Ovarian function following a single administration of depomedroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) at different doses

• Published in: Fertility and sterility Vol. 42; no. 2; pp. 216 - 222
• Main Authors: Bassol, Susana, Garza-Flores, Josue, Cravioto, Maria C., Diaz-Sanchez, Vicente, Fotherby, Kenneth, Lichtenberg, Roberto, Perez-Palacios, Gregorio
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Elsevier Inc 01.08.1984; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Genital system. Reproduction; Medical sciences; Pharmacology. Drug treatments; Human; Ovary; Controlled release form; Low dose; Single dose; Medroxyprogesterone; Mexico; Sex steroid hormone; High dose; Intramuscular administration; Biological activity
• ISSN: 0015-0282; 1556-5653
• DOI: 10.1016/S0015-0282(16)48016-7

The effects of a single administration of depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) at different doses upon ovarian function was studied in a group of healthy ovulating Mexican women. Single doses of DMPA of 25, 50, 100, and 150mg were intramuscularly administered. Ovarian function was assessed by the measurement of the serum levels of 17β-estradiol and progesterone in blood samples drawn twice weekly for 6 months after DMPA administration. The results disclosed that ovulation was inhibited in all cases for at least 3 months following DMPA administration even at the lowest dose, whereas the return of luteal function exhibited a significant positive correlation with the dose of DMPA administered. As expected, follicular activity preceded that of luteal function in all subjects. A correspondence between serum medroxyprogesterone concentrations and ovarian function was found. The overall data indicated that the currently used contraceptive formulation (150mg) is well above the effective pharmacologic range, and suggested that the dose can be substantially reduced without losing its anovulatory potency.