Effect Of Oral Contraceptive Pills Research Articles

Socio-demographic Factors Associated with Knowledge and Uptake of Family Planning Among Women of Reproductive Age in a Rural Community of Abuja, Nigeria

Nigeria has a population of about 180 million, estimated to double in 22 years due to low uptake of family planning services. Low utilization of family planning is the major factor associated with high fertility pattern in Nigeria. This trend is higher among rural women in Northern Nigeria. Without a thorough understanding of, and due attention to the local context, utilization of family planning may continue to be low. Identification of correlates of family planning would be invaluable in designing strategies for ultimately improving uptake of family planning services. This study became relevant as no previous study on family planning has been carried out in Ushafa Community. The study was conducted at Ushafa community, a rural community, located in Bwari Area Council on the northern axis of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted among women of reproductive age (15-49 years) who were permanent resident of Ushafa Community. Using proportion of contraceptive usage of 16% from a previous study, 240 women were recruited into the study by systematic sampling technique. Data was collected by means of a structured interviewer administered questionnaire, data was entered and analysed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20. All tests were conducted using 2 tails while level of significance was set at 0.05. About a quarter of respondents (26.3%) knew that amenorrhoea could be a side effect of oral contraceptive pills, 51.1% knew that oral contraceptive pills must be taken daily, 58% were not using any form of family planning. Age (χ2 = 8.382, p = 0.01) and marital status (χ2 = 8.915, p = 0.01) were significantly associated with family planning knowledge. Level of education was significantly associated with current use of family planning (χ2 = 10.78, p = 0.03). Educational status was significantly associated with likelihood of using family planning in the future (χ2 = 8.64, p = 0.04). Although the respondents had fairly good knowledge of family planning, the study observed some misconceptions especially with respect to side effects and methodology of use of the commodities. Low uptake of family planning was observed among the respondents. Age and marital status were significantly associated with family planning knowledge; level of education was significantly associated with current use of family planning. There is need for incorporation of facts on usage and side effects of family planning in message disseminated by health workers in health facilities in Ushafa Community so as to correct misconceptions. DOI : http://dx.doi.org./10.17576/JSKM-2018-1601-09

The association between the use of new oral contraceptive pills and periodontal health: A matched case–control study

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) on the periodontal status of the women using them. Materials and Methods: During the period from January 2016 to June 2017, 139 oral contraceptive users (Group A) and 142 nonusers (Group B) were examined by a blinded examiner using a mouth mirror and a 15-mm conventional periodontal probe (Hu-Friedy). The dental examination included the simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S), gingival index, sulcus bleeding index (SBI), and clinical attachment loss (CAL). A full-mouth examination excluding the third molars was performed at four sites per tooth (mesiobuccal, distobuccal, mesiolingual, and distolingual). The results of these examinations were compared between the two groups to identify significant differences. Results: Both groups were comparable with regard to their demographic data. Group A had a significantly higher mean OHI-S score than Group B (0.43 vs. 0.29, respectively). The gingival index score was also higher in OCP users than in nonusers (0.78 vs. 0.37, respectively). The SBI score was 0.72 in Group A and 0.41 in Group B, demonstrating a significant difference between OCP users and nonusers. The CAL score was 1.62 in Group A versus 1.11 in Group B, and this difference was statistically significant. Conclusions: The use of combined oral contraceptives can influence the periodontal condition of patients, resulting in increased gingival disease. This adverse effect can be enhanced by the use of newer generations of OCPs, especially in high-risk populations.

The Effect of Oral Contraceptive Pill on Cortical Thickness and Bone Mineral Density of the Mandibular Mental and Gonial Regions in Premenopausal Females Using Spiral Computed Tomography

The Effect of Oral Contraceptive Pill on Cortical Thickness and Bone Mineral Density of the Mandibular Mental and Gonial Regions in Premenopausal Females Using Spiral Computed Tomography

The Effect of Oral Contraceptive Pills on the Macula, the Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer, and Choroidal Thickness.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of oral contraceptive pills (OCP) on the macula, the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), and choroidal thickness (CT).Material/MethodsA total of 24 healthy women taking monophasic OCP (3 mg drospirenone and 0.03 mg ethinylestradiol) for contraception only for at least one year were compared with a control group of 24 healthy women who were not taking an OCP. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to evaluate the posterior ocular segments, and measurements were taken in the follicular phase (day 3) of the cycle in all women.ResultsNo disparity in terms of age and body mass index between the groups was observed (p=0.436, p=0.538, respectively). In comparison of the macular region and CT between groups, we found that all variables except foveal center thickness and CT were significantly thinner in the OCP group. Nasal and temporal inferior parts of the RNFL and average RNFL were significantly slimmer in the study group versus the control group (p=0.013, p=0.018, and p<0.001, respectively).ConclusionsOCP resulted in several structural changes in the posterior ocular segment. Thus, women using OCP for more than one year may have some eye problems. Therefore, it OCT should be performed for these women. Further clinical trials researching long-period effect of OCP on the eyes are needed.

The Role of Oral Contraception on Bladder Symptoms

Purpose of Review While the effects of local and systemic estrogen on the pelvic floor have been widely studied in postmenopausal women, little is known about oral contraceptive (OCP) use and the role on bladder symptoms. Estrogen and progesterone have been implicated in both the treatment and etiology of various pelvic floor conditions including overactive bladder, urinary incontinence, recurrent urinary tract infections, and interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. This article will review the effect of oral contraceptive pills on bladder symptoms.

Telomere length is short in PCOS and oral contraceptive does not affect the telomerase activity in granulosa cells of patients with PCOS.

Our study aimed to investigate the association of telomerase activity (TA) and telomere length (TL) in granulosa cells (GCs) with IVF outcomes of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients, and the effects of oral contraceptive pill (OCP) pretreatment on these two parameters. One hundred sixty-three infertile women were enrolled and divided into a PCOS group (n=65) and a non-PCOS group (n=98). The PCOS group was further divided into an OCP pretreatment group (n=35) and a non-OCP pretreatment group (n=30), a TA <0.070 group (n=34) and a TA ≥0.070 group (n=31), and a TL <1 group (n=41) and a TL ≥1 group (n=24), respectively. No obvious differences were observed in TA between these groups. The TL was 0.971 in PCOS group and 1.118 in non-PCOS group (P=0.005). The patients with TL ≥1 accounted for 36.9% in PCOS group and 54.1% in non-PCOS group (P=0.032). The average duration of infertility for PCOS patients was 5years in TA <0.070 group and 4years in TA ≥0.070 group (P=0.038), and 5years in TL <1 group and 3years in TL ≥1 group (P=0.006), respectively. No obvious differences were observed in IVF outcomes between these groups. No obvious differences were observed in TA, TL, or IVF outcomes between OCP pretreatment group and non-OCP pretreatment group in PCOS patients. Shorter TL was found in PCOS patients. The TA levels did not change significantly in PCOS patients. PCOS patients with a lower TA level and shorter telomeres had an earlier onset of infertility symptoms. No predictive value was found for TA and TL in terms of embryo quality or IVF outcomes in PCOS patients, and no effect OCP pretreatment was observed on either TA and TL.

Impact of hormonal contraception and weight loss on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol efflux and lipoprotein particles in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

