Ovarian activity in women taking an oral contraceptive containing 20 μg ethinyl estradiol and 150 μg desogestrel: Effects of low estrogen doses during the hormone-free interval
Extended-cycle combined hormonal contraception has become a common practice among women seeking effective contraception and menstrual regulation. Extended cycle regimens have the benefit of decreasing scheduled bleeding as compared to traditional combined oral contraceptive (COC) regimens containing 21 days of hormones followed by a 7-day hormone-free interval (HFI) by reducing the frequency of the HFI. The newest FDA approved product in this family of contraceptive regimens is a 91-day COC regimen containing 0.02 mg ethinyl estradiol (EE) and 0.1 mg levonorgestrel (LNG) for 84 days followed by a 7-day interval with 0.01 mg EE. This regimen has been evaluated in one pivotal trial and demonstrated to have efficacy and a side effect profile similar to the other currently available FDA approved 91-day extended-cycle regimens. This is the first 91-day regimen formulated with 0.02 mg EE and offers women an effective option for contraception and menstrual cycle control.
SummaryThe effect of Demulen (ethinyl estradiol 0.05 mg and ethynodiol diacetate 1 mg) and exercise on the level of plasminogen activators was studied in 25 women (12 controls and 13 contraceptive users).Plasma plasminogen activator level was increased by the use of the oral contraceptive and further increased by exercise. Urine plasminogen activator level was unchanged by the use of Demulen but, in both groups of subjects, was decreased by exercise.
Efficacy in Suppressing Ovulation and Safety of a Low dose Oral Contraceptive in a Continuous Regimen (84+7) With Continuous Ethinyl Estradiol Instead of a Hormone-Free Interval: An Evaluation of Ovulation Suppression and Ovarian Activity