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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
08:46
Fertility Preservation Through Oocyte Vitrification: Clinical and Laboratory Perspectives
Published on: September 16, 2021
[Contraception in adolescence and perimenopause].
Joseph Neulen1, Christian Thaler, Martin Birkhäuser
1Frauenklinik für Gynäkologische Endokrinologie und Reproduktionsmedizin, Aachen. gyn-endokrinologie@ukaachen.de
Therapeutische Umschau. Revue Therapeutique
|January 31, 2009
Summary
Hormonal contraception (OC) offers a positive risk-benefit ratio for adolescents and women over 40 when used correctly. Proper dosage and exclusion of contraindications ensure safety, making OC safer than unintended pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Adolescent Medicine
- Geriatric Gynecology
Background:
- Oral contraceptives (OC) are widely used but require careful consideration in specific age groups.
- Adolescents need to achieve optimal peak bone mass, while women over 40 face increased health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the risk-benefit ratio of oral contraception in adolescents and women over 40.
- To outline essential rules for safe and effective OC use in these distinct age demographics.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on hormonal contraception in adolescents and perimenopausal women.
- Analysis of contraindications and benefits specific to these age groups.
Main Results:
- Oral contraception (OC) demonstrates a favorable risk-benefit profile in adolescents, supporting peak bone mass acquisition with individualized dosing.
- In women over 40, OC is beneficial when contraindications like hypertension, obesity, smoking, and dyslipidemia are excluded.
- The risks associated with correctly indicated OC use are lower than those of unintended pregnancy in both age groups.
Conclusions:
- Hormonal contraception is a safe and effective option for adolescents and women over 40 when prescribed and monitored appropriately.
- Individualized hormonal contraception management is crucial for optimizing benefits and minimizing risks in these populations.
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