Endogenous estradiol and progesterone concentrations in smokers on oral contraceptives
Basu, J.; Mikhail, M.S.; Palan, P.R.; Thysen, B.; Bloch, E.; Romney, S.L.
Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation 33(4): 224-227
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0378-7346 PMID: 1505811 DOI: 10.1159/000294888Document Number: 326170
The simultaneous effects of cigarette smoking and oral contraceptives on serum estradiol and progesterone levels were investigated in 114 premenopausal women. Serum 17 beta-estradiol and progesterone levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. In smokers, estradiol and progesterone levels were significantly lower (p less than 0.025). In smokers using oral contraceptives, estradiol and progesterone levels were the lowest (p less than 0.001 and p less than 0.01, respectively). The findings suggest that smoking and oral contraceptives independently lower serum estradiol and progesterone concentrations in premenopausal women and that the effects may be additive.