Both a combined oral contraceptive and depot medroxyprogesterone acetate impair endothelial function in young women.

Background: The study was conducted to determine whether the use of a combined oral contraceptive (COC) or depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) interferes with endothelial function.

Study Design: The study was conducted on 100 women between the ages of 18 and 30 years. Fifty women had not used hormonal contraception (control group) for at least 12 months, 25 were current users of a COC (ethinylestradiol 30 mcg+levonorgestrel 150 mcg) and 25 were current users of DMPA (150 mg) for at least a 6-month period.

Hormonal assessment of women submitted to tubal ligation.

Sixteen fertile women aged 30-35 years with regular menstruations were studied before and 6 months after tubal ligation (TL). The diagnosis of ovulation was based on clinical ultrasonographic and hormonal parameters [follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), E2 and P4]. The menstrual pattern did not vary before and after surgery.