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  • Title: Gonadotropin, prolactin, and steroid hormone levels after discontinuation of oral contraceptives.
    Author: Klein TA, Mishell DR.
    Journal: Am J Obstet Gynecol; 1977 Mar 15; 127(6):585-9. PubMed ID: 842583.
    Abstract:
    Serum levels of LSH, LH, estradiol, progesterone, and prolactin were measured daily for 2 months in six women after discontinuation of combination oral contraceptives. The initial LH peak occurred from 21 to 28 days after ingestion of the last tablet. Apart from variable prolongation of the follicular phase in the first postcontraceptive cycle, the patterns and levels of all hormones were indistinguishable from those found in normal ovulatory subjects. These results indicate that after a variable brief interval following discontinuation of oral contraceptive steroids, their suppressive effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis disappears. This initial recovery results in completely normal endocrine function. 6 women (21-39 years) planning to discontinue oral contraceptives took part in a study to measure gonadotropin, prolactin, and steroid hormone levels. All patients had had normal menstrual cycles before beginning oral contraceptives. 3 had been pregnant 1 or more times. Blood specimens were obtained within 1 week after ingestion of the last contraceptive pill, on a daily basis and for 2 months. Radioimmunoassays of follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, estradiol, and progesterone. The initial LH peak occurred from 21 to 28 days after the last tablet. Other than this slight prolongation, the levels and patterns of all hormones were indistinguishable from those found in normal ovulatory subjects. These results indicate that the suppressive effect of the pill disappears very shortly after cessation of ingestion.
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