Abstract. Diabetes mellitus exerts a sex-dependent effect on hepatic drug metabolism in the rat and it has been suggested that this is due to a reduction in serum androgen levels. This study shows that the effect of diabetes is only seen in the presence of androgen and that testosterone can reverse the effect of diabetes on drug metabolism. Diabetes, however, does not consistently cause a reduction in serum testosterone. Diabetes and androgens, therefore, are postulated to interact in their effects on drug metabolism by action on a common mediator. It is suggested that this mediator is growth hormone, which is known to be affected by the androgens and insulin and to be involved in sex differences in drug metabolism in the rat.

'Termination of pregnancy' is the most commonly used term to describe induced abortion in patient consultations in Scotland. This and the term 'abortion' appear to play different roles, with the former being used euphemistically, and the latter as a more emphatic term. Further research is warranted to investigate how this interacts with patient care, service provision, and abortion stigma.

The majority of health professionals surveyed who work in Scottish abortion services support provision of abortion beyond 16 weeks within Scotland, and most favour a single national service. Further work on the feasibility of providing this service is required.

Women accessing www.menopausematters.co.uk are well informed about contraception and sexual health. The majority of those accessing the site are sexually active, but many use no contraception, or are unhappy with their chosen method, leaving them vulnerable to unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted infection.