Micronutrient alterations in hormonal contraceptive use

The study investigated effects of contraceptives on the concentration of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Taking advantage of the variability of contraceptives and duration of usage, the three parameters were analyzed spectrophotometrically with the O-cresolpthalein complexion, Xyldyl blue and Molybdated UV methods respectively. Values obtained were analyzed statistically using analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistics. Results show the mean concentration of calcium was significantly higher (p<0.05) in women on oral (combination 3) contraceptives when compared with the control group. The mean concentration of phosphorus and magnesium obtained from subjects on oral (combination 3) were significantly lower (p<0.05) than group. In participants on injectables (depo-provera and noristerat) contraceptives when compared with control group. However, mean serum calcium was significantly lower (p<0.05) in participants on injectables (depo-provera and noristerat contraceptives when compared with control group. The mean concentration of phosphorus and magnesium levels on injectable (depo-provera and noristerat) and implant (Jadelle) were similar in control and participants. Correlation analysis show significant association between magnesium and phosphorus and the duration of contraceptive usage. Hormonal contraceptives show no correlation with body mass index of participants. Complications usually associated with hypo or hyperstates of these micronutrients are of grave medical concern. The need for caution, monitoring and their intermittent evaluation among contraceptive users especially in long term is strongly advocated.