PMID: 9168375Jan 1, 1997Paper

OC practice guidelines: minimizing side effects

International Journal of Fertility and Women's Medicine
P D Darney

Abstract

The side effects of oral contraceptives (OCs) can be minimized by appropriate OC selection. Side effects or perceived side effects that manifest themselves physically--e.g., weight gain, breakthrough bleeding (BTB), nausea, headache, breast tenderness, mood swings, acne, and hirsutism--are the most common causes of premature discontinuation of oral contraception. The relative androgenicity of the progestin component of combination OCs has become an important differential in selecting OC formulations. Several studies have indicated that preparations with less androgenic potential can minimize some of the "physical" side effects and adverse metabolic effects traditionally associated with oral contraception. Acne and hirsutism, common pre-existing conditions that are clearly related to the androgenicity of the progestin component, can be eliminated or improved by use of OCs with low androgenic activity. Many women perceive that OCs cause weight gain; although weight gain is to some extent androgen related, most studies comparing low-androgenic OCs with medium- or high-androgenic preparations have found little or no change in weight regardless of formulation. BTB, which usually subsides within a few months, is related to the dose, ...Continue Reading

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