Harold Kosasky

Changes in water and electrolytes in human cervical mucus during treatment with chlormadinone acetate.

Prior observations concerning the dehydrating effect of chlormadinone acetate (CMA) are confirmed and alterations in the cyclic concentration of electrolytes in cervical mucus are reported. 3 women aged 19 28 and 31 in apparent good health and with unremarkable menstrual histories were tested through 1 control cycle prior to the daily oral administration of .5 mg of CMA for 1 month. Specimens of cervical mucus were obtained daily from each subject for at least 12 days/month during the control cycle and 19 days/month during the treatment cycle. Results indicated that CMA causes a dehydration of the mucus raising the amount of the dry residue at the midcycle period to levels believed to be inhibitory to the migration of spermatozoa. The typical normal surge in the concentration of sodium during the midcycle period was obliterated. CMA induced an increase in the midcycle concentration of potassium calcium magnesium and zinc in the mucus. The significance of variable effects of CMA on these electrolytes is not clear. In 1 treatment cycle the elimination of the LH surge seen at midcycle in the control study suggested that CMA may have prevented ovulation in that month.