Metabolic and Weight Observations in Four Women Using Triphasic Norgestimate/Ethinylestradiol: A Six-month Descriptive Case Series.

Abstract

Background: Triphasic combined oral contraceptives (COCs) containing norgestimate and ethinylestradiol are established therapeutic options. Previous studies and reviews have described their metabolic profile, but contemporary routine-practice descriptions remain limited. This report was not designed to test efficacy or to generate population-level evidence.

Objective: To describe short-term changes in selected metabolic and clinical parameters over six months in four women using a triphasic norgestimate/35 µg ethinylestradiol COC.

Patients and methods: This retrospective descriptive case series included four women of reproductive age, without known metabolic disorders, who initiated triphasic norgestimate/35 µg ethinylestradiol in routine clinical practice and had complete records at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Fasting glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL/HDL ratio, blood pressure, and body weight were extracted from clinical records. Results are summarized descriptively as medians with ranges and patient-level changes. No inferential analyses were planned or performed.

Results: Fasting glycaemia remained within the physiological range in all four patients at each time point. Median triglycerides increased from 98 mg/dL at baseline to 123 mg/dL at 3 months and decreased to 88 mg/dL at 6 months; one patient had a value of 151 mg/dL at 3 months. Median total cholesterol increased from 173 mg/dL at baseline to 195.5 mg/dL at 6 months, with two patients above 200 mg/dL at 6 months. LDL/HDL ratios remained below 2 at 6 months, although individual changes were heterogeneous. Body weight showed small individual fluctuations from baseline to 6 months (-2 to +1 kg).

Conclusion: This four-patient retrospective case series provides descriptive short-term observations only. The findings should not be interpreted as evidence of metabolic efficacy, safety, or generalizability. They are hypothesis-generating and require evaluation in larger prospective studies with standardized follow-up and assessment of potential confounders.