Title: Transdermal application of steroid hormones for contraception.

POPLINE Document Number: 108733

Author(s):

Sitruk-Ware R

Source citation:

JOURNAL OF STEROID BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, 1995 Jun;53(1-6):247-51.

Abstract:

The transdermal delivery of steroids (TD) is gaining ground in hormone replacement therapy during menopause. This approach to treatment, however, has only recently been envisaged for contraception. Delivered in the appropriate solvent, both estrogens and progestins can penetrate the skin. Approximately 10% of any total dose applied topically is actually absorbed systemically. Currently available TD systems (TDS) are either of the reservoir type or of the matrix dispersion type in which the drug is dispersed into a polymer matrix. Estradiol is the most appropriate steroid for TD and can be combined with progestins to ensure a contraceptive effect. The use of potent progestins allows effective plasma levels to be reached with low doses through application over a small area of skin. TDS changed weekly and delivering both estradiol and levonorgestrel at daily dosages of 38.4 and 28.8 mcg per 10 sq. cm daily, respectively, was found to suppress ovulation. ST 1435, a synthetic progestin derived from 19-norprogesterone, has also been shown to penetrate the skin when suspended in acetylated lanolin or dissolved in a hydroalcoholic gel and to suppress ovulation at a dose of 2 mg per day in a small number of cycles. TD systems should be perfectly adhesive, well-tolerated locally, and nearly 100% effective.

Keywords:

Hormones
Contraceptive Agents, Progestin
Estradiol
Levonorgestrel
Contraception
Endocrine System
Physiology
Biology
Contraceptive Agents, Female
Contraceptive Agents
Family Planning
Estrogens