Successful tests on rhesus monkeys are a long way from clinical trials on women, but this is interesting to those of us following the conversations and debates about cycle-stopping contraceptives: new research testing progestin antagonists indicates that the drug can be successful in suppressing menstruation without necessarily suppressing ovulation. Another variant of the drug can suppress both menstruation and ovulation.
Dr. Robert Brenner, who is the lead researcher conducting these studies in the Division of Reproductive Sciences at Oregon Regional Primate Research Center, notes that this has potential beyond just a new lifestyle drug:
I would emphasize that we are not talking here only about lifestyle choices but also about the potential to bring relief to the many women who suffer years of misery from distressing complaints such as endometriosis, and painful and excessive monthly bleeding. In fact, excessive bleeding is one of the major reasons that women undergo hysterectomy, and this treatment may also reduce the need for this surgical procedure, with all its attendant risks and costs.
