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Ovulation inhibition with a combined oral contraceptive containing 1 mg micronized 17 beta-estradiol
R Wenzl1, H C Bennink, A van Beek
1First Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University of Vienna, Austria.
Objective:
To evaluate ovarian function by ultrasonography and endocrine measurements.
Design:
Prospective, open study.
Setting:
Outpatient clinic of the First Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University of Vienna, Austria.
Participants:
Twenty healthy women with regular cycles and established ovulation by ultrasonography.
Intervention:
Treatment with a combination of 1 mg micronized E2 with 150 micrograms desogestrel daily for 21 days, followed by 7 pill-free days.
Main Outcome Measures:
Transvaginal ultrasonography and estimation of E2 and P at least twice a week for two consecutive cycles, followed by one after treatment cycle.
Results:
Ovulation inhibition was apparent in all cases and no functional ovarian cysts were observed during treatment. On a few occasions a persistent follicle was noted, but in the majority of cases there was total absence of follicular activity. The bleeding pattern showed a tendency toward prolonged and more heavy bleeding when compared with the before treatment situation. Return of ovulation was prompt in all women but one.
Conclusions:
Ultrasonographic observations, accompanied by P and E2 measurements, allow us to conclude that the combination of 1 mg E2 with 150 micrograms desogestrel provides complete ovulation inhibition. However, the bleeding pattern does not show an acceptable profile.