Volunteers needed for study of low-dose birth-control pills

Researchers in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology are seeking 18 volunteers for a study of the effects of low-dose birth-control pills on body chemistry.

"We already have studied how these pills affect the menstrual cycle," said Diane F. Merritt, M.D., associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology. "Now we are exploring effects on metabolism."

The research will look at how the pills affect levels of lipids and other substances in the blood. It is part of a six-city study funded by Wyeth-Ayerst, a pharmaceutical company.

Participants will come to the School of Medicine once a month for six months. They will donate blood samples every time and receive a thorough physical exam during the first and last visits. The compensation is $250.

Volunteers should be older than 18 and have regular monthly periods. Those who smoke should be 35 or younger. All volunteers should not be at risk of getting pregnant because it is not yet known whether the low-dose pills are effective for birth control. Therefore, volunteers should be sexually abstinent, have had a tubal ligation or have a partner who cannot impregnate them. They should not be taking birth-control pills.

For information, call (314) 454-8988.

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