Effects of contraceptives on hemoglobin and ferritin

The effects of combined oral contraceptives (OC), depot medroxyprogesterone acetate injections (DMPA), levonol-gestrel subdermal implant (Norplant(R)) , copper-containing intrauterine devices (copper IUD), and Chinese stainles s steel ring IUD on hemoglobin and ferritin were studied in 18-40-year-old, nonpregnant, and nonlactating women in seven countries (Bangladesh, Chile, China, the Dominican Republic, Pakistan, Thailand, and Tunisia). Data from 2507 women were analyzed. The study had a cross-sectional component in whi ch 1295 current users of the contraceptive methods were compared with 1212 women initiating use of contraceptives. The results of this component showe d that the current users of hormonal contraceptive methods generally had hi gher hemoglobin and ferritin levels than the noncontraceptors. The differen ces between women using hormonal contraceptive and noncontraceptors in mean Values for hemoglobin varied between 3 and 6 g/L and for ferritin between g and 18 g/L. The current users of copper IUD had higher hemoglobin levels (difference in mean levels of 3 g/L), but lower ferritin levels (difference of lo g/L) than noncontraceptors. Current use of the stainless steel ring had an adverse effect on both hemoglobin and ferritin. In a longitudinal co mponent of the study 285 anemic women (hemoglobin between 80 and 120 g/L at the time of initiation of contraception)-a subgroup of the cross-sectional component-were followed-up at 3, 6, and 12 months after initiation. In thi s component, significant mean increases of hemoglobin at 12 months were obs erved among the users of oral contraceptives and DMPA, but not among users of copper or stainless steel ring IUD. It is concluded that hemoglobin and ferritin levels are influenced by the use of contraceptives and that the ho rmonal contraceptives included in the present study have a beneficial effec t on these parameters. The effects of copper IUD on hemoglobin and ferritin should be studied further. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reser ved.261.