THIRD GENERATION ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES AND GLUCOSE METABOLISM

Abstract

Contraception is the prevention of conception by methods other than abstinence from coitus. Combined oral contraceptives arcomposed of estrogen component which is relatively unifonn. The only estrogen available is ethinyl estradiol. The progestin component is one of six progestins:

e Norgestrel.

e Norethisterone acetate.

• Levonorgestrel.

• Gestoden.

• Desogestrel.

• Norgestimate.

Estrogen and progestogens combinations are the best oral contraceptives used so far, but many complications and side effects were reported from the time when combined oral contraceptives became widely available. In response to these effects, estrogen dose steadily decreased with time. Also, third generation progestins were introduced.

The effect of third generation progestins on lipid metabolism in relation to the other types of progestins is • minimal or not present.