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Published on: July 6, 2014
Antimüllerian hormone levels decrease in women using combined contraception independently of administration route
Sanna Kallio1, Johanna Puurunen, Aimo Ruokonen
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Clinical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland.
Fertility and Sterility
|December 25, 2012
Summary
Continuous use of oral, transdermal, and vaginal contraceptives significantly reduces key hormone levels, indicating arrested folliculogenesis regardless of administration route.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Contraception Research
- Hormonal Regulation
Background:
- Combined oral contraceptives (OCs) are widely used.
- Transdermal patches and vaginal rings offer alternative delivery systems.
- Continuous use regimens are increasingly common.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of continuous use of oral, transdermal, and vaginal combined contraceptives.
- To assess the impact on the pituitary-ovarian axis.
- To evaluate the inhibition of follicular development.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, randomized trial spin-off study conducted at a university clinic.
- 42 healthy women completed 9 weeks of continuous treatment with OCs, transdermal patches, or vaginal rings.
- Serum hormone levels (AMH, FSH, inhibin B, LH, E2) were measured at baseline, 5, and 9 weeks.
Main Results:
- All contraceptive groups showed significant decreases in serum AMH, FSH, inhibin B, LH, and E2 levels after 9 weeks.
- Significant declines were observed by 5 weeks for most hormones, except AMH.
- Hormone levels were comparable across all administration routes at all time points.
Conclusions:
- The observed decrease in serum AMH levels suggests that folliculogenesis is arrested by all tested combined contraceptives.
- The route of administration does not appear to influence the contraceptive effect on folliculogenesis.
- Continuous use of combined contraceptives effectively inhibits ovarian activity.
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