Levels of serum steroid hormones in intrauterine contraceptive device users

Abstract

Serum progesterone, estradiol, testosterone and cortisol were assayed in the mid-follicular and mid-luteal phases of the menstrual cycles in 30 Lippe's loop and 30 Cu T-200 IUCD users, compared to 24 controls.

Mean serum progesterone and estradiol levels were significantly higher in the mid-luteal, compared to the mid-follicular phase in each group (p < 0.01). There were no significant differences between the mean levels of progesterone, testosterone and cortisol in IUCD users and controls in both the mid-follicular and mid-luteal phases. IUCD users had significantly higher levels of estradiol (p < 0.01) in the mid-luteal phase but not in the mid-follicular phase, compared to controls. There was hormonal evidence of corpus luteum insufficiency in 8.3%, 14.3%) and 20% in the controls, Lippe's loop and Cu T-200 IUCD users, respectively.