Author(s)

Esther Ngozi Adejumo, Isaac Oluwole Adediji^*, Abisola Oluwaseun Akinmulero

Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Nigeria.

The use of hormonal contraceptives has been implicated in the depletion of serum antioxidants and resultant promotion of oxidative stress which is associated with various disorders including cardiovascular disease and cancer. This study investigated serum total antioxidant status (TAS) in women taking hormonal contraceptives and compared their results with non-contraceptive users (age- and sex-matched). Sixty women aged 30 - 45 years, were enrolled for the study which included forty-five users of hormonal contraceptives from the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria, Isolo, Lagos state and fifteen age-matched, apparently healthy, non-contraceptive users from the same geographical location were selected as controls. The in vitro determination of the serum total antioxidant status (TAS) was performed using Biorex enzymatic kit. Data obtained were statistically analyzed using student’s t-test and P < 0.05 was considered significant. The serum levels of TAS in the users of hormonal contraceptives were significantly lower than non-users (P < 0.05). The study concluded that women on hormonal contraceptives especially those taking either combined oral or combined injectable contraceptives were at risk of developing disorders associated with reduced levels of serum antioxidants.

Hormonal Contraceptives, Oxidative Stress, Antioxidant Status

Adejumo, E. , Adediji, I. and Akinmulero, A. (2016) Effect of Hormonal Contraceptives on the Total Antioxidants Status of Women from Isolo, Lagos State, Nigeria. Journal of Biosciences and Medicines, 4, 107-111. doi: 10.4236/jbm.2016.41013.