Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System in women using injectable hormonal contraceptive: protocol of a comparative observational study of cross-sectional

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Oral contraceptives are the most widely used form of birth control, reaching 200 million users since its inception in the 1960. Since 2013, our research group has presented results that suggest that women using Combined Oral Contraceptives (COC) and without other risk factors, have a higher value of C-reactive protein, postprandial lipemia, oxidized low-density lipoprotein and decreased insulin sensitivity, when compared to their counterparts without the use of COC. Recently, it was found that the use of COC increases plasma renin values by 600%, which may explain why the use of this drug is a risk factor for the development of systemic arterial hypertension. Although the use of Injectable Hormonal Contraceptives (IHC) is increasing, we have not found clinical studies that addressed the topic, demonstrating a gap in the scientific literature. OBJECTIVE: Compare the values of plasma renin, angiotensin-converting enzyme 1 and aldosterone of women using IHC with women who do not use any hormone-based contraceptives. METHODS: Protocol of a comparative observational cross-sectional study, composed of women aged between 18 and 30 years, eutrophic, irregularly active by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, short version, who have been in continuous use of IHC for at least 6 months or that do not use. The sample will be for convenience and the selected participants will sign the informed consent form. Subsequently, they will answer a standard questionnaire, undergo a physical examination, and be sent to collect blood samples.