Clinical and applied thrombosis/hemostasis : official journal of the International Academy of Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis
-
Clin. Appl. Thromb. Hemost. · Jan 1999
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialEffects on hemostasis after two-year use of low dose combined oral contraceptives with gestodene or levonorgestrel.
We studied 67 healthy women who were randomly allocated to receive third generation gestodene (Gynera) or second generation levonorgestrel (Microgynon 30) combination of low-dose estrogen oral contraceptives (OCs) for their hemostatic effects over 2 years. Hemostatic changes were apparent within 3 months of OC use. Hematocrit (Hct) was not affected, but hemoglobin (Hb) concentration decreased by 18 months. ⋯ Activated protein C resistance (APCR) was negative in all subjects before and during OC use. The study indicated dynamic balance between coagulation and fibrinolysis with no endothelial activation. However, because some hemostatic markers showed wide fluctuations during OC use, a longer term study is warranted to investigate any adverse hemostatic changes that might enhance the risks of venous thromboembolism in Asian subjects known to be less prone to thrombosis.