming surgeries. The use of hormonal treatments is associated with a multitude of positive effects as well as complications and side effects. The risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major concern. Transgender patients are often referred to coagulation specialists for advice regarding an individual patient's risk for VTE, especially if there is a personal or family history of VTE. Coagulation specialists need to be familiar with endocrine therapy including the goals of treatment and the VTE risks associated with currently used hormone regimens. We will review common referral questions and the available data and their limitations for the use of hormonal therapy in transgender patients focusing on the risk of VTE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jean M Connors
- Hematology Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Saskia Middeldorp
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gialeraki A, Valsami S, Pittaras T, Panayiotakopoulos G, Politou M. Oral Contraceptives and HRT Risk of Thrombosis. Clin Appl Thromb Hemost 2017; 24:217-225. [PMID: 28049361 DOI: 10.1177/1076029616683802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogen-containing medication, prescribed either for contraception in women of reproductive age or for prevention of cardiovascular events and osteoporosis as well as for alleviation of symptoms related to menopause, is associated with changes in the hemostatic balance and contributes to increased risk of development of venous thromboembolic complications. This risk is dose and medication dependent, increases with age, congenital and/or acquired predisposition to thrombosis, and mode of administration. This review attempts to summarize the current knowledge regarding the pathophysiology of oral contraceptive (OC) and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) -induced prothrombotic state in women, the risk of thrombosis associated with administration of various commercially available OCs and HRT, the additional risk in women with hereditary or acquired thrombophilia, and the currently available recommendations regarding massive screening of women for thrombophilia prior to initial prescription or continuation of treatment with OCs and HRT preparations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Argyri Gialeraki
- 1 Hematology Laboratory - Blood Bank, ATTIKON Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Serena Valsami
- 2 Hematology Laboratory - Blood Bank, ARETAIEION Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Theodoros Pittaras
- 2 Hematology Laboratory - Blood Bank, ARETAIEION Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Marianna Politou
- 2 Hematology Laboratory - Blood Bank, ARETAIEION Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Belova LA. Dipyridamole in the treatment and prevention of cerebral venous thrombosis in women using hormonal contraceptives. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2017; 117:116-123. [DOI: 10.17116/jnevro2017117121116-123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
9
|
Wang Q, Würtz P, Auro K, Morin-Papunen L, Kangas AJ, Soininen P, Tiainen M, Tynkkynen T, Joensuu A, Havulinna AS, Aalto K, Salmi M, Blankenberg S, Zeller T, Viikari J, Kähönen M, Lehtimäki T, Salomaa V, Jalkanen S, Järvelin MR, Perola M, Raitakari OT, Lawlor DA, Kettunen J, Ala-Korpela M. Effects of hormonal contraception on systemic metabolism: cross-sectional and longitudinal evidence. Int J Epidemiol 2016; 45:1445-1457. [PMID: 27538888 PMCID: PMC5100613 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyw147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Hormonal contraception is commonly used worldwide, but its systemic effects across lipoprotein subclasses, fatty acids, circulating metabolites and cytokines remain poorly understood. Methods: A comprehensive molecular profile (75 metabolic measures and 37 cytokines) was measured for up to 5841 women (age range 24–49 years) from three population-based cohorts. Women using combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs) or progestin-only contraceptives (POCs) were compared with those who did not use hormonal contraception. Metabolomics profiles were reassessed for 869 women after 6 years to uncover the metabolic effects of starting, stopping and persistently using hormonal contraception. Results: The comprehensive molecular profiling allowed multiple new findings on the metabolic associations with the use of COCPs. They were positively associated with lipoprotein subclasses, including all high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subclasses. The associations with fatty acids and amino acids were strong and variable in direction. COCP use was negatively associated with albumin and positively associated with creatinine and inflammatory markers, including glycoprotein acetyls and several growth factors and interleukins. Our findings also confirmed previous results e.g. for increased circulating triglycerides and HDL cholesterol. Starting COCPs caused similar metabolic changes to those observed cross-sectionally: the changes were maintained in consistent users and normalized in those who stopped using. In contrast, POCs were only weakly associated with metabolic and inflammatory markers. Results were consistent across all cohorts and for different COCP preparations and different types of POC delivery. Conclusions: Use of COCPs causes widespread metabolic and inflammatory effects. However, persistent use does not appear to accumulate the effects over time and the metabolic perturbations are reversed upon discontinuation. POCs have little effect on systemic metabolism and inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qin Wang
- Computational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu & Biocenter Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,NMR Metabolomics Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Peter Würtz
- Computational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu & Biocenter Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | | | - Laure Morin-Papunen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu and Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Antti J Kangas
- Computational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu & Biocenter Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Pasi Soininen
- Computational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu & Biocenter Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,NMR Metabolomics Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mika Tiainen
- Computational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu & Biocenter Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,NMR Metabolomics Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Tuulia Tynkkynen
- Computational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu & Biocenter Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,NMR Metabolomics Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Anni Joensuu
- National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland.,Institute for Molecular Medicine (FIMM), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Aki S Havulinna
- National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland.,Institute for Molecular Medicine (FIMM), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kristiina Aalto
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Marko Salmi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Stefan Blankenberg
- Clinic for General and Interventional Cardiology, University Heart Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK e.V.), partner site Hamburg, Lübeck, Kiel, Germany
| | - Tanja Zeller
- Clinic for General and Interventional Cardiology, University Heart Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK e.V.), partner site Hamburg, Lübeck, Kiel, Germany
| | - Jorma Viikari
- Department of Medicine, University of Turku and Division of Medicine, Turku University Hospital, Finland
| | - Mika Kähönen
- Department of Clinical Physiology, University of Tampere and Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Terho Lehtimäki
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Fimlab Laboratories, School of Medicine, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Veikko Salomaa
- National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sirpa Jalkanen
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | | | - Markus Perola
- National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland.,Institute for Molecular Medicine (FIMM), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Estonian Genome Center, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Olli T Raitakari
- Research Centre of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Debbie A Lawlor
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol, Bristol, UK and.,School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Mika Ala-Korpela
- Computational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu & Biocenter Oulu, Oulu, Finland, mika.ala-korpela@com.,NMR Metabolomics Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol, Bristol, UK and.,Computational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu & Biocenter Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Williams MS, Cushman M, Ouyang P, Heckbert SR, Kalyani RR, Vaidya D. Association of Serum Sex Hormones with Hemostatic Factors in Women On and Off Hormone Therapy: The Multiethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2015; 25:166-72. [PMID: 26700933 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2015.5465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hormone therapy (HT) is associated with increased risk of both venous and arterial thrombosis, which are multifactorial in origin. OBJECTIVES Our objectives were twofold: first, we sought to examine associations between endogenous serum sex hormone levels and biomarkers of thrombosis and/or coagulation in postmenopausal hormone nonusers. Second, we separately studied the associations between serum sex hormone levels and biomarkers of thrombosis and/or coagulation in postmenopausal hormone users considering the fact that pattern of circulating hormones is different in women taking exogenous hormones. PATIENTS/METHODS We performed a cross-sectional analysis of postmenopausal women enrolled in a large multiethnic community-based cohort study, The Multiethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. We hypothesized that higher levels of estrogen-related sex hormones would be associated with biomarkers of thrombosis, suggesting mechanisms for differences in thrombotic risk from HT. Women (n = 2878) were included if they were postmenopausal and had thrombotic biomarkers (homocysteine, fibrinogen, C-reactive protein [CRP], factor VIII, and d-dimer) and sex hormone levels (total testosterone [T], bioavailable testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin [SHBG], estradiol [E2], and dehydroepiandrosterone [DHEA]) measured. A smaller random sample of 491 women also had von Willebrand factor (vWF), plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1), and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) levels measured. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS We found that elevated levels of estradiol and SHBG in HT users were associated with elevated levels of CRP and lower levels of TFPI, both of which may be related to a prothrombotic milieu in HT users. HT nonusers had far more prothrombotic associations between elevated serum sex hormone levels and thrombotic biomarkers when compared with HT users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marlene S Williams
- 1 Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University , Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Mary Cushman
- 2 Department of Medicine, The University of Vermont , Colchester, Vermont
| | - Pamela Ouyang
- 1 Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University , Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Susan R Heckbert
- 3 Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington
| | | | - Dhanajay Vaidya
- 1 Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University , Baltimore, Maryland
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Raps M, Rosendaal F, Ballieux B, Rosing J, Thomassen S, Helmerhorst F, van Vliet H. Resistance to APC and SHBG levels during use of a four-phasic oral contraceptive containing dienogest and estradiol valerate: a randomized controlled trial. J Thromb Haemost 2013; 11:855-61. [PMID: 23410231 DOI: 10.1111/jth.12172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2012] [Accepted: 01/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of combined oral contraceptives is associated with a 3- to 6-fold increased risk of venous thrombosis. This increased risk depends on the estrogen dose as well as the progestogen type of combined oral contraceptives. Thrombin generation-based activated protein C resistance (APC resistance) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels predict the thrombotic risk of a combined hormonal contraceptive. Recently, a four-phasic oral contraceptive containing dienogest (DNG) and estradiol valerate (E2V) has been marketed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the thrombotic risk of the DNG/E2V oral contraceptive by comparing APC resistance by measuring normalized APC sensitivity ratios (nAPCsr) and SHBG levels in users of oral contraceptives containing dienogest and estradiol valerate (DNG/E2V) and oral contraceptives containing levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol (LNG/EE). METHODS We conducted a single-center, randomized, open label, parallel-group study in 74 women using DNG/E2V or LNG/EE, and measured nAPCsr and SHBG levels in every phase of the regimen of DNG/E2V. RESULTS During the pill cycle SHBG levels did not differ between DNG/E2V users and LNG/EE users. nAPCsr levels were overall slightly lower in DNG/E2V users than in LNG/EE users, mean difference -0.44 (95% CI, -1.04 to 0.17) for day 2, -0.20 (95% CI, -0.76 to 0.37) for day 7, -0.27 (95% CI, -0.81 to 0.28) for day 24 and -0.34 (95% CI, -0.91 to 0.24) for day 26. CONCLUSION No statistical significant differences in nAPCsr and SHBG levels were found between users of the oral contraceptive containing DNG/E2V and LNG/EE, suggesting a comparable thrombotic risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Raps
- Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|