Metabolic effects of two triphasic formulations containing ethinyl estradiol and dl-norgestrel

Prospective study of carbohydrate metabolism in women using a triphasic oral contraceptive containing norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol for 3 months

Thirty-five women with normal carbohydrate metabolism were administered a 3-hour oral glucose tolerance test before and after 3 months' use of a triphasic oral contraceptive that contained ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone. The results show no significant change in either the plasma glucose or the insulin values. This is the first published study with regard to this type of triphasic oral contraceptive, and the study supports claims of the preparation's improved safety.

Plasma glucose and insulin levels in women using a levonorgestrel-containing triphasic oral contraceptive for three months

Plasma glucose and insulin levels were measured for three hours after an oral glucose challenge in twenty-nine women before and after using a triphasic oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel for three months. There were significant elevations in the glucose levels during the three-month tolerance test, while the insulin levels were unchanged. These data suggest that this OC can alter carbohydrate metabolism and that long-term studies are needed to assess the extent of this metabolic change.