Comparative Analysis of Lipid Profile Alterations in Women Using Diverse Contraceptive Methods

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the impact of various contraceptive methods, both hormonal and non-hormonal, on lipid profiles and to assess potential cardiovascular risk implications in women.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 180 women, categorized into six groups: natural family planning (control), oral contraceptive pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), implants, injectable contraceptives, and condoms. Fasting blood samples were collected, and lipid profile parameters, including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), were analyzed using standardized spectrophotometric methods. One-way ANOVA and Duncan’s multiple range test were used to determine significant differences in lipid levels among the groups.  

Results: Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in lipid profiles were observed across contraceptive groups. Women using injectable contraceptives exhibited the highest mean TC (5.33 ± 0.10 mmol/L) and TG (1.73 ± 0.10 mmol/L) levels. Oral contraceptive users also showed elevated mean TG (1.60 ± 0.40 mmol/L) and moderately increased mean HDL-C (1.50 ± 0.12 mmol/L). IUD users demonstrated the highest mean HDL-C (1.64 ± 0.13 mmol/L), while condom users had the lowest mean TC (3.41 ± 0.40 mmol/L) but the highest mean LDL-C (3.01 ± 2.34 mmol/L).

Conclusion: Hormonal contraceptives, particularly injectables and oral pills, significantly influence lipid metabolism, potentially increasing cardiovascular risk. Non-hormonal methods showed comparatively less impact, with the condom group displaying unexpectedly high LDL-C. These findings underscore the importance of individualized contraceptive counseling and metabolic screening. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to elucidate the long-term effects and underlying mechanisms of contraceptive-induced lipid profile alterations.