The effect of a low-dose oral contraceptive on serum testosterone levels in polycystic ovary disease.

A study was designed to determine the effect of a low-estrogen-dosage oral contraceptive on the serum concentration of testosterone-binding globulin (TBG) and total and unbound testosterone in patients with polycystic ovary disease (PCOD). Treatment with norethindrone 0.5 mg and ethinyl estradiol 0.035 mg (Modicon, Ortho) increased the TBG concentration and reduced the unbound serum testosterone concentration.