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Query: UMLS:C0038454 (stroke)
 147,016 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

A leading patient complaint is headaches which tend to occur more often in women than men. Nonvascular headache is the most common and is caused by tension or muscle contraction. Oral contraceptives (OCs) do not affect nonvascular headaches. They can also be safely used in women who experience common migraines whose symptoms do not become more severe or frequent during OC use. On the other hand, women who have classic migraine (headache accompanied by focal neurologic symptoms) or common migraine with symptoms becoming more severe or frequent during OC use should discontinue OC use. Instead, they should use a barrier method or the IUD. Estradiol treatment appears to be effective in treating menstrual migraine. Since the data are inconclusive about the effect of OCs on young women who have experienced a stroke or transient ischemic attacks, it would be best for them to use a barrier method. Most antiepileptic drugs (phenobarbital, phenytoin, paramethadione, and carbamazepine) cause enzyme induction which may be linked to decreased levels of estrogen and increases in irregular bleeding, thereby increasing the likelihood of an epileptic OC user becoming pregnant. Possible contraceptive failure exposes a developing fetus to the teratogenic properties of the antiepileptic drugs. Thus, physicians should prescribe OCs with 50 mcg of ethinyl estradiol rather than 35 mcg ethinyl estradiol. Epileptic women can also use Depo-Provera, because it is not only effective in preventing pregnancy but reduces seizure frequency. It is important for any contraceptive method chosen for epileptic women to be effective because pregnancy intensifies seizures which in turn can damage the mother and/or fetus and cause neonatal distress.
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PMID:Contraceptive methods for women with neurologic disorders. 851 48

Onset of acute atherothrombotic events (acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina, ischemic stroke) exhibit a circadian pattern that parallels the diurnal pattern of endogenous fibrinolytic activity. Hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women has been shown to enhance fibrinolytic capacity by lowering plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and tissue plasminogen activator inhibitor (tPA) antigen values. We evaluated the impact of 4 weeks of estrogen alone (Premarin 0.625 mg/day) and 2 weeks of estrogen plus progesterone (Provera 2.5 mg/day) on PAI-1 and tPA in 17 postmenopausal women at multiple time points to assess hormone impact on the diurnal pattern of fibrinolytic potential. At baseline, both PAI-1 and tPA exhibited circadian variability. Estrogen alone selectively lowered 8 A.M. PAI-1 (35.8 +/- 7.1 ng/ml at baseline, 19.8 +/- 3.7 ng/ml on estrogen; p = 0.0002 vs baseline). There was no significant change in the noon or 4 P.M. values, and the diurnal pattern was attenuated. The 8 A.M. PAI-1 remained low at 17.1 +/- 3.6 ng/ml (p = 0.0001 vs baseline) with total loss of the circadian rhythm. Estrogen supplementation reduced tPA antigen at all time points, and the diurnal pattern, although blunted, persisted. Addition of progesterone to estrogen did not reverse effects of the estrogen alone phase of either PAI-1 or tPA values. This hormone-associated reduction of PAI-1 was observed despite increased triglycerides, a known inducer of PAI-1 levels. These observations suggest that hormone replacement therapy may protect postmenopausal women from excess early morning acute ischemic events.
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PMID:Effects of hormone replacement therapy on the circadian pattern of atherothrombotic risk factors. 888 58

