[Possible side effect of hormonal contraception: porphyria cutanea tarda]

The increased incidence of cases with porphyria cutanea tarda (p.c.T.) in women is correlated to preceding hormonal contraception. This is our reason to report on 16 females suffering from p.c.t. in the last years (1975 to 1979), including 8 females younger than 40 years affected after use of oral contraceptives for a long time. Stopping the hormonal anticonception represents the most important therapeutic measure. This is a good supposition to prevent recidives and to cure definitely. Cure is demonstrated in a young woman by normal pregnancy with a healthy boy.