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Response to intermittent RU486 in women
I M Spitz1, H B Croxatto, A M Salvatierra
1Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York 10021.
Objective:
To determine the effects of intermittent administration of the antiprogestin RU486 on ovarian function.
Design:
Three different regimens of RU486 were tested.
Participants:
Nine healthy regularly menstruating volunteers protected by an intrauterine device or surgical sterilization.
Interventions:
Two groups of three women each received 10 mg or 50 mg RU486 at weekly intervals for 5 weeks. Another three women received 50 mg RU486 for 3 consecutive days at 10-day intervals for 80 days.
Main Outcome Measures:
Serum E2, P and RU486 levels. Ovarian ultrasound (US) and serum LH and FSH in select subjects.
Results:
The predominant effect was partial inhibition of E2 secretion and suppressed P levels. During a total aggregate of 16 treatment months, there were seven episodes of elevated P levels; however, US did not always indicate the occurrence of normal ovulation.
Conclusion:
Intermittent RU486 administration can interfere with normal follicular development and function, but its clinical application may require a more effective dose and/or timing of administration.