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Abstract

Correlation of endocrine profiles with bleeding patterns during use of Nestorone® contraceptive implants (PDF) 
Faundes,Anibal; Alvarez,Francisco; Brache,Vivian; Cochon,Leila; Tejada,Ana-Sofia; Moo-Young,Alfred J.
Human Reproduction 14(12): 3013-3017
Publication date: 1999

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The relationship between ovarian hormones and bleeding patternsduring continuous progestin contraception was studied in 29women who used Nestorone (NES) releasing implants. Oestradioland progesterone were measured in blood samples taken twicea week for 6 consecutive weeks, during months 6, 12, 18 and24 of implant use. Retrospectively, the association betweenhormonal concentrations and bleeding patterns was evaluated.Twenty-four short ( 24 days), 36 normal (25-35 days),27 long (36-90 days) and nine episodes of amenorrhoea,as well as 28 periods of prolonged bleeding, were identified.Short cycles, periods of prolonged bleeding and amenorrhoeawere characterized by low oestradiol concentrations. Bleedingafter a normal or long cycle regularly occurred after a riseand fall of oestradiol or oestradiol and progesterone. The durationof bleeding was directly and significantly associated with thehighest concentration of oestradiol in the previous 15 daysin anovulatory cycles. Luteal activity was associated with shorterduration of bleeding. Periods of prolonged bleeding were usuallyinitiated with a drop in oestradiol and over half ended withan increase in oestradiol. It was concluded that changes inendogenous hormone have a significant influence over the bleedingpattern during use of NES implants.

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