The effects on hemostasis of oral contraceptives containing desogestrel
Article Abstract:
Oral contraceptives (OC) containing desogestrel appear to have a minimal effect on the body's coagulation and fibrinolytic systems. These two parallel systems regulate blood clotting, with the ultimate product of the coagulation system being a fibrin clot and the ultimate product of the fibrinolytic system being the fibrin-dissolving enzyme. Desogestrel is a highly selective progestin widely used in OCs in Europe. Older, high-dose OCs were associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Newer, low-dose OCs are much safer, but it is unclear whether they still pose some risks. A review of 13 studies comparing low-dose OCs found minimal changes in coagulation and fibrinolytic factors associated with the contraceptives. There were no significant differences in blood clotting factors between women who took desogestrel-containing OCs and those who took OCs that contain less selective progestins. This supports previous findings that it is the estrogen component of combination OCs that affects blood flow.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1993
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Lipid metabolism effects with desogestrel-containing oral contraceptives
Article Abstract:
Oral contraceptives combining desogestrel with low doses of ethinyl estradiol do not appear to have a negative effect on lipid metabolism in the body and may even induce favorable changes. Desogestrel is a highly selective progestin with little androgenic activity. Progestin-induced androgenic activity in oral contraceptives has been associated with adverse effects on lipid metabolism that may promote cardiovascular disease. The estrogen component of oral contraceptives is thought to exert favorable changes in the walls of blood vessels. In a review of studies on oral contraceptives, those containing desogestrel had the best lipid metabolism profile. Desogestrel did not appear to interfere with estrogen's effect on vessel walls. Furthermore, some studies found that desogestrel was associated with an increase in high-density lipoproteins and a reduction in low-density lipoproteins.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1993
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Pharmacokinetics of desogestrel
Article Abstract:
The progestin desogestrel appears to be suitable for use as an oral contraceptive. Progestins are hormones that prepare the uterus for pregnancy and maintain pregnancy. Used in oral contraceptives, progestins block ovulation and the changes in the uterus. Much research on oral contraceptives has focused on improving the specificity of the drugs, reducing the side effects and maximizing the health benefits of long term usage. Desogestrel is among the most promising of the new progestins. It is broken down quickly and completely in the liver into 3-keto-desogestrel. Its bioavailability is comparable to that of other oral contraceptives. It appears to lower testosterone, and it has a low affinity for sex hormone-binding globulin. These findings suggest its use may not result in the androgenic side effects of weight gain and acne associated with some progestins.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1993
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- Abstracts: Studies on the mechanism of action of oral contraceptives with regard to fibrinolytic variables. Effects of monophasic low-dose oral contraceptives on fibrin formation and resolution in young women
- Abstracts: Combined oral contraception with desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol: tolerability profile. Contraceptive efficacy of a monophasic oral contraceptive containing desogestrel