Determination of ethinyloestradiol in single tablets and its separation from other steroids by high-performance liquid chromatography

Abstract

A reversed-phase chromatographic system is used to separate 17α-ethinyloestradiol-1,3,5(10)-triene-3,17β-diol (ethinyloestradiol) from structurally related steroidal compounds. A direct and highly sensitive method of assay is given for uncoated tablets containing ethinyloestradiol, as used for contraception. The method is modified for sugar-coated tablets used for relief of menopause symptoms and is sufficiently sensitive to detect ethinyloestradiol if it is present with other steroids as a contaminant.