title: Evaluation of hormonal suppression with two contraceptive regimens using ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Because of the lack of data on hormone levels in the hormone-free interval of the contraceptive regimens with desogestrel and ethynil estradiol, the objective of this study was to compare hormonal levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, and inhibin B using two contraceptive regimens with those steroids.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective and randomized study with 21 patients. Eleven patients received a 21/7 regimen (group 1) and ten patients received a 21/2 placebo/5 ethinyl estradiol 10 μg regimen (group 2).
  
  
  RESULTS
  We found a significant increase in FSH and LH levels in both groups. There was a significant reduction of inhibin B in the 21/2/5 regimen. No difference in estradiol levels was found.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Steroids withdrawal in the hormone-free interval causes reduced inhibition of the HPO axis. The significant decrease in inhibin B levels of group 2 suggests better suppression of the HPO axis in the 21/2/5 regimen.
authors.affiliation: Post-graduation Program in Medical Science, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Rua Sarmento Leite, 245, Porto Alegre, RS, CEP 90050-170, Brazil. danitza.gassen@gmail.com
authors.forename: Danitza Thomazi
authors.initials: DT
authors.lastname: Gassen
authors.forename: Liliane Diefenthaeler
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Herter
authors.forename: Juliana Kliemann
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Chagas
authors.forename: Helena
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Schmid
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017135:Desogestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D007265:Inhibins / Q000097:blood; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D010053:Ovary / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D011446:Prospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal; C422364:inhibin B; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol; D004958:Estradiol; D007265:Inhibins; D017135:Desogestrel; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone