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Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Ovariectomy and 17β-estradiol Replacement in Rats and Mice: A Visual Demonstration
Published on: June 7, 2012
Contraceptive choices for women with endocrine complications
1Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Clinical Nutrition, Oregon Health Sciences University.
Abstract:
Previous confusion regarding the interference by oral contraceptives in measurements of endocrine function have been largely eliminated by the advent of improved, more sensitive assays. There are few if any contraindications to oral contraceptive use in patients with thyroid disease. Patients with prolactinoma can be treated with bromocriptine to restore fertility and prevent mineral loss. However, as a less expensive alternative, oral contraceptives can be prescribed to correct mineral loss, because there is no convincing evidence of an adverse effect on prolactinomas by the steroidal content of the pill. Oral contraceptives comprise a near ideal treatment modality for women with polycystic ovary disease because, among other effects, oral contraceptives reduce synthesis of androgen by inhibiting pituitary gonadotropin secretion.
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