Effect of Implanon® use on selected parameters of thyroid and adrenal function

Abstract

In this article, the effects of Implanon® implant use on thyroid and adrenal function was compared with those of Norplant® implants. In this 2-year open randomized study of 80 implant acceptors, we found that both implants may induce minimal changes in thyroid hormones and cortisol levels, possibly secondary to alterations in the respective binding globulins in the serum. These alterations in thyroid and adrenal function would have no clinical significance in healthy women. In the Norplant group, sex hormone-binding globulin levels decreased, whereas increased levels were found in the Implanon users at the end of 2 years. These findings lend support to the fact that etonogestrel, released from Implanon implants, is significantly less androgenic than levonorgestrel, released from the Norplant implants. © 2001 Elsevier Science Inc.