Effect of Oral Contraceptive Pills on Oxidative Stress in Saudi women

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of oral contraceptive pills on oxidative stress in Saudi women. Methods: A total of fifty-five Saudi women were divided into two groups: users of oral contraceptive pills (OCP, N=30) for at least one year and non-users (NOCP, N=25). The demographic data were obtained through face-to-face interviews performed by the researcher. Blood specimen from both groups were drawn after 8 hours of fasting to estimate serum Total antioxidant (TAOC), Nitric oxide (NO), C-reactive protein (CRP), vitamins (E, B6, B12) and some hematological parameters: hemoglobin (Hb), Red blood cell (RBC), White blood cell (WBC). Results: The results showed a significant decreased in serum TAOC, NO, vitamins E and B6 accompanied with high significant increase in CRP level while no significant changes B12, HB, RBC and WBC were observed in the OCP users as compared to the control group. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that the use of OCP resulted in low levels of the total antioxidant, nitric oxide, vitamin E, and B6 with a significant increase in CRP. Women who used OCP may be more susceptible to oxidative stress by enhanced depletion of antioxidants.