Effect of low-dose oral contraceptive on gonadotropins, androgens, and sex hormone binding globulin in nonhirsute women.
The effectiveness of a low-dose oral contraceptive (OC) in suppressing plasma levels of gonadotropins, ovarian, and adrenal androgens and stimulating sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) was evaluated prospectively in nonhirsute women. Thirty-three women ingested 35 micrograms of ethinyl estradiol and 1 mg of norethindrone beginning within day 1 to 5 of the menstrual cycle. Baseline levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, total testosterone (T), androstenedione (A), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), and SHBG were obtained before ingestion of the OC and repeated after 3, 6 and, 9 months of OC use on day 1 to 5 of the OC "cycle". A significant suppression of gonadotropin levels is seen in nonhirsute women. Sex hormone binding globulin is consistently stimulated by the low-dose OC. A significant suppression of T and DHEAS is observed. No change was seen in levels of A. The demonstrated effects become evident at 3 months and are maintained at 6 and 9 months.
Murphy
A
A
University of California, San Diego School of Medicine.
Cropp
C S
CS
Smith
B S
BS
Burkman
R T
RT
Zacur
H A
HA
D000293:Adolescent; D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D000328:Adult; D000728:Androgens / Q000097:blood*; D000735:Androstenedione / Q000097:blood; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone / Q000097:blood; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006062:Gonadotropins / Q000097:blood*; D006628:Hirsutism / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D010053:Ovary / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin / Q000378:metabolism*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
D000728:Androgens; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D006062:Gonadotropins; D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin; D013739:Testosterone; D000735:Androstenedione; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone