Lipid metabolic studies in oophorectomised women: effects on serum lipids and lipoproteins of three synthetic progestogens

Norethisterone acetate, medroxyprogesterone acetate and levonorgestrel were administered to oophorectomised women to evaluate the effects they have on lipid metabolism. Blood samples were drawn after a 3 wk period without hormone therapy and after 3 wk on each progestogen. Serum and lipoprotein lipids were followed and an oral glucose tolerance test with blood glucose and plasma insulin determinations were performed. The nortestosterone derivatives, norethisterone acetate and levonorgestrel, decreased high density lipoprotein cholesterol as well as alpha-lipoproteincholesterol, while the 17-hydroxyprogesterone derivative medroxyprogesterone acetate did not. Norethisterone acetate and medroxyprogesterone acetate impaired glucose tolerance. A difference between nortestosterone derivatives and 17-hydroxyprogesterone derivatives having an effect on high density lipoproteins is suggested.