title: Serum levels of FSH, LH, estradiol-17 beta and progesterone following the administration of a combined oral contraceptive containing 20 micrograms ethinylestradiol.
abstract: An oral contraceptive containing 20 micrograms of ethinylestradiol and 250 micrograms of levonorgestrel was given to 5 normally menstruating women for two consecutive cycles. Peripheral serum levels of FSH, LH, estradiol-17 beta and progesterone were determined during the treatment period and during two control cycles, one immediately before, and one immediately after treatment. In all 5 women studied there were no LH peaks and no luteal phase levels of progesterone during the treatment cycles indicating complete inhibition of ovulation. 4 of the 5 women showed no biphasic estradiol pattern. Posttreatment control cycles showed reestablished ovulatory pattern in 4 of the 5 subjects.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood*; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D007031:Hypothalamus / Q000187:drug effects; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D009644:Norgestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage; D010053:Ovary / Q000187:drug effects; D010902:Pituitary Gland / Q000187:drug effects; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined; D009644:Norgestrel; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol; D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone