Effect of second and third generation oral contraceptives on C-reactive protein, lipids and apolipoproteins in young, non-obese, non-smoking apparently healthy women.

OBJECTIVE

Third generation oral contraceptives (OC) may increase the risk of cardiovascular events in healthy young women.

DESIGN AND

METHODS

We assessed the effect of second and third generation OC on CRP, lipids and apolipoproteins in 128 women.

RESULTS

CRP was significantly higher in third generation contraceptive users. The main determinant of CRP in OC users was triglycerides.

CONCLUSIONS

Young women using oral contraceptives, especially third generation formulas, might not be free of cardiovascular risk having increased CRP concentration.