A double-blind comparison of two oral contraceptives containing 50 mu g. and 30 mu g. ethinyl estradiol.

Abstract

150 women participated in a double-blind clinical trial comparing 2 dosages of an oral contraceptive agent: 250 mcg d-norgestrel + 50 mcg ethinyl estradiol and 150 mcg d-norgestrel + 30 mcg ethinyl estradiol. The 150/30 combination resulted in shorter cycles, longer menses (p.001), shorter latent period (p.001), and a higher instance of breakthrough bleeding and spotting (p.05 and p.001). The 250/50 dose caused a significantly higher incidence of breast discomfort (p.001), leg cramps (.02), and nausea (.001). More 250/50 dose women dropped out for more than 1 reason than in the lower dose group.