The high failure rates of available contraceptive methods attest to the fact that the present technology is inadequate to meet the needs of many women, and new, safer, and highly effective contraceptive methods must be developed for both the female and the male. Previously, industry was largely responsible for the research and development of many of the currently available contraceptives, but at this time it is less than enthusiastic about carrying out further research because of the time and cost associated with the approval of new drugs. Additionally, because of the medico legal climate that exists today, particularly concerning present contraceptive drugs and devices, pharmaceutical companies are concentrating on developing drugs for the treatent of disease conditions, a less risky area. The US federal government, which currently is the single largest funder in the world of contraceptive and related research, is directing little attention to this particular area. The most obvious obstacles to enhanced federal support is the debate over the federal budget priorities. Other deterring factors include the controversy over abortion which has discouraged efforts to call attention to contraceptive research because of concern that it might result in funding cuts instead of increases. Another factor is the traditional allocation of 40% of National Institute of Health funds to population research and 60% to maternal and child health. An overview of currently available contraceptive methods covers oral contraception (OC), long lasting injectable contraception, IUDs, the condom, vaginal contraceptive sponge, the diagphragm, and fertility awareness techniques. Determining the actual benefits versus the risks of OC has proved difficult. OC has changed considerably since it came into use. The most serious side effects attributed to the OCs involve the cardiovascular system, specifically thromboembolism, stroke, and heart attack. The risk of developing these diseases has declined as the dosage of hormones in the pill has been decreased. Yet, other specific factors can increase the degree of risk. Overall, the OC is still one of the safest and most effective methods of preventing unwanted pregnancy. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has denied its approval of Depo-Provera, 1 of several long acting progestins, because of its association with breast tumors in the beagle dog and because of bleeding problems and delays in the return of fertility in human females. All IUDs have potential adverse side effects. The major ones continue to be cramping, bleeding, and infection. The IUD requires only a single act of motivation on the part of the patient, a definite advantage. Condoms of all types continue to be one of the most widely used forms of contraception at this time. The major disadvantage of vaginal chemical contraceptives is that they are coitally related and not aesthetically pleasing. The FDA recently approved for consumer use a polyurethane foam sponge containing a spermicide that is released gradually over a 24-hour period. The diaphragm is effective and has no serious side effects. The failure rate of the various fertility awareness methods is higher than other methods.
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PMID:The state of the contraceptive art. 1226 18

This discussion of systemics covers oral contraceptives (OCs), injectables, depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), known as Depo-Provera; and Norplant implants and injectable microspheres of norethisterone (NET). To minimize the side effects of OCs, pharmaceutical companies have worked to get OCs with the lowest possible dose of hormones that is still effective. Family Health International (FHI) has conducted several studies around the world comparing low-dose and standard-dose pills. A new FHI study will determine the acceptability of switching from standard-dose to low-dose pills. FHI also is undertaking a study of OCs with and without iron supplements among women with low hemoglobin counts to see if 7 days of iron each month causes a rise in the hemoglobin and if side effects are higher for the group taking iron supplements. The estrogen component of combined OCs has been associated with suppression of lactation. This is of serious concern, particularly for breastfeeding women with no alternative method of feeding their infants. While increasing the risk of some diseases (such as myocardial infarction and stroke), OCs provide protection from others. Over 100,000 Latin American women use injectable steroidal contraceptives. The World Health Organization (WHO) and FHI are collaborating on a study to compare 2 injectables. The study will evaluate effectiveness, side effects, and user satisfaction for each formulation. A new FHI study in Costa Rica addresses the question of whether longterm users of OCs or Depo-Provera run an increases risk of breast cancer or cervical cancer. The short-term safety and efficacy of Norplant implants has been established, and it has been approved for marketing in Finland. The primary objectives of FHI's clinical trials are to introduce the NORPLANT implant system into countries with no previous experience with this method and to determine overall acceptability of the method in different patient populations. By 1985 or early 1986, FHI will initiate studies in several Latin American countries. Every woman receiving the NORPLANT system will be followed up every 6 months for 5 years, the life of the system. Animals studies of the NET microspheres are concluding. There are plans to test it in a small number of women.
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PMID:Systemics. 1228 Jan 31

