Levonorgestrel effects on serum androgens, sex hormone-binding globulin levels, hair shaft diameter, and sexual function.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effects of levonorgestrel (LNG) on serum androgens, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), hair shaft diameter, and sexual function in women.


METHODS
Substudy of a prospective randomized double-blind study in women using an LNG SC implant (LNG-SI), who were treated with doxycycline or placebo.


METHODS
Medical school department of obstetrics and gynecology.


METHODS
Forty women were enrolled; 36 completed the study.


METHODS
Participants were randomized to doxycycline 20 mg or an identical placebo orally twice a day after LNG-SI insertion.


METHODS
Serum levels of total T (TT), free T (FT), androstenedione (A), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), androstanediol glucuronide (AG), SHBG, and LNG; hair shaft diameter; and sexual function using the Brief Index of Sexual Function for Women and the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale were assessed.


RESULTS
Serum TT, A, DHT, DHEAS, and SHBG declined after LNG-SI insertion. No changes were found in FT, AG, hair shaft diameter, or sexual function. Serum LNG correlated with SHBG levels. There were no differences between the placebo and doxycycline groups.


CONCLUSIONS
LNG reduced serum TT, A, DHT, DHEAS, and SHBG but had no effect on sexual function or markers of androgen bioactivity.
Kovalevsky
George
G
Reproductive Associates of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19713, USA. gkovalevsky@ivf-de.org
Ballagh
Susan A
SA
Stanczyk
Frank Z
FZ
Lee
Jennifer
J
Cooper
Joann
J
Archer
David F
DF
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000465:Algorithms; D000728:Androgens / Q000097:blood*; D003280:Contraceptives, Oral, Synthetic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004318:Doxycycline / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004343:Drug Implants; D005260:Female; D006197:Hair / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D016912:Levonorgestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010919:Placebos; D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D055815:Young Adult
D000728:Androgens; D003280:Contraceptives, Oral, Synthetic; D004343:Drug Implants; D010919:Placebos; D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin; D016912:Levonorgestrel; D004318:Doxycycline