title: Subdermal levonorgestrel implants: serum androgens.
abstract: Serum levels of androstenedione, dihydrotestosterone, and testosterone were determined by radioimmunoassay procedures in 25 female volunteers using subdermal levonorgestrel implants as a contraceptive.  Mean serum androstenedione levels were increased after 1 and 6 months in comparison with preimplantation levels, the increase being significant only after 1 month.  This could be attributed to increased production from the adrenal or ovaries and/or changes in clearance rate.  Testosterone levels showed approximately 24% increase above basal values after 6 months' use of levonorgestrel implants, which was attributed to concomitant increases in androstenedione levels.  The implication of these results is discussed.
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000728:Androgens; D001695:Biology; D003267:Contraception; D003270:Contraceptive Agents; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D004703:Endocrine System; D005193:Family Planning Services; D006728:Hormones; D007267:Injections; D016912:Levonorgestrel; D010298:Parity; D010827:Physiology; D012102:Reproductive Control Agents; D013739:Testosterone
chemical_list: D000728:Androgens; D003270:Contraceptive Agents; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D006728:Hormones; D012102:Reproductive Control Agents; D013739:Testosterone; D016912:Levonorgestrel
keywords: Age Factors; Androgens--analysis; Biology; Contraception; Contraceptive Agents; Contraceptive Agents, Female; Contraceptive Agents, Progestin; Contraceptive Agents--administraction and dosage; Contraceptive Methods; Endocrine System; Family Planning; Hormones; Injectables; Levonorgestrel--administraction and dosage; Parity; Physiology; Reproductive Control Agents; Testosterone