To study the effects of oral contraceptive pills (OCP), the first-line treatment for PCOS, on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) function (reverse cholesterol efflux capacity) and lipoprotein particles measured using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in obese women. Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial (OWL-PCOS) of OCP or Lifestyle (intensive Lifestyle modification) or Combined (OCP + Lifestyle) treatment groups for 16 weeks. Eighty-seven overweight/obese women with PCOS at two academic centres. Change in HDL-C efflux capacity and lipoprotein particles. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol efflux capacity increased significantly at 16 weeks in the OCP group [0·11; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·03, 0·18, P = 0·008] but not in the Lifestyle (P = 0·39) or Combined group (P = 0·18). After adjusting for HDL-C and TG levels, there was significant mean change in efflux in the Combined group (0·09; 95% CI 0·01, 0·15; P = 0·01). Change in HDL-C efflux correlated inversely with change in serum testosterone (rs = -0·21; P = 0·05). In contrast, OCP use induced an atherogenic low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) profile with increase in small (P = 0·006) and large LDL-particles (P = 0·002). Change in small LDL-particles correlated with change in serum testosterone (rs = -0·31, P = 0·009) and insulin sensitivity index (ISI; rs = -0·31, P = 0·02). Both Lifestyle and Combined groups did not show significant changes in the atherogenic LDL particles. Oral contraceptive pills use is associated with improved HDL-C function and a concomitant atherogenic LDL-C profile. Combination of a Lifestyle program with OCP use improved HDL-C function and mitigated adverse effects of OCP on lipoproteins. Our study provides evidence for use of OCP in overweight/obese women with PCOS when combined with Lifestyle changes.

Impact of Sexual Lifestyle on Hormone-Related Health Decline Case Married Teachers

The study aimed to evaluate the impact of accumulation hormones on health decline among some married teachers from the middle school. Founded on the background which confirmed in one hand, that any hormone, natural or synthetic, has the potential to cause unwanted side effects. While in another hand, the report of similar studies confirms that profession of teaching increased obesity, due to working conditions which do not encourage the practice of physical activity. For the purpose, our sample is consisting of 34 married teachers, their average age ≤ 26,32±3,12. They accepted to venous blood withdrawal under fasting conditions and anthropometric measurement (body weight, body height and body mass index). The only differences between them are in the method of avoiding pregnancy. The datum was performed by SPSS 19 using Levene statistic, Shapiro-Wilk, T-test independently and correlation of Pearson. As limits of this modest study, we confirm: • Working conditions increase the BMI greater than or equal to 30 which have a greater complication healthy rate confirm in the present study the case of the Traditional method which approves the theory that estrogen and progestin. • Side effects of oral contraceptive pills are related to the amount of Progesterone and estrogen present in them. While the working conditions amplified.

Evaluating the practice of Iranian community pharmacists regarding oral contraceptive pills using simulated patients.

Background:As oral contraceptive pills are available over the counter in pharmacies, pharmacists are professionally responsible for checking and informing patients about every aspect of taking these drugs. Simulated patient method is a new and robust way to evaluate professional performance of pharmacists.Objective:The aim of the present study was to evaluate the pharmacy practice of Iranian pharmacists regarding over-the-counter use of oral contraceptive pills using simulated patient method.Methods:Simulated patients visited pharmacy with a prescription containing ciprofloxacin and asked for oral contraceptive pills. The pharmacist was expected to ask important questions for using these drugs and to inform the patient about them properly. Moreover, the Pharmacists should advise patients in regard to the possible interaction.Results:Ninety four pharmacists participated in this study. In 24 (25.3%) visits, the liable pharmacist was not present at the time of purchase. Furthermore, In 13 (18.57 %) visits by the simulated patients, the liable pharmacists did not pay any attention to the simulated patients even when they asked for consultation. Twenty nine (41.43%) pharmacists did not ask any question during dispensing. Nausea was the most frequent described side effect by pharmacists (27 (38.57%)). Yet important adverse effects of oral contraceptive pills were not mentioned by the pharmacists except for few ones. Only twelve (17.14%) pharmacists mentioned the possible interaction. There was a significant relation between the pharmacists’ gender and detection of possible interaction (p value= 0.048).Conclusion:The quality of the pharmacists’ consultations regarding the over the counter use of oral contraceptive pills was not satisfactory and required improvement.

The Role of Oral Contraceptive Pills on Increased Risk of Breast Cancer in Iranian Populations: A Meta-analysis.

