Clinical chemistry in women treated with six levonorgestrel covered rods or with a copper IUD

A group of women treated with six levonorgestrel covered rods participated in a study on general chemistry and blood levels of selected hormones at treatment months 20 and 65. A comparable group of Copper T users served as control. Parameters analyzed were the SMA 12 chemistry profile, estradiol, testosterone, cortisol, T₃, T₄ and TSH. Samples from treated and control subjects were drawn within the same calendar period and were run simultaneously for the assay of each parameter. The values observed were within the normal limits. Significantly higher values of total protein and albumin and lower levels of estradiol and testosterone were found among implant users when compared to the control group. The results suggests little or no metabolic changes in users of six levonorgestrel covered rods which release a daily dose of approximately 105 micrograms.