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John Rock 



ethynylestradiol is now purposely added to the norethynodrel. The lO-mg 

 tablet marketed by G. D. Searle & Co., under the name of Enovid, 

 contains 9.85 mg of norethynodrel and 0.15 mg of the 3-methyl-ether 

 of ethynylestradiol. 



Owing to its strong progestational effect, Enovid has proved of extreme 

 value to the clinician in the treatment of certain gynecological disorders (35, 

 37). Furthermore, since Enovid is the 19-nor steroid most extensively utilized 

 in the field studies relating to fertility control in Puerto Rico and Haiti (v.s.), 

 most of my subsequent remarks will deal with this particular synthetic 

 gestagen. 



B. Nature of the Ovulat ion-Inhibiting Action of Enovid 



It seemed of interest to determine which of the two components of Enovid, 

 i.e. the norethynodrel or the 3-methyl-ether of ethynylestradiol, constitutes 

 the active ovulation-depressing agent. 



Table 1. Effects of the 3-Methyl-ether of Ethynylestradiol on 

 Normally Cyclic Women* 



* Abbreviations: n.d. = not done; + = positive; — = negative, 

 t Figures = cycle-days when ovulation was indicated. 



While some have attributed this role of Enovid to its estradiol component, 

 we, on the other hand, are skeptical of this. For, as shown in Table 1, even 