BackgroundCancer is one of the main public health issues in the world. Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women. It is also the second cause of mortality in women. The association between the use of oral contraceptive pills and breast cancer is controversial and a main issue in public health. Some findings have shown that taking these pills does not have a significant effect in increasing the risk of breast cancer, while others have confirmed the carcinogenic effect of these products. These contradictory findings necessitated this meta-analysis, through of all correlated studies in Iran.MethodsAll published studies were considered from June 2000 until June 2015, using reliable Latin databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, Google search, Scopus, and Science Direct, and Persian database like SID, Irandoc, IranMedex, and Magiran. Finally, 26 papers were selected: 24 studies were case control while two were population based studies. A total of 26 papers with 46,260 participants were assessed since 2001.ResultsOverall estimate of OR for the effect of oral contraceptive pills on breast cancer is 1.521 (CI = 1.25–1.85), which shows that the intervention group had more chance (52%) compared to the control group (P = 0.001). Using these pills increased the risk of breast cancer up to 1.52 times.ConclusionsBecause of directly increasing levels of estrogen and the role of estrogen in gaining weight indirectly, oral contraceptive pills can stimulate the occurrence of breast cancer. More studies should be conducted for controlling the period of pill use.

The effect of oral contraception on cardiometabolic risk factors in women with elevated androgen levels.

In unselected reproductive-aged women, use of combined estrogen-progestin oral contraceptive pills has been linked with an increased risk of vascular disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of oral contraception on cardiometabolic risk factors in a population of women with hyperandrogenism. The study included 16 untreated women with elevated testosterone levels and 15 matched healthy women who were then treated with oral contraceptive pills containing ethinyl estradiol (30μg) and drospirenone (3mg). Plasma lipids, glucose homeostasis markers, circulating levels of androgens, uric acid, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), fibrinogen and homocysteine, as well as urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment. Compared to healthy women, women with elevated androgen levels showed increased plasma levels of hsCRP, fibrinogen and homocysteine, as well as a higher value of UACR. Oral contraception reduced androgen levels only in hyperandrogenic women. In healthy women, ethinyl estradiol plus drospirenone increased plasma levels of insulin, hsCRP, fibrinogen and homocysteine, while in women with elevated androgen levels their effect was limited only to a small increase in hsCRP. Our results suggest that a deteriorating effect of oral contraceptive pills containing ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone in hyperandrogenic women is weaker than in healthy young women and that ethinyl estradiol/drospirenone combination therapy may be safely used in the former group of patients.

Does the Oral Contraceptive Pill Increase Plasma Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1, Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1, and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Levels in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Pilot Study

Study ObjectivePolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common endocrinopathy of women, is a state of chronic low-grade inflammation and is closely linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs), is the usual first choice of treatment in women with PCOS. Because OCP use has been linked to the risk of venous thrombosis and there are limited data on the effect of OCP use on the inflammatory state of women with PCOS, our objective was to compare the levels of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 between drug-naive and OCP-treated women with PCOS. Design, Setting, Participants, Interventions, and Main Outcome MeasuresConsequent to women diagnosed with PCOS on the basis of Rotterdam 2003 criteria, either treated with OCPs (ethinylestradiol 0.03 mg, levonogestrel-0.15 mg) for a period of 6 months (n = 50) or drug-naive (n = 51) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. ResultsThe mean ages of patients and control participants were comparable (21.99 ± 4.78 vs 21.92 ± 5.83 years; P = .947) as was body mass index (24.47 ± 3.92 vs 23.66 ± 3.43; P = .271). Clinical and androgen excess symptoms were significantly better in the OCP group compared with the drug-naive group (P = .01, P = .04). Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly higher in the OCP group (P = .01). Plasma ICAM-1 levels, TNF-α levels, and MCP-1 levels showed a higher trend in patients but reached statistical significance only in cases of ICAM-1 and TNF-α (P = .01). ConclusionOCP treatment of 6 months increases plasma ICAM-1, MCP-1, and TNF-α levels among women with PCOS, although OCPs significantly help in ameliorating features of hyperandrogenism and regularizing menstrual cycles. These cytokines correlate positively with many metabolic parameters including plasma glucose, lipids, and homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance. Further investigation with well designed, randomized, longitudinal studies might help to ascertain the effect of OCPs on proinflammatory profiles among women with PCOS.

