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pubmed:otherAbstract |
PIP: Adrenocortical function was studied in 10 women receiving norethindrone 2 mg plus mestranol 100 mcg ("maxi" pill) and in 10 women receiving norethindrone .35 mg ("mini" pill) over a 9-month period; plasma cortisol levels (8 a.m. and 3 p.m.), 24-hour urinary cortisol levels, and cortisol secretion rates were measured on Days 10 and 24 of the menstrual cycle. Prior to therapy, during a normal menstrual cycle, 18 of 20 showed a significant peak of luteinizing hormone (LH) which was considered presumptive evidence of ovulation. The 9th cylce during therapy showed: 1) no significant difference between plasma and urinary cortisol on Days 10 and 24, 2) a significant increase in plasma cortisol concentrations at 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Days 10 and 24 with the maxi pill in comparison to pretreatment levels, 3) a significant decrease in plasma cortisol at 3 p.m. on Day 10 with the mini pill but no change at other times, 4)a significant decrease in cortisol secretion rate on Day 24 with the maxi pill but no change with the mini pill, and 5) a significant decrease in urinary cortisol levels with the maxi pill on Days 10 and 24 and with the mini pill on Day 10. The mini pill results suggest that progesterone may be responsible for depression of adrenocortical acitivity during the luteal phase. Rise in plasma cortisol concentration probably occurred because of a corresponding rise in corticosteroid-binding globulin concentration induced by the estrogen. Progesterone is likely responsible for halting cortisol production and/or release.
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