A Study to Evaluate Suppression of the Pituitary-Ovarian Axis With Three Different Oral Contraceptive Regimens

A Prospective, Single-Center, Open-Label, Randomized Study to Evaluate Suppression of the Pituitary-Ovarian Axis With Three Different Regimens of Oral Contraceptive Pills

This is a randomized, open-label study to evaluate pituitary ovarian suppression in healthy, reproductive-aged women using three different regimens of oral contraceptives (OCs). Two extended regimen OCs, Seasonale (levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol 0.15/0.03 mg for 84 days followed by 7 days of placebo), and Seasonique (levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol 0.15/0.03 mg for 84 days followed by 7 days of ethinyl estradiol 0.01 mg), and a 28-day regimen OC, Portia (levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol 0.15/0.03 mg for 21 days followed by 7 days of placebo).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Premenopausal
• Not pregnant or breastfeeding
• Weight <200 lbs
• Currently taking oral contraceptives in the standard 28-day regimen for at least two months

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any contraindication to the use of oral contraceptives
• Pregnancy within the last 3 months
• Smoking > 10 cigarettes per day