Depo-medroxyprogesterone Acetate: Lipid Profile Changes and Associated Cardiovascular Risks among Acceptors in Sagamu, South West Nigeria

Depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) is a highly effective long acting reversible contraceptive. Alterations in lipid profile have been associated with use of DMPA, however there is considerable debate about how profound these effects are. Hence the aim of this study is to determine the effect of DMPA on lipid profile and the associated cardiovascular risks. This was a prospective longitudinal study conducted at the family planning clinic of Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital Sagamu, Ogun State. Sixty eight new acceptors of DMPA who had their blood samples collected for lipid profile assays at initiation of DMPA, and then at 3 months and 6 months. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24. After 3 months of DMPA use, there was statistically significant increase in serum Total Cholesterol (TC) concentration (P=0.022), serum Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) concentration (P=0.033), non significant increase in serum Triglyceride (TG) concentration (P=0.150) and non-significant decrease in serum Higher Density Lipoprotein (HDL) concentration (P=0.076). However, after 6 months of DMPA use, there was statistically significant increase in serum TC concentration (P=0.002), serum LDL concentration (P=0.003), serum TG concentration (P=0.001) and significant decrease in serum HDL concentration (P=0.001). DMPA use is associated with increased serum TC, TG, LDL, and reduction in HDL after 6 months of use. These changes in lipid profile may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.