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The androgenicity of progestational agents
1University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles.
International Journal of Fertility
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Assessing oral contraceptive (OC) androgenic potency is complex. Levonorgestrel (1-NG) in OCs is significantly more potent and androgenic than norethindrone (NET), impacting metabolic parameters like lipid levels.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
- Women's Health
Background:
- Assessing the androgenic potency of progestogens in oral contraceptives (OCs) presents challenges.
- Most 19-nor testosterone progestogens exhibit similar potencies, with norgestrel (NG) being a notable exception.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the relative androgenic potency of different progestogens used in oral contraceptives.
- To consider the influence of antiandrogenic effects and estrogenic components on overall OC androgenicity.
- To identify OC formulations with minimal adverse metabolic effects.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of androgenic activity among 19-nor testosterone progestogens.
- Consideration of antiandrogenic effects of progestogens.
- Evaluation of the impact of estrogenic components.
- Assessment of parameters affected by both OC components, such as lipid levels.
Main Results:
- Norgestrel (NG) is the most potent and androgenic progestogen in OCs.
- Levonorgestrel (1-NG), the active isomer of NG, is 10-20 times more potent than norethindrone (NET).
- Levonorgestrel (1-NG) exhibits significantly higher androgenic activity compared to NET.
Conclusions:
- The androgenic potency of OCs varies significantly based on the progestogen used.
- Formulations with less potent and androgenic progestogens, like levonorgestrel (1-NG), may be preferable.
- Minimizing the impact on metabolic parameters, such as lipid levels, is crucial when selecting OC formulations.