Endocrine Abstracts

Objective: The use of contraceptives has been reported to interfere with absorption of micronutrients many of which serve as dietary antioxidant. The Changes in antioxidant levels may play significant role in the risk and pathophysiology of diseases associated with the use of contraceptives. This study was designed to assess the comparative antioxidant status of women on oral contraceptive pills (OCP), Injectables (INJ), Intrauterine Contraceptive Devices (IUCD) and Norplant (NP).

Methods: Participants were recruited (with informed consent) from the family planning clinics of the University College and Adeoyo Maternity Hospitals, Ibadan, Nigeria. A total of 118 apparently healthy (no alcohol and cigarette smoking), non-pregnant women consisting of 31 subjects on IUCD, 10 on OCP, 10 on INJ and 9 on NP. Likewise, 58 aged matched women not on contraceptives were recruited from same community as controls. Anthropometric indices and non-enzymatic antioxidant were evaluated using conventional methods. The study was approved by Ethical Committees of the Oyo State Government of Nigeria.

Results: Subjects on OCP had significantly lower vitamin C (50%), vitamin E (25%), albumin (20%), uric acid (31%) and selenium (69%) (P<0.05) when compared to the controls. Significantly higher systolic BP and lower BMI were also observed in these subjects (P<0.05). The extend of lipid peroxidation (LPO) as evaluated by the level of malondialdehyde in the serum was significantly higher in subjects on OCP (62%) and IUCD (21%) (P<0.05) when compared to the controls.

Conclusions: These results indicate that while INJ and NP have no significant influence on antioxidant profile, IUCD remains the most acceptable in this community. Also, OCP has a tendency to depress the antioxidant status of its users. A routine monitoring of the antioxidant status of women on contraceptives especially OCP and IUCD and possible supplementation with dietary antioxidant may be warranted, particularly in developing countries.