New types of contraception approved for use in the US include two long-lasting, hormone-based contraceptives, Depo-Provera and Norplant, and the female condom. The female condom is made of polyurethane, which is thinner, stronger, and a better conductor of heat than latex. Its inner ring fits over the cervix and the outer ring protects the labia and the base of the penis. Its typical-use and perfect-use failure rates are 21-26% and around 5%, respectively. One injection of Depo-Provera blocks ovulation for 3 months. Irregular periods are common with Depo-Provera use. Fertility may not return for 6-12 months after discontinuation. Depo-Provera may protect against endometrial cancer. The 6-capsule system Norplant is inserted subdermally in the arm and releases levonorgestrel for up to 5 years. Since its arrival on the US market, more than 900,000 women have used Norplant. Contraindications to Norplant are liver disease, blood clots, inflammation of the veins, history of breast cancer, or breast feeding in the first 6 weeks postpartum. More than 600,000 US women undergo sterilization annually. 25% of all heterosexually active, fertile women of reproductive age and 60% of these women ages 35-44 have had a tubal ligation. Vasectomy is less risky than tubal ligation. Both vasectomy and tubal sterilization are more than 99% effective. Oral contraceptives (OCs) suppress ovulation. 28% of US women of reproductive age use OCs. OCs are more than 99% effective. OCs appear to increase the risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke for smokers over 35. Health benefits of OCs include protection against ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian cysts, and benign breast tumors. Barrier methods keep sperm from joining the egg. Latex condoms protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). IUDs interfere with sperm transport and egg fertilization. In the US, there is a perception that IUD use is unsafe. Women with new or multiple partners should use condoms to protect against STDs.
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PMID:Choosing a contraceptive. What's best for you? 1229 May 58

Primary care physicians often prescribe contraceptives to women of reproductive age with comorbidities. Novel delivery systems (e.g., contraceptive patch, contraceptive ring, single-rod implantable device) may change traditional risk and benefit profiles in women with comorbidities. Effective contraceptive counseling requires an understanding of a woman's preferences and medical history, as well as the risks, benefits, adverse effects, and contraindications of each method. Noncontraceptive benefits of combined hormonal contraceptives, such as oral contraceptive pills, include regulated menses, decreased dysmenorrhea, and diminished premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Oral contraceptive pills may be used safely in women with a range of medical conditions, including well-controlled hypertension, uncomplicated diabetes mellitus, depression, and uncomplicated valvular heart disease. However, women older than 35 years who smoke should avoid oral contraceptive pills. Contraceptives containing estrogen, which can increase thrombotic risk, should be avoided in women with a history of venous thromboembolism, stroke, cardiovascular disease, or peripheral vascular disease. Progestin-only contraceptives are recommended for women with contraindications to estrogen. Depo-Provera, a long-acting injectable contraceptive, may be preferred in women with sickle cell disease because it reduces the frequency of painful crises. Because of the interaction between antiepileptics and oral contraceptive pills, Depo-Provera may also be considered in women with epilepsy. Implanon, the single-rod implantable contraceptive device, may reduce symptoms of dysmenorrhea. Mirena, the levonorgestrel-containing intrauterine contraceptive system, is an option for women with menorrhagia, endometriosis, or chronic pelvic pain.
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PMID:Contraception choices in women with underlying medical conditions. 2176 49

Obesity is a risk factor for stroke and neurodegenerative disease. Excess body fat has been linked to impaired glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, and impulsivity and may be a precursor to decline in attention and executive cognitive function. Here, we investigated the effects of high BMI on regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging in healthy subjects. A total of 16 adult men and 20 adult women were recruited from the community between January 2003 and July 2009 as part of a healthy brain study (HBS) conducted at the Amen Clinics, a private medical facility. Participants in the study were screened to exclude medical, neurological, and psychiatric conditions, including substance abuse. Subjects were categorized as normal or overweight according to BMI. Using a two sample t-test, we determined the effects of BMI on rCBF in normal vs. overweight subjects. Subjects were matched for age and gender. Statistical parametric mapping (SPM) revealed a higher BMI in healthy individuals that is associated with decreased rCBF in Broadmann areas 8, 9, 10, 11, 32, and 44, brain regions involved in attention, reasoning, and executive function (P < 0.05, corrected for multiple comparisons). We found that an elevated BMI is associated with decreased rCBF in the prefrontal cortex of a healthy cohort. These results indicate that elevated BMI may be a risk factor for decreased prefrontal cortex function and potentially impaired executive function.
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PMID:Elevated BMI is associated with decreased blood flow in the prefrontal cortex using SPECT imaging in healthy adults. 2131 7