title: Effect of Norplant implants on the pituitary-adrenal axis function and reserve capacity.
abstract: The present work investigated the effects of Norplant implants on the pituitary-adrenal function among 15 users of Norplant implants prior to and 6 months after insertion of the implants. Serum cortisol levels and their diurnal variations, ACTH and 24-h urinary 17-ketosteroids, ketogenic steroids, 17-hydroxy steroids, and creatinine, were measured. Also, a dynamic test (the 5-h Synacthen depot = ACTH stimulation test) was done before and 6 months after implants insertion. The 9 a.m. cortisol levels were blunted (within the normal ranges) while the 6 p.m. values were unaltered. The 24-h urinary ketogenic, hydroxy, and ketosteroids were also unchanged after Norplant implants use. The ACTH stimulation test showed a decreased adrenal response which was also within normal ranges. These data should raise the question related to suprarenal response to acute or prolonged stresses, such as surgical operations or shock in women using Norplant implants.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alexandria, Egypt.
authors.forename: M K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Toppozada
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ramadan
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: el-Sawi
authors.forename: M T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Mehanna
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Khamis
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Marzouk
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003366:Cosyntropin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004343:Drug Implants; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood* / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D016912:Levonorgestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D011863:Radioimmunoassay
chemical_list: D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004343:Drug Implants; D003366:Cosyntropin; C006418:adrenocorticotropin zinc; D016912:Levonorgestrel; D006854:Hydrocortisone