Danazol as a luteolytic agent

Danazol, a synthetic 2,3-isoxazol derivative of 17 alpha-ethinyltestosterone, was administered to healthy nonpregnant volunteers to determine wheter a luteolytic effect could be detected by observation of cycle length, duration of the luteal rise, and luteal steroidogenesis. Danazol administration resulted in a decreased duration of the luteal rise and a decrease in progesterone output in three of four subjects, but no decrease in total cycle length. The administration of human chorionic gonadotropin during danazol administration increased progesterone output. Therefore, danazol would be unlikely to be effective as a luteolytic contraceptive agent.