KLINISCHE ERFAHRUNGEN MIT MERCILON UND MARVELON UNTER BESONDERER BERUCKSICHTIGUNG DER OVAR-FUNKTION

The effects of 2 oral contraceptives containing either 0.020 mg ethinyl estradiol (EE) or 0.150 mg desogestrel (Mercilon) or 0.030 mg EE + 0.150 mg desogestrel (Marvelon) were compared in 2 independent trials. Special attention was paid to serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) prolactin progesterone (P) testosterone estradiol (E) and SHBG in the 1st and efficacy cycle control and tolerability in the 2nd trial. The 1st trial included 71 women. Serum levels were determined in the cycle before treatment. In the 3rd and 6th cycle of treatment and 1 cycle after treatment. The following difference was seen. Women using the lower-dosage preparation showed significantly less suppressed FSH values compared to women using Marvelon. Mean values of E and P were significantly suppressed; 30% of the measurements in the lower dosed sample showed extremely high E and P values. SHBG has increased by 200-300% and had no effect on prolactin or testosterone levels. In the 2nd trial 781 (5193 cycles) were evaluated. Assessments were made in the 1st 3rd and 12th cycles of treatment. There were no marked differences between the 2 preparations with respect to normalization of cycle length bleeding duration and intensity. Differences occurred in frequencies of silent menstruation and breakthrough bleeding. They were more often due to the administration of 0.020 mg EE (7.7% Mercilon) than with 0.030 mg body weight changes. Blood pressure remained stable in both groups. Both preparations were well-tolerated with slightly more breast tenderness by taking 0.030 mg EE. 1 pregnancy occurred in the group receiving 0.020 mg EE and with 0.030 mg EE 1 women had a discussed. It is concluded even by prescribing low dose contraceptives that a good clinical survey is needed until predispositions and risk factors are under control. By reducing the EE level there was no complete suppression of FSH level achieved and the rate of breakthrough bleeding was increased. (authors modified) (summaries in GER ENG)