Biochemical Alterations Induced by Oral Contraceptives

Question 1

Which are the Biochemical Alterations Induced

by Oral Contraceptives?

Answer 1

• Enhanced blood coagulation
• Increased levels of plasma proteins
• Alterations in carbohydrate metabolism
• Alterations in blood lipids

Question 2

How Enhanced blood coagulation?

Answer 2

● Estrogen-induced – increased synthesis of several clotting factors
● OC’s also decrease antithrombin III

Question 3

How Increased levels of plasma proteins?

Answer 3

● Estrogen-induced

● ↑ thyroid h, cortisol, & Vitamin D binding globulins

Question 4

How Alterations in carbohydrate metabolism?

Answer 4

● Progestins ↑ insulin release
● Long-term effect may be reversible reduction in
glucose tolerance due to insulin resistance

Question 5

How Alterations in blood lipids?

Answer 5

● Estrogens – favorable profile, except increase in triglycerides (bad!)
● C-19 1st generation progestins–badprofile
● 2nd generation progestins – favorable profile b/c
they decrease free testosterone levels (testosterone normally ↑’s LDL and ↓’s HDL)