Effects of intranasal administration of norethisterone on folliculogenesis, cervical mucus, vaginal cytology, endometrial morphology and reproductive-endocrine profile in women

Residual ovarian activity during oral steroid contraception

“…Thus, ovarian suppression by 300 mg norethisterone alone was unrelated to the degree of inhibition of FSH and LH secretion, suggesting direct interference with ovarian function. Other studies con®rm an unpredictable effect of norethisterone on ovulation suppression (Nuttall et al, 1982;Song et al, 1993) also when given intranasally (Shah et al, 1985;Anand Kumar et al, 1991). Tayob con®rmed ovulation by ultrasound (Tayob et al, 1985(Tayob et al, , 1986 and discovered a higher incidence of functional ovarian cysts in progestin-only pill users.…”

Nasal Route for Delivery of Emergency Contraceptives

“…These effects were attributed due to effects on endocrine profile, endometrial morphology, and alterations in cervical mucus and vaginal cytology. The authors stated that, since steroid Open Access 2 hormones are rapidly absorbed through the nasal mucosa, it can be used for delivery of rapidly metabolizing natural hormones to overcome the first-pass effect in liver and at the same time reducing side effects due to drug load on body without lowering contraceptive efficacy [16].…”

Postfertilization Effects of Oral Contraceptives and Their Relationship to Informed Consent

“…2,10,12,18,22 With OCs, breakthrough ovulation is more likely with lower doses of estrogen and with imperfect rather than perfect use. 10,12,16,17,[23][24][25] Perfect use of OCs implies taking them consistently and correctly (ie, in the correct order, on time, each and every day, and without other medications that might di-minish the effectiveness of OCs). Typical use is described as the full range of usage patterns for OCs that actually occur in women.…”