Combined oral contraception with desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol: tolerability profile
Article Abstract:
Oral contraceptives containing both desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol appear to be effective and well-tolerated. Desogestrel is a highly specific progestin that is widely used in oral contraceptives in Europe and is the subject of much research in the US. It is associated with good cycle control, that is regular menstrual bleeding with little breakthrough bleeding or spotting. Unlike other progestins, desogestrel