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 34,133 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

The forms of administration, mechanisms of action, side effects and complications, and other aspects of female hormonal contraception are set forth in this "lesson" for medical students. Female hormonal contraception has been in use for over 30 years and is used by more than 150 million women worldwide. Oral contraceptives suppress the preovulatory peak of follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, preventing ovulation and follicular maturation. Progestins render the cervical mucus impermeable to sperm and modify the endometrium so that it will no longer support implantation. The synthetic estrogen ethinyl estradiol is used in most combined oral contraceptives (OCs). Among the numerous progestins in use are the newer desogestrel, gestodene, and norgestimate, which have fewer androgenic and metabolic effects than did the 1st generation. the different forms of administration of hormonal methods include combined OCs, oral preparations containing low doses of progestin continuously administered or high doses continuously or discontinuously administered. Intramuscular injection of progestins and the so-called "morning after" postcoital pills are less often prescribed. The combined preparations may be monophasic, biphasic, triphasic, or sequential. Sequential preparations should be avoided because of the hyperestrogenic climate they induce. The low-dose progestin preparations are indicated for women with contraindications to synthetic estrogen. They must be taken at the same time each day and have a relatively high rate of side effects, especially ovarian and breast cysts and irregular bleeding. High-dose progestin preparations have significant metabolic effects and are indicated primarily for patients with gynecological problems such as fibromas and endometriosis. Intramuscular injection of medroxyprogesterone acetate every 3 months is effective but has the same side effects as high-dose progestins. It is indicated primarily for patients unable to control their own behavior. The hormonal methods are all highly effective in preventing pregnancy when correctly administered. Side effects may be minor problems, such as nervousness and nausea, that are usually of short duration. the more serious side effects, including modifications of lipid or carbohydrate metabolism, hemostasis, blood pressure, or hepatic functioning and cardiovascular effects, have been reduced with the new lower dosed formulations. Absolute contraindications to hormonal contraception include undiagnosed vaginal bleeding or amenorrhea, history of thromboembolic or cerebral vascular accidents, severe cardiopathy or hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hepatopathy, hormonodependent cancer, pituitary tumors, porphyria, and severe mental problems. Relative contraindications impose the need for careful monitoring and follow-up. The practitioner should be aware of the possibility of interactions between OCs and certain other drugs.
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PMID:[Hormonal contraception]. 160 74

Polycystic ovary syndrome has been viewed primarily as a gynecologic disorder requiring medical intervention to control irregular bleeding, relieve chronic anovulation, and facilitate pregnancy. A large body of evidence has demonstrated an association between insulin resistance and polycystic ovary syndrome. The former condition has an established link with long-term macrovascular diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and atherosclerotic heart disease, consequences that also are observed in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. In addition, chronic anovulation predisposes women to endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma. The purpose of this review is to examine the clinical course of this syndrome, which spans adolescence through menopause, and suggest a simple and cost-effective diagnostic evaluation to screen the large numbers of women who may be affected. Therapy, which should be individualized, should incorporate steroid hormones, antiandrogens, and insulin-sensitizing agents. Weight loss by way of reduced carbohydrate intake and gentle exercise is the most important intervention; this step alone can restore menstrual cyclicity and fertility, and provide long-term prevention against diabetes and heart disease. Treatment alternatives should be directed initially toward the most compelling symptom. Longitudinal care is of paramount importance to provide protection from long-term sequelae.
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PMID:Current perspectives in polycystic ovary syndrome. 1531 31

The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), then called the Stein-Leventhal syndrome, was first described in 1935. Originally, diagnosis required pathognomonic ovarian findings and the clinical triad of hirsutism, amenorrhea, and obesity. During fertility years, women with PCOS are often seen for immediate concerns such as infertility, menstrual irregularity, and symptoms of androgen excess. During the past two decades, however, such patients have been observed to have increased risk of cardiovascular disease, dyslipidaemia, hypertension and diabetes and increased risk for endometrial cancer. The management of polycystic ovary syndrome is now complex and includes life style modifications, dietary-induced weight loss, oral contraceptives, clomiphene citrate, gonadotropins, antiandrogens and insulin-sensitising agents. These observations have led to a unique clinical perspective about PCOS--one that recognizes the need to address the immediate issues of irregular bleeding, hirsutism, and infertility, but also emphasizes the long-term goals of preventing diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
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PMID:[Long-term health consequences of polycystic ovaries syndrome: metabolic, cardiovascular and oncological aspects]. 1808 38