Daily serum follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and plasma testosterone and androstenedione in hirsute women with polycystic sclerotic ovaries: effects of diethylstilbestrol and norethindrone acetats

Serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), plasma plasma testosterone and androstenedione, were determined daily in 5 women with mild to hirsutism and polycystic sclerotic ovaries, and in 2 normal controls. Blood was sampled daily for 10 days before and 10 days during administration of diethylstilbestrol 3 mg daily or norethindrone acetate 5 mg daily, during Cycle Days 2-12 in controls. FSH was significantly (p = .05 or less) decreased in 4 patients by diethylstilbestrol, and in the vehicle for serum triglyceride, pre-beta lipoprotein, was not significantly elevated in any subjects. Though the mechanism of these pills' effect on serum lipids is not known, although it appeared to increase in 4 patients and 1 control during stimulation. must produce caution in evaluating long-term oral contraceptive administration.