To determine the associations between high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol levels and use of oral contraceptives or of noncontraceptive estrogens and progestins we analyzed the serum levels of this lipid in 4978 women, 21 to 62 years of age. In estrogen users, the mean level was 6.7 to 15.1 mg per deciliter above the nonuser level (P less than 0.001), whereas in a group of progestin users it was 15.8 mg per deciliter below (P less than 0.001). In women using combination oral contraceptives, the level varied with the type and dose of the component steroids, in general increasing with increasing dose of estrogen and decreasing with increasing dose or potency of progestin. Thus, the net effect of use of a combination oral contraceptive on high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol depends on its formulation.

High density lipoprotein (HDL) levels are known to be higher in women than in men, and to increase with estrogen use. To assess the effects of estrogens on HDL subspecies, analytic ultracentrifuge measurements of HDL were compared in 11 menopausal estrogen users and 16 controls. The difference in mean schlieren patterns between the groups showed a significantly higher level of HDL with flotation rate (F1.20o)>1.5 (predominantly HDL2) in the users. This was similar to the difference in HDL seen between nonusers of hormones and age‐matched males. A previous study had shown that users of combination oral contraceptives had increased levels of HDL with F1.20o≤3.5 (primarily HDL3) suggesting that the estrogen effect on HDL is altered by the presence of added progestin. The progrestin effect was studied here in more detail in two women with type V hyperlipoproteinemia treated with norethindrone acetate. Reduction in serum triglyceride was accompanied by a reduction in HDL, predominantly in the less dense species (HDL2). Among groups of oral contraceptive and noncontraceptive estrogen and progestin users whose HDL‐cholesterol levels have been reported recently, there was a direct correlation (r=0.86, p<.001) between mean HDL‐cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Endogenous hormonal influences on HDL were assessed by serum hormone and lipoprotein measurements at weekly intervals during two consecutive menstrual cycles in four healthy females. An increase in HDL of highest flotation rate (F1.20o 5–9) was seen, which corresponded with the time of ovulation raising the possibility of pituitary as well as gonadal hormone effects on HDL.

Terbutaline is a selective beta 2 agonist used predominantly in the treatment of asthma. Since beta-mediated responses increase heart rate, dilate peripheral arteries, modify carbohydrate metabolism and the uptake of electrolytes into cells, the administration of terbutaline might be expected to produce widespread effects. In this study the intravenous administration of 0.5 mg terbutaline over 60 min has been shown to produce marked changes without upsetting the volunteers. Heart rate, systolic blood pressure and plasma glucose all increase; diastolic pressure and serum potassium decrease. The data suggests that the terbutaline infusion may be a useful tool for the investigator. The results also quantitate some of the side effects which may result from the intravenous administration of a therapeutic dose of terbutaline given to asthmatics or to pregnant women to reduce uterine activity and delay childbirth.