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pubmed:otherAbstract |
PIP: The report of Dr Bergquist and colleagues (Aug. 4, p. 215) on the contraceptive effect of an intranasally administered analogue of luteinising hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) holds out the promise of a new approach to contraception that is safer than oral contraception or intrauterine devices. we have studied the endocrine effects of the natural peptide when administered subcutaneously in a dose of 100 mg daily to four normally ovulation women. Measurements on blood-samples taken daily during complete control and treatment cycles revealed a blunting of the LH peaks associated with lowered oestradiol concentrations and absence of the post-follicular progesterone rise. These findings stimualted us to undertake a study of the contraceptive properties of LHRH given as a nasal spray. Sixteen women volunteers, all with normal ovulatory cycles and normal responses to intravenous LHRH before treatment started, took 2 mg LHRH twice daily by the nasal route. Ovulation seemed to be inhibited, as indicated by hormone measurements throughout the latter half of the cycle. No woman showed ovulatory progesterone concentrations, although all menstruated. No side-effects were noted. This study will be continued in individual women for 3-6 months, at which time treatment will be interrupted to assess the time of recurrence of ovulation.
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