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Podcast: Dr. Chapa’s OBGYN Clinical Pearls
Episode: ComboBC & Serum E2 Levels
Description: In 1972, a publication in which a radioimmunoassay measured serum estradiol levels in participants taking oral combination birth control concluded that levels of serum estrogen were “sufficient to prevent symptoms of estrogen deficiency”. Knowing NOW what we do, and looking back to that article, those authors’ conclusions were completely incorrect! Is it possible for a patient to experience hypoestrogenic symptoms despite taking an estrogen containing birth-control? What are normal, endogenous estradiol levels in a reproductive age female? In this episode, we will review the various degrees of hypothalamic – pituitary – ovarian axis suppression from different categories of hormonal birth-control. Should certain micrograms of ethinyl...