Effects of a Monophasic Combined Oral Contraceptive Containing Nomegestrol Acetate and 17β-oestradiol in Comparison to One Containing Levonorgestrel and Ethinylestradiol on Markers of Endocrine Function

Overview

Journal Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care

Publisher Informa Healthcare

Specialty Reproductive Medicine

Date 2011 Sep 28

PMID 21942708

Citations 17

Authors

Ulla M Agren

Marjatta Anttila

Kristiina Maenpaa-Liukko

Maija-Liisa Rantala

Hilkka Rautiainen

Werner F Sommer

Ellen Mommers

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objectives: To compare the effects of two monophasic combined oral contraceptives, containing either nomegestrol acetate/17β-oestradiol (NOMAC/E2) or levonorgestrel/ ethinylestradiol (LNG/EE) on endocrine function, androgens, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG).

Methods: Randomised, open-label, multi-centre trial involving 121 healthy women, aged 18-50 years old. Participants received NOMAC/E2 (2.5 mg/1.5 mg) in a 24/4-day regimen (n=60) or LNG/EE (150 μg/30 μg) in a 21/7-day regimen (n=61) for six cycles. The primary outcome was the change from baseline to cycle 6 in markers of adrenal and thyroid function, androgens, and SHBG.

Results: Total cortisol, corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG), and thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) increased from baseline in both groups, with significantly greater increases in the LNG/EE group. No relevant changes from baseline or differences between the groups were observed for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (T4). Androgens and androgen precursors decreased from baseline in both groups, with significantly greater decreases in the LNG/EE group (except for free testosterone). A greater increase in SHBG was observed with NOMAC/E2 than with LNG/EE.

Conclusions: NOMAC/E2 has significantly less influence on markers of adrenal and thyroid function and androgens than LNG/EE. The clinical relevance of these findings requires further study.

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