Hormonal consequences of missing the pill during the first two days of three consecutive artificial cycles

• Published in: Contraception (Stoneham) Vol. 29; no. 5; p. 437
• Main Authors: Landgren, B M, Diczfalusy, E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.05.1984
• Subjects: Adult; Contraceptives, Oral - administration & dosage; Contraceptives, Oral, Combined - blood; Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal - administration & dosage; Drug Administration Schedule; Estradiol - blood; Ethinyl Estradiol - administration & dosage; Ethinyl Estradiol-Norgestrel Combination; Female; Humans; Levonorgestrel; Luteinizing Hormone - blood; Norgestrel - administration & dosage; Norgestrel - blood; Ovulation - drug effects; Patient Compliance; Progesterone - blood; Contraceptive Agents; Estrogens; Levonorgestrel > analysis; Biology; Hormones; Laboratory Procedures; Contraceptive Agents, Progestin > analysis; Oral Contraceptives, Low-dose; Luteinizing Hormone > analysis; Contraceptive Methods; Physiology; Oral Contraceptives; Contraceptive Agents, Female; Progestational Hormones; Progesterone > analysis; Laboratory Examinations And Diagnoses; Reproductive Control Agents; Gonadotropins; Contraception; Ethinyl Estradiol; Family Planning; Examinations And Diagnoses; Endocrine System; Gonadotropins, Pituitary; Contraceptive Agents > analysis; Estradiol > analysis
• DOI: 10.1016/0010-7824(84)90017-9
• ISSN: 0010-7824

The hormonal effects of the deliberate omission of a low-dose combined oral contraceptive pill (30 micrograms ethinyl estradiol + 150 micrograms levonorgestrel) during the first two days of three consecutive artificial cycles were studied in 10 women. The plasma levels of estradiol, progesterone, levonorgestrel and--whenever justified--of LH were measured three times weekly (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays) throughout a 90-day period, and the ovarian reaction to the prolongation of the pill-free period from 7 to 9 days was assessed. One subject (with a premature LH surge) showed a marked follicular and an inadequate luteal activity in 2 of 3 cycles. The remaining cycles were characterized by a varying degree of follicular activity associated with the absence of any luteal function. None of the subjects exhibited peripheral steroid levels indicating a normal ovulatory cycle. The results are interpreted as suggesting that repeated prolongation of the pill-free period from 7 to 9 days might result in a gradual increase in ovarian activity.