A NEW TEST FOR EFFICACY OF PROGESTATIONAL COMPOUNDS

Abstract

The efficacy of various progestational agents was studied by a simple test based on the inhibition of menses. The women received 1 of the compounds daily for 3 weeks beginning on the 20th or 21st day of the normal cycle. 300 mg ethisterone 1000 mg 17-acetoxyprogesterone 250 mg progesterone suppositories and 1250 mg 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate failed to inhibit menses. 500 mg progesterone suppositories delayed menses for up to 7 days while 30 mg norethisterone (17alpha-ethinyl-19-nortestosterone) effectively inhibite d menses for as long as 6 months. Breakthrough bleeding occurred in only 2 of 60 cases after 2 or 3 months of amenorrhea.