A study of the influence of a gestodene-containing triphasic oral contraceptive on endometrial morphology

Abstract

The objective of the study was to investigate histological changes in the endometrium in 20 volunteers treated with a low-dose, gestodene-containing triphasic oral contraceptive. Endometrial biopsy specimens were taken before, during a 6-month period of oral contraceptive use and in a post-treatment period. These specimens were evaluated using light microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. In addition, ultrasound examinations of the uterus, endometrial thickness and ovaries were performed. The low-dose, gestodene-containing triphasic oral contraceptive had no adverse effects on the endometrium (e.g. no proliferation, no polyps, no inflammatory processes), was well tolerated and showed a low side-effect profile. The inhibition of endometrial transformation was demonstrated both by endometrial morphology as well as by endometrial thickness, as measured by transvaginal ultrasound examination.

Effects of an Ethinyl Estradiol/Gestodene Transdermal Contraceptive Patch on the Endometrium: A Single-Center, Uncontrolled Study

“…It seems likely, therefore, that the observed benefits of GSD over other progestins in terms of cycle control and bleed ing profile [11] are mediated, at least in part, by endometrial suppression. The biopsy results in the present study are consistent with previous endometrial biopsy studies of GSDbased con traceptives [19][20][21]. For example, an openlabel study in 27 women receiving an oral contra ceptive containing 60µg GSD and 15µg EE found that, after six cycles, 44% of women had endometrial histology classed as 'atrophic' [19].…”