Steroidal contraceptives: effect on carbohydrate metabolism in women without diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND

Many hormonal contraceptives have been associated with changes in carbohydrate metabolism. Alterations may include decreased glucose tolerance and increased insulin resistance, which are risk factors for Type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. These issues have been raised with progestin-only contraceptives as well as contraceptives containing estrogen. Such potential effects could influence recommendations for, and use of, these widely used and effective contraceptives.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of hormonal contraceptives on carbohydrate metabolism in healthy women and those at risk for diabetes due to overweight.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the computerized databases MEDLINE, POPLINE, CENTRAL, EMBASE, and LILACS for studies of hormonal contraceptives and carbohydrate metabolism. The latest search was conducted in March 2006. We wrote to investigators for information about other published or unpublished trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were considered if they examined carbohydrate metabolism in women without diabetes who used hormonal contraceptives for contraception. Interventions included comparisons of a hormonal contraceptive with a placebo, a non-hormonal contraceptive, or another hormonal contraceptive that differed in drug, dosage, or regimen. Interventions included at least three cycles. Outcomes included glucose and insulin levels, which were generally reported as fasting value or response to an oral glucose tolerance test.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We assessed for inclusion all titles and abstracts identified during the literature searches with no language limitations. The data were abstracted and the information was entered into RevMan. Studies were examined for methodological quality. For continuous variables, the weighted mean difference was computed with 95% confidence interval (CI) using a fixed-effect model. For dichotomous outcomes, the Peto odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI was calculated.

MAIN RESULTS

A total of 39 trials met the inclusion criteria. No study stratified by body weight (normal-weight versus overweight women). Results for desogestrel were often favorable regarding carbohydrate metabolism but inconsistent overall. Glucose and insulin means were more favorable for norethisterone in studies of progestin-only contraceptives. For other progestins, little or no difference was noted across trials.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Current evidence suggests that hormonal contraceptives have limited effect on carbohydrate metabolism in women without diabetes. Strong statements cannot be made, though, due to having few studies that compared any particular types of contraceptives. Many trials had small numbers of participants and some had large losses to follow up. Most studies had poor reporting of methods. No information was available regarding the effects among women who were overweight.