[The steroids, inhibitors of ovarian function].

This general review describes the progestagens and estrogens and their combinations marketed in France, their biologic effects (on ovulation, pharmacological and hormonal effects, effects on the female reproductive organs), the mechanism of inhibiting ovulation, indications, and trivial and serious side effects. The 3 series of progestagens are 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone derivatives, 19-nor-testosterone and 3-deoxy-19-nor-testosterone derivatives; the estrogens are ethinyl estradiol and mestranol. Indications discussed here are therapeutic tests, functional uterine bleeding, endometriosis, polycystic ovary, amenorrhea, Stein-Levanthal syndrome, sterility, intermenstrual pain, premenstrual breast congestion, and acne. Minor side effects include vomiting, bleeding, weight gain, depression, and vaginitis. Complications mentioned are thromboembolism, virilization, cholasma, jaundice, and fibroids. Genetic and congenital defects are not more common in steroid users than in the general population; it is too early to predict whether these drugs are carcinogenic.