Effect of low-dose oral contraceptive on gonadotropins, androgens, and sex hormone binding globulin in nonhirsute women

Fertil Steril. 1990 Jan;53(1):35-9.

Abstract

The effectiveness of a low-dose oral contraceptive (OC) in suppressing plasma levels of gonadotropins, ovarian, and adrenal androgens and stimulating sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) was evaluated prospectively in nonhirsute women. Thirty-three women ingested 35 micrograms of ethinyl estradiol and 1 mg of norethindrone beginning within day 1 to 5 of the menstrual cycle. Baseline levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, total testosterone (T), androstenedione (A), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), and SHBG were obtained before ingestion of the OC and repeated after 3, 6 and, 9 months of OC use on day 1 to 5 of the OC "cycle". A significant suppression of gonadotropin levels is seen in nonhirsute women. Sex hormone binding globulin is consistently stimulated by the low-dose OC. A significant suppression of T and DHEAS is observed. No change was seen in levels of A. The demonstrated effects become evident at 3 months and are maintained at 6 and 9 months.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adrenal Glands / drug effects
  • Adrenal Glands / metabolism
  • Adult
  • Androgens / blood*
  • Androstenedione / blood
  • Contraceptives, Oral / administration & dosage*
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone / blood
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Female
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone / blood
  • Gonadotropins / blood*
  • Hirsutism / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Luteinizing Hormone / blood
  • Ovary / drug effects
  • Ovary / metabolism
  • Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin / metabolism*
  • Testosterone / blood

Substances

  • Androgens
  • Contraceptives, Oral
  • Gonadotropins
  • Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin
  • Testosterone
  • Androstenedione
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone
  • Luteinizing Hormone
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone