title: Levonorgestrel effects on serum androgens, sex hormone-binding globulin levels, hair shaft diameter, and sexual function.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Reproductive Associates of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19713, USA. gkovalevsky@ivf-de.org
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kovalevsky
authors.forename: Susan A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Ballagh
authors.forename: Frank Z
authors.initials: FZ
authors.lastname: Stanczyk
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Joann
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cooper
authors.forename: David F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Archer
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D000728:Androgens; D003280:Contraceptives, Oral, Synthetic; D004343:Drug Implants; D010919:Placebos; D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin; D016912:Levonorgestrel; D004318:Doxycycline