SERUM CONCENTRATIONS OF ESTRADIOL, PROGESTERONE, AND LEVONORGESTREL ARE NOT DETERMINANTS OF ENDOMETRIAL HISTOLOGY OR ABNORMAL BLEEDING IN LONG-TERM NORPLANT(R) IMPLANT USERS

The objective of this study was to determine the relevance of serum es tradiol, progesterone and levonorgestrel concentrations to endometrial histology and uterine bleeding associated with long term Norplant(R) implants use. Eighteen five-year users of Norplant implants had endome trial biopsies and determinations of serum estradiol, progesterone and levonorgestrel concentrations. Correlations among these factors and u terine bleeding were calculated. Proliferative endometrium (but not se x steroid levels) was associated with abnormal bleeding. Neither ovari an steroid nor levonogestrel concentrations was a predictor of abnorma l bleeding. Hyperplastic changes were not seen even with high estradio l and low levonorgestrel levels.