Contraception in older woman

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Pharmacology
• Women's Health

Background:

• Premenopausal women often experience menstrual cycle disturbances and climacteric symptoms.
• Oral contraception (OC) is being explored for managing these symptoms in premenopause.
• Maintaining normal sexual activity is a primary goal of contraception.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of a specific oral contraceptive (20 mcg ethinylestradiol and 150 mcg desogestrel - EE/DOG) on premenopausal women.
• To assess the safety and efficacy of EE/DOG for contraception and symptom management.

Main Methods:

• A study was conducted to assess the impact of EE/DOG on lipid metabolism, clotting system parameters, oral glucose tolerance, and bone density.
• Key biochemical markers and physiological tests were utilized to monitor treatment effects.

Main Results:

• EE/DOG treatment did not significantly alter lipid profiles (triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, Apo A, Apo B).
• No significant changes were observed in the clotting system (fibrinogen, PT, PTT, antithrombin III, fibrinopeptide A).
• Oral glucose tolerance test (OGGT) and bone density remained unaffected by the EE/DOG treatment.

Conclusions:

• EE/DOG demonstrates good tolerance and a lack of significant side effects in premenopausal women.
• If no risk factors (smoking, obesity, hypertension) are present, OCs can be used until menopause for contraceptive efficacy and symptom control.