Effects of norethindrone visiting pill on serum levels of sex hormone binding globulin and ceruloplasmin in women

The consecutive changes of serum sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and ceruloplasmin (CP) levels were measured in 8 women receiving norethindrone used as visiting pill, in 5 mg dosage for 14 d. The results showed a decrease in SHBG and in increase in CP concentrations. At the end of treatment, the levels of the 2 proteins were 52+/-17% and 139+/-20% of their original levels, respectively. Stimultaneously, the levels estradiol and progesterone indicated that ovulations were suppressed. This norethindrone formulation exhibited some androgenic and estrogenic activities, and both SHBG and CP were good indicators for assessing the hormonal activities of steroidal contraceptive drugs.