Oral Contraceptives and Oral Health:An Insight

Oral contraceptive pills are a safe and effective means of avoiding pregnancy followed by women worldwide. These drugs were first introduced in 1960s and 70s and contained higher dose of estrogen and progesterone and were reported to cause unwanted side effects like gingival inflammation, localized osteitis, alterations in salivary flow rate, changes in salivary components and gingival melanosis in oral tissues. With the advent of new generation formulations of low dose oral contraceptive pills, the effects on oral health is minimized and presently users are not considered as risk group for developing gingival and periodontal disease. This review briefs the effects of oral contraceptive pills on general health and oral health in particular and controversies surrounding their use.

English

Oral contraceptive is a widely accepted and most effective method of fertility control. Its use has been growing since 1970s. As per WHO (1998), over 100 million women are using oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) worldwide, mostly in developed countries. In India only 2% of married women of reproductive age were using OCPs for fertility control during the period from 1990 to 2001. The history, evolution and development of oral pills till date is discussed along with the benefits, risks and side effects of oral contraceptive pills.

Effect of Oral Contraceptive Pills on the Blood Serum Enzymes and DNA Damage in Lymphocytes Among Users.

The continuous use of synthetic hormones as contraceptive pill or hormonal replacement therapy among women is increasing day by day. The widespread use of different formulations as oral contraceptives by women throughout their reproductive cycle has given rise to a serious concern for studying the effects of oral contraceptives on enzymatic profile and DNA damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes among users. The present study was carried out on women taking oral contraceptives. The study was based on the questionnaire having the information of reproductive history, fasting, age, health, nature of menstrual cycle, bleeding and other disease. The profile of the blood serum enzymes i.e. alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aminotransferases (SGOT and SGPT), serum proteins (albumin and globulin) and DNA damage in lymphocytes was studied among users and non-users. The results of the present study suggest that OCs not only effects enzymatic activity but also results in DNA damage that may vary with the duration of using oral contraceptives. A significant increase in LDH, GGT, SGPT, SGOT, globulin and decrease in ALP as well as albumin was found among users as compared to non-users. The observed DNA damage was more in users as compared to non-users. Hormonal contraceptives seem to exert DNA damage and also have significant effects on blood serum enzymes.

Effects of Oral Contraceptive Pills on Mood: Lessons Learned from Longitudinal Studies

Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCP) are widely used by women of reproductive age and their use is increasing overtime. Yet, while OCPs have been shown to ameliorate mood symptoms in some women, mood changes are also commonly reported as side effects. The objective of this systematic literature review was to determine the effects of OCP on mood symptoms among healthy women using OCPs for contraception. We included prospective, longitudinal studies with clear comparison groups of either baseline versus post OCP use or case-control studies comparing women with or without OCP treatment. Despite the considerable variability in operational definitions of depression or negative affect, the majority of studies demonstrated no effect of OCP on depressive symptoms when compared with control or baseline data. While studies of manic symptoms were not available, irritability and mood swings related to the premenstrual phase were assessed. Results are equivocal with half the studies showing improvement in symptoms with OCP and half showing no difference. Overall, studies lacked standardized assessment tools and often relied on symptom checklists. Future research would benefit from the development and validation of a convenient tool for the assessment of mood symptoms across the menstrual cycle.

Effect of oral contraceptives on visual evoked potentials in premenopausal females

Introduction: The sex hormones are not only restricted to the influence the reproductive organs and processes in the female body, but also have great effect on the functioning of the nervous system. Evoked potentials are one of the many electrophysiological parameters, used to assess the neuronal functioning. The aim of this prospective study was to analyze the effects of oral contraceptive pills on the visual evoked potentials in premenopausal females. Methods: The VEP was measured in 76 females during follicular and luteal phases of their menstrual cycle, and latencies of the three waveforms N70, P100 and N135 were measured. All the subjects were prescribed oral contraceptive pills containing 0.03 mg estradiol and 0.15 levonorgestrel. The VEP latencies were measured again after 4 months of oral contraceptive intake. Result: The result showed an increase in all the three latencies of VEP waveforms due to oral contraceptive intake. Although the increase in latencies were not significant (P>0.05). Conclusion: Hence it was concluded that VEP seems to be influenced by the female steroid hormones during the menstrual cycle and also due to oral intake in the form of contraceptives.

