[Liver function in hormonal contraception].

Abstract

Numerous interactions between hormonal contraceptives and liver function have been described. Changed laboratory results do not represent obligatory pathologic conditions or hepatotoxi effects. Some of these changed results are transient, suggesting that liver cells are capable of adaptation. The use of oral contraceptives is contraindicated in the following liver diseases: - recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis (recurrent jaundice of pregnancy, Dubin-Johnson syndrome, Rotor syndrome); - acute disturbances of liver function. In general it is recommended that hormonal contraceptives should not be used by patients with biliary cirrhosis although some authors have stated that chronic disturbances of liver function did not appear to be aggravated by these agents. Impairment of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism needs careful control of the laboratory tests concerned. Due to its low frequency the increased risk of gallstones does not necessitate the withdrawal of the medication. Up to now the interrelationship between the use of contraceptive steroids and the induction of hepatic tumours has not been proven.