title: Hormonal consequences of missing the pill during the first two days of three consecutive artificial cycles.
abstract: The hormonal effects of the deliberate omission of a low-dose combined oral contraceptive pill (30 micrograms ethinyl estradiol + 150 micrograms levonorgestrel) during the first two days of three consecutive artificial cycles were studied in 10 women. The plasma levels of estradiol, progesterone, levonorgestrel and--whenever justified--of LH were measured three times weekly (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays) throughout a 90-day period, and the ovarian reaction to the prolongation of the pill-free period from 7 to 9 days was assessed. One subject (with a premature LH surge) showed a marked follicular and an inadequate luteal activity in 2 of 3 cycles. The remaining cycles were characterized by a varying degree of follicular activity associated with the absence of any luteal function. None of the subjects exhibited peripheral steroid levels indicating a normal ovulatory cycle. The results are interpreted as suggesting that repeated prolongation of the pill-free period from 7 to 9 days might result in a gradual increase in ovarian activity.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / Q000097:blood; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood*; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019304:Ethinyl Estradiol-Norgestrel Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016912:Levonorgestrel; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D009644:Norgestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood; D010060:Ovulation / Q000187:drug effects; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal; D009644:Norgestrel; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol; D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol; D016912:Levonorgestrel; D019304:Ethinyl Estradiol-Norgestrel Combination; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone