Sulpiride and the potentiation of progestogen only contraception

Abstract

A progestogen (norethisterone) and a dopamine antagonist (sulpiride) were given alone and in combination to volunteers to examine their effects on excretion of ovarian steroids. Compared with non-treatment cycles (n=15), contraception with a progestogen alone (n=10) was associated with increased excretion of oestrone and partial suppression of excretion of pregnanediol, suggesting partial luteinisation of unruptured follicles. By contrast, the combination of norethisterone and sulpiride (n=9) suppressed both ovarian steroids to basal values, the suppression being even greater than with sulpiride alone (n=5). These results suggest that a combination of a progestogen with a dopamine antagonist might have a role in contraception. © 1985, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.