Evaluation of hormonal suppression with two contraceptive regimens using ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel.

PURPOSE: 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.