RESUMO
Depot-medroxy progesterone acetate [DMPA][Depo-provera] is a long acting [three months] contraceptive for intramuscular injection. The present study evaluates the effects of Depo-provera on the blood cortisol [morning samples] among twenty [20] multiparous users of Depo-provera injection prior to and after 7 days, one and 3 months of injection. The effect of this drug on blood corticosterone was, also, investigated in female albino rats prior to and after one, seven [7], and fifteen [15] days of its injection. The intra-peritoneal [IP] injection of the Depo-provera to female rats caused a significant gradual decrease of blood corti-costerone level after one, seven, and fifteen days of injection. Same results were obtained in women who were injected intramuscularly with the drug. The 5-h Synacthen [ACTH stimulation test] showed a significant gradual decrease in adrenal response in rats. These data show impairment of the response of pro gestin users to powerful or prolonged stress, such as long operative time, or any other life stressors