Make me more compliant : the oral contraceptive pill

Abstract

n the 1930s the structure of steroids was discovered, together with the notion that high dose oestrogens, progesterones and androgens inhibited ovulation. Naturally, this has led to the development of oral hormonal contraceptives. This can be considered to be one of the epochal events of the 20th century since their direct and indirect effects on hormonal and metabolic pathways have shaped a new era of pharmacological control. This research opened the doors to experimentation and development into an ideal oral contraceptive pill (OCP). The 1950s showed the introduction and marketing of the first combined OCP, Enovid® 10mg (Searle) (9.85 mg norethynodrel and 150 μg mestranol) for menstrual disorders. Following further stage 4 trials, the dose was decreased form a 10mg to a 2.5mg dose.