Heart rate variability across the menstrual cycle in young women taking oral contraceptives.

Previous studies have shown that resting heart rate variability (HRV) is modified by different phases of the menstrual cycle in nonusers of oral contraceptive pills (OCP); however, the effect of OCP on autonomic control of the heart remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate HRV during the low hormone (LH-not taking OCP) and during the high hormone (HH-active OCP use) phases of the menstrual cycle in young women. Seventeen healthy women (19-31 years) taking OCP for at least 6 consecutive months were enrolled in this study. Plasma estradiol and progesterone were verified at each visit. HRV was assessed by using one-lead electrocardiography in time and frequency domains, in which participants rested in the supine position for a 20-min period with a breathing rate of 15 cycles/min. In addition, resting heart rate, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were obtained. Both plasma estradiol (LH: 19.8 ± 4.2 pg/mL vs. HH: 12.4 ± 1.5 pg/mL; p > .05) and progesterone (LH: 0.247 ± 0.58 ng/mL vs. HH: 0.371 ± 0.08 ng/mL; p > .05) (mean ± SE) levels were similar in both phases. No significant difference was obtained for any component of HRV, heart rate, or blood pressure between the LH and HH phases (p > .05). These results provide preliminary evidence that use of OCP does not affect HRV during the menstrual cycle in healthy women.

Reference intervals for bone turnover markers in Spanish premenopausal women.

The aims of this study were to establish robust reference intervals and to investigate the factors influencing bone turnover markers (BTMs) in healthy premenopausal Spanish women. A total of 184 women (35-45 years) from 13 centers in Catalonia were analyzed. Blood and second void urine samples were collected between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. after an overnight fast. Serum procollagen type I amino-terminal propeptide (PINP) and serum cross-linked C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-I) were measured by two automated assays (Roche and IDS), bone alkaline phosphatase (bone ALP) by ELISA, osteocalcin (OC) by IRMA and urinary NTX-I by ELISA. PTH and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels were measured. All participants completed a questionnaire on lifestyle factors. Reference intervals were: PINP: 22.7-63.1 and 21.8-65.5 μg/L, bone ALP: 6.0-13.6 μg/L, OC: 8.0-23.0 μg/L, CTX-I: 137-484 and 109-544 ng/L and NTX-I: 19.6-68.9 nM/mM. Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) influenced PINP (p=0.007), and low body mass index (BMI) was associated with higher BTMs except for bone ALP. Women under 40 had higher median values of most BTMs. CTX-I was influenced by calcium intake (p=0.010) and PTH (p=0.007). 25OHD levels did not influence BTMs. Concordance between the two automated assays for PINP and particularly CTX-I was poor. Robust reference intervals for BTMs in a Southern European country are provided. The effects of OCPs and BMI on their levels are significant, whilst serum 25OHD levels did not influence BTMs. Age, calcium intake, BMI and PTH influenced CTX-I. The two automated assays for measuring PINP and CTX-I are not interchangeable.

The effect of oral contraception on macroprolactin levels in women with macroprolactinemia: A pilot study.

Despite a high prevalence of macroprolactinemia in the population, the only drugs found to change macroprolactin (big-big prolactin) levels were dopamine receptor agonists. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of oral contraceptive pills containing ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel on serum macroprolactin levels in patients with macroprolactinemia. The study population included 21 premenopausal women with isolated macroprolactinemia, 11 of whom were treated with oral contraceptive pills. Serum prolactin and macroprolactin levels were assessed at baseline and after 16 weeks of treatment. Oral contraceptive pills administered for 16 weeks slightly increased pre-polyethylene glycol serum prolactin levels and macroprolactin levels and the effect of this treatment correlated with their baseline values. Our results suggest that oral contraceptive pills containing ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel exhibit a stimulatory effect on macroprolactin production in women with basically high macroprolactin levels.