[Serum concentrations of prolactin, growth hormone, and alpha-fetoprotein under long-term administration of an oral contraceptive containing cyproterone acetate (author's transl)].

Serum prolactin, growth hormone, and alpha-fetoprotein were determined in women taking a new oral contraceptive, consisting of 2 mg cyproterone acetate and 50 microgram of ethinylestradiol. Because these women were suffering from acne vulgaris they were taking this contraceptive containing a gestagen with antiandrogenic activity. Prolatin and growth hormone were determined because both may favour the development and the growth of mammary tumors and because their secretion may be stimulated by estrogenic compounds. Alpha-fetoprotein is a marker of hepatocellular carcinoma, which may be associated with long-term use of oral contraceptives. During one year of treatment with cyproterone acetate and ethinylestradiol there was a continuous rise of serum concentrations of prolactin. However, this rise did not exceed the normal range. In contrast, serum concentrations of growth hormone did not change significantly. Serum alpha-fetoprotein levels remained below the detection limit of the method.