A randomized controlled double-blind study of the effects on hemostasis of two progestogen-only pills containing 75 microgram desogestrel or 30 microgram levonorgestrel.

The effects of two progestogen-only pills containing either 75 microgram desogestrel (DSG) or 30 microgram levonorgestrel (LNG) on hemostasis were investigated in a double-blind, randomized, controlled study of seven treatment cycles in 78 healthy women. DSG reduced factor VII activity (p < 0.05) and prothrombin fragment 1+2 (p < 0.05) and increased protein S (p < 0.001). LNG reduced factor VII activity (p < 0.01) and plasminogen activity (p < 0.01) and increased tissue-plasminogen activator (t-PA) (p < 0.05). At the end of the post-treatment cycle with DSG, protein S (p < 0.01) and t-PA (p < 0.05) were increased and plasminogen activity was decreased (p < 0.05), whereas with LNG, t-PA was increased (p < 0.001) and prothrombin fragment 1+2 (p < 0.05) and plasminogen activity (p < 0.001) were decreased. Between-group comparisons revealed higher values for DSG regarding the anticoagulatory parameter protein S at cycle 7 (p < 0.01) and post-treatment assessments (p < 0.05), and the fibrinolytic parameter plasmin-antiplasmin complex was higher with DSG at cycle 7 (p < 0.05) and at post-treatment (p < 0.05). Both preparations had comparable and potentially favorable effects of hemostasis, and may offer suitable hormonal contraception to women with a personal or family history of venous thromboembolic diseases.