Effects of hormonal contraceptives on serum electrolytes, blood pressure and body mass index: A comparative cross-sectional study

Effects of hormonal contraceptives on serum electrolytes, blood pressure, and body mass index

Abstract

Background: Contraception prevents fertilization by using devices, practices, and hormonal methods. The impact of hormonal contraceptives on serum electrolyte levels, body weight, and blood pressure has been debated. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effect of hormonal contraceptives on serum electrolyte levels, body mass index, and blood pressure among users at Mizan-Tepi University Teaching Hospital (MTUTH) and Gebre-tsadik Shawo General Hospital (GSGH) in Southwest Ethiopia.

Methods: In this comparative cross-sectional study involving 290 women, data were collected using consecutive sampling. SPSS version 21 was used for analysis, and the results were summarized using figures and tables. An independent t-test was employed to assess the variability between the two comparable groups regarding serum electrolyte levels, body weight, and blood pressure. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results: In this study, no significant differences were found in serum sodium, potassium, calcium, and chloride levels between hormonal contraceptive users and non-users. However, hormonal contraceptive users exhibited a notably higher body mass index (BMI) than non-users did. Additionally, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly higher in hormonal contraceptive users than in non-users.

Conclusion: Hormonal contraceptives do not significantly affect serum electrolyte levels but can increase blood pressure and BMI. These increases may pose cardiovascular risks, especially in women with preexisting conditions, and could lead to weight-related health issues over time. Therefore, the cardiovascular and metabolic effects of these contraceptives should be carefully considered, particularly for long-term users.