EFFECT OF ORAL AND INJECTABLE CONTRACEPTIVES ON SERUM ELECTROLYTES, WEIGHT AND BLOOD PRESSURE
Abstract
Background: Since the introduction of oral and injectable contraceptives, many metabolic side effects have beenreported. The use of oral contraceptive has been shown to be associated with increased level of serum electrolytes, butdecrease in levels of serum electrolytes has been reported in women using injectable contraceptives. This studyevaluated serum electrolytes, weight and blood pressure in women taking oral and injectable contraceptives becausethese changes have adverse effects on the health and economy of the subject. Methods: Serum electrolytes, weightand blood pressure were measured in 50 women taking oral contraceptive (Lofeminal) and 50 women taking injectablecontraceptives (Depomedroxy progesterone acetate and Norigest). The same women served as control before startingthese contraceptives. Results: There was a significant increase in serum sodium and chloride but significant decreasein serum potassium and bicarbonate level in women taking oral contraceptive. There was non-significant decrease inserum electrolytes in women taking injectable contraceptives. There was significant increase in weight and bloodpressure of women taking these contraceptivesReferences
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