Oral contraception physiological effects

Several synthetic steroids have been synthesized in an effort to investigate their physiological effects. Prednisone is an example of a synthetic drug. The oral contraceptives and anabolic steroids are the best known of all steroids. 

Before discussing the clinical application of these steroidal agents it is well to keep in mind the extraordinary efficacy of this mode of contraception. In Table I we present the data assembled by Venning (31) on the relative efficacy of various contraceptive methods. All of those studied in various experimental trials effectively reduced fertility, but the oral contraceptive most extensively studied (the norethynodrel-estrogen combination) is much the most effective. Indeed, the pregnancy rate listed appears to be attributable to failure to use the method properly rather than to a rare physiological exception to the action of the drug. 

Supplements of vitamin Bg ranging from 25 to 500mg/day, and sometimes higher, have been recommended for treatment of a variety of conditions in which there is an underlying physiological or biochemical mechanism to justify the use of supplements, although in most cases there is little evidence of efficacy. Such conditions include postnatal depression, depression and other side effects associated with oral contraceptives, hyperemesis of pregnancy, and the premenstrual syndrome. 

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