Comparative study of the effects of two once-a-month injectable steroidal contraceptives (Mesigyna and Cyclofem) on glucose metabolism and liver function. United Nations Development Programme/United Population Fund/World Health Organization/World Bank, Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction, Task Force on Long-acting Systemic Agents for Fertility Regulation

Abstract

A 1-year, longitudinal, multicenter study was undertaken to monitor the effects of two once-a-month, injectable contraceptive preparations, Mesigyna (norethisterone enanthate, 50 mg, and estradiol valerate, 5 mg) and Cyclofem (medroxyprogesterone acetate, 25 mg, and estradiol cypionate, 5 mg) on carbohydrate metabolism and liver function. A total of 357 volunteers from four centers (Hangzhou, Havana, Jakarta, and Shanghai) were monitored during one pretreatment cycle, at the end of the ninth injection interval and during one posttreatment cycle, approximately 3 months after the 9-month period of treatment was completed. Both preparations induced minor changes in glucose tolerance, with a slight elevation of glucose response and minimal changes in insulin response to a glucose challenge. These changes were greater with Mesigyna but were of no clinical relevance in either group. With regard to liver function, both preparations induced a rise in bilirubin, a decrease in alkaline phosphatase, and no change in enzyme serum levels. However, these changes were of small magnitude and levels remained well within the normal range in all subjects.