Levonorgestrel administration in emergency contraception: bleeding pattern and pituitary-ovarian function

Contraception
Alessandra TirelliAnnibale Volpe

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of levonorgestrel administration for emergency contraception (EC) on bleeding pattern and pituitary-ovarian function. In 69 women with a reported stable menstrual cycle length of 24-34 days, we investigated bleeding patterns following EC administration in the follicular (n=26), periovulatory (n=14) and luteal (n=29) phase. In a subgroup of 8 women, hormonal evaluation and ultrasonography were performed. EC taken in the follicular, but not in the periovulatory or luteal phase, significantly shortened cycle length by 10.9+/-1 days. The subsequent cycle was not affected. EC taken in the late preovulatory phase, prior to the gonadotrophin surge, suppressed ovulation (n=7), while ovulation was not blocked when EC was given during an ongoing luteinizing hormone (LH) pulse (n=1). Our data indicate that EC given before the onset of the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge inhibits ovulation and hastens the end of the current menstrual cycle. Subsequently, the length of the following menstrual cycle returned as prior to treatment. By contrast, levonorgestrel administered after the expected ovulation has no effect on menstrual cycle length.

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Citations

May 27, 2010·Obstetrics and Gynecology·Kelly ClelandHaoping Zhu
Aug 29, 2012·Journal of Forensic Nursing·Nikole K FerreeLarry Cahill
Sep 26, 2014·Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology·Kelly ClelandJames Trussell
Nov 17, 2011·Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology : the Journal of the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·N N Sarkar
May 28, 2009·Journal of Medical Primatology·Carlos A NagleZulema Farinati
Jan 27, 2010·Pharmacotherapy·Vivian W Y LeungJudith A Soon
Feb 24, 2015·The Linacre Quarterly·Chris KahlenbornWalter B Severs
Mar 13, 2020·Clinical Drug Investigation·Nattawut Leelakanok, Janthima Methaneethorn
Sep 12, 2018·Contraception and Reproductive Medicine·Kristin O HaegerKelly Cleland
Jul 16, 2009·Current Opinion in Obstetrics & Gynecology

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