Short-Term Effects of Norethisterone Oenanthate and Medroxyprogesterone Acetate on Glucose, Insulin, Growth Hormone, and Lipids

The effects on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in 24 healthy female subjects of the long-acting steroid contraceptives norethisterone oenanthate (200mg) (11 subjects) and depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate (150mg) (13 subjects) were studied. The subjects were between the ages of 18 and 25years, with a history of normal menstrual periods. Pretreatment levels of plasma cholesterol, plasma triglycerides, phospholipids, blood glucose, insulin, and growth hormone were compared with those obtained 3weeks and 12weeks after the initial injections. There were no statistically significant differences from the pretreatment levels in any of the values obtained at 3weeks and 12weeks in either group.