EFFECT OF DIFFERENT FORMULATIONS OF ORAL CONTRACEPTIVE AGENTS ON LIPIDS AND CARBOHYDRATES METABOLISM IN NORMAL WOMEN AND WOMEN WITH PCOS

BackgroundOral contraceptive pills (OCPs) are frequently prescribed for menstrual cycle regulation and birth control, especially for women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). While OCPs are effective in managing reproductive symptoms, the type of progestin used alters metabolic health in varying degrees. Because PCOS is characterized by an insulin resistant state along with lipid abnormality, it is important to study the metabolic implications of various contraceptive options in this population. In this study when comparing the two formulations ethinylestradiol and drospirenone versus ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel, focus will be on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism on normal and PCOS women. MethodsThis study was conducted at Kuwait Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, in January 2024 as a comparative cross-sectional study. Out of the total 93 women, 93 were enrolled and grouped based on OCP type and clinical status. Blood samples were collected after fasting for lipid profile, glucose, insulin, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25 and significance was set at p < 0.05. ResultsAmong the groups, women with PCOS using levonorgestrel contraceptive OCPs exhibited the most pronounced increase in total cholesterol, LDL levels, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR. Androgens’ effect on lipids was more favorable. Insulin resistance increased the least with drospirenone. Normal women on drospirenone had the least amount of metabolic changes relative to the other women. ConclusionOCPs containing drospirenone appears to affect metabolic parameters more positively compared to those containing levonorgestrel, particularly in patients suffering from PCOS. This emphasizes the need to tailor contraceptive methods to women’s specific needs and profile combining both endocrinology and metabolism.