Response of the binding capacity of plasma testosterone-estradiol-binding globulin to norethindrone, 2 mg., and mestranol, 0.1 mg., in polycystic ovarian disease

Abstract

The binding capacity of plasma testosterone-estradiol-binding globulin (TeBG) and testosterone (T) levels were measured in four women with proved polycystic ovaries and three women with a clinical diagnosis of polycystic ovarian disease before, during, and after administration of norethindrone, 2 mg., and mestranol, 0.1 mg. (N + M). TeBG was increased within four days after N + M treatment was begun. Mean TeBG was significantly elevated (P < 0.05) and mean T was significantly suppressed (p < 0.05) relative to pretreatment levels by 9 to 12 days after N + M treatment was started. Both TeBG and T remained significantly different from pretreatment levels during the posttreatment period of 12 days' duration. Although the dynamics of TeBG changes were different in two of the seven women, all seven women responded to N + M with a decrease in both total and free T.