Effects of combined ethinylestradiol and desogestrel on hormone profiles and sex hormone binding globulin in women with polycystic ovarian disease.

A longitudinal study to determine the effects of combined ethinylestradiol (EE) and desogestrel (DG) on hormone profiles and levels of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) were carried out in 19 Thai women with polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD). Evaluations were performed before and after 3 and 6 cycles of treatment. Regularity of cycles was observed in all patients. Most of them had improvement of androgenic symptoms. Body weight decreased slightly after 6 cycles of treatment. During the treatment course, serum luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone (T), free T and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate decreased significantly. Serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and prolactin levels did not change. LH-to-FSH ratio markedly decreased. SHBG level increased to the control level. After discontinuation of the pill, menstrual disturbances recurred in all patients. It appears that low-dose combined OCs containing DG is suitable for use in women with PCOD. However, long-term treatment may be needed since the abnormal menstrual pattern returned after stopping the pill.