Metabolic Effects of Contraceptive Steroids IV. Liver Function Tests — Short Term Obervations

2 types of combined estrogen-progestogen oral contraceptives (OCs) were administered to 40 women for 3 cycles. The women were selected on the basis of willingness to participate and attend the clinic at monthly intervals as well as absences of contraindications to contraceptive steroid therapy. 32 of the women had a family income below Rs. 250/month 15 had below Rs. 100/month all at poverty level. Group A was given a combination of Lynestrenol 2.5 mg with Mestranol 0.75 mg (Noracycline 2.5) from day 5 to day 26 of each of 3 cycles. Group B was given Megestrol acetate 4 mg with 0.05 mg ethinyl estradiol from day 5 to day 26 of each of 3 cycles (both groups were equally divided into 20 women each). The women reported for follow-up between 22-25 days of each cycle. Blood samples were collected in 4 consecutive cycles (1st cycle was a control) and analyzed. Side effects such as nausea vomiting bleeding and measures of blood pressure and weight were recorded. No significant differences were noted in mean transominases bilirubin levels serum proteins or albuminium/globulin ratio and all were in normal ranges. The womens weights ranged from 26-50 kg and hemoglobin values from 9.6-12 gm. In other tests performed with low dosages of progestogens (0.5-2.5 mg) and estrogens (0.05-0.075 mg) no biochemical evidence of liver dysfunction was found except a slightly higher percentage of raised BSP retention in some series. Though gross abnormalities were not observed in commonly used parameters of liver function it is suggested that previous liver disease with residual damage or history of idiopathic jaundice with pregnancy should be contraindications for use of these drugs. Dosage used should be minimum compatible with efficacy for both the estrogens and the progestogens.