Oral contraceptives and lipoprotein metabolism.

The extensive literature on the effects of oral contraceptives on plasma lipoproteins is reviewed. The interpretation of various studies has been confounded by the diversity of contraceptive formulations and by the fact that estrogen and progestogen components in a given preparation may neutralize or potentiate each other's effects. Recent studies on contraceptive estrogens and progestogens administered alone have helped to reveal some of the mechanisms behind oral-contraceptive-induced changes in plasma lipoproteins. The introduction of modern low-dose oral contraceptives has resulted in a reduction in adverse effects on plasma lipoproteins and has decreased concern about the risk of arterial disease.