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Mifepristone Suppresses Ovulation and Menstruation

Low-dose mifepristone could be developed as a novel estrogen- free oral contraceptive pill.

Findings from a double-blind randomised trial suggest that in low daily doses mifepristone inhibits ovulation and induces amenorrhea in the majority of women.

In order to explore the contraceptive potential of two doses of the P antagonist mifepristone, 58 healthy volunteers in Edinburgh, Scotland and 40 in Shanghai, China, were given either 2 or 5 mg mifepristone daily for 120 days.

Weekly measurement of steroid metabolites in urine and monthly measurements of E2 and P in plasma were used to monitor ovarian activity. Menstrual records were used to assess endometrial function and endomentrial thickness was assessed monthly with ultrasound measurement.

All but eight women in Edinburgh completed the study. While follicular activity continued during treatment with both doses, ovulation was suppressed in the majority of cycles. Evidence of ovulation was seen in only three of the Shanghai volunteers in 160 months of treatment.

Most of the women in the study were amenorrheic (65 percent in 2-mg group and 88 percent in 5-mg group in Edinburgh, 90 percent in both dose groups in Shanghai).

There was a significant increase in edometrial thickness among the Edinburgh women whereas the Shanghai volunteers showed a decrease. Either atrophic or cystic changes without evidence of hyperplasia was seen by histology.

No pregnancies were reported in 50 sexually active women who had used no other method of contraception during 200 months of exposure.
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 2002 Vol. 87, No. 1; 63-70. "Daily Low-Dose Mifepristone Has Contraceptive Potential by Suppressing Ovulation and Menstruation: A Double-Blind Randomized Control Trial of 2 and 5 mg per Day for 120 Days"

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