title: Dimeric inhibin serum values as markers of ovarian activity in pill-free intervals.
abstract: Levels of inhibin A and B as well as other hormones in serum samples obtained during the pill-free interval in women taking combined oral contraceptives (OC) were measured to asses the extent of ovarian activity during that period. Type of pill and day of pill-free interval were recorded during routine gynecologic check-ups, if patients were in the pill-free period and had taken their pills regularly in the previous cycle. In addition to inhibin A and B, serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), and progesterone were also quantified. Inhibin B levels rise significantly in parallel with rising levels of FSH, LH, and E2. Progesterone levels were completely suppressed and inhibin A levels rose slightly but insignificantly. Inhibins are sensitive biochemical markers of ovarian activity in pill-free intervals.
authors.affiliation: University Hospital of Antwerp, University of Antwerp, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Belgium.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Renier
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vereecken
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Van Herck
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Straetmans
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ramaekers
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Vanderheyden
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Degezelle
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Buytaert
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D015331:Cohort Studies; D019281:Dimerization; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D045166:Estradiol Congeners / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007265:Inhibins / Q000097:blood* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood / Q000187:drug effects; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D011372:Progestins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D004338:Drug Combinations; D045166:Estradiol Congeners; D011372:Progestins; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol; D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol; D007265:Inhibins; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone