Oral Contraceptives and Liver Damage

Reports from others of evidence of liver damage attributed to use of various contraceptive steroid compounds are noted. The author reports r esults in 36 22-44 year old patients of whom 26 were treated with Orgam etril and 10 with Lyndiol because of endometriosis. Abnormal findings w ere noted in only a few cases. Transaminase activity was occasionally i ncreased and a slight increase in bromosulphthalein retention was someti mes recorded. Serum alkaline phosphatase values serum bilirubin levels and thymol turbidity test were all normal. The SGPT proved the most sensitive test being moderately increased in 2 patients taking Orgametr il. Patients had no subjective symptoms. Laboratory values returned to normal when therapy was stopped. Although estrogenic compounds have been used in gynecology practice for many years in larger doses than in contraceptive pills known liver damage has not occurred. A synergism b etween estrogenic and progestogenic steroids may exist. In long-term tr eatment as in endometriosis it may be advisable to use the progestogen ic hormone alone and not in combination with the estrogenic hormone to avoid this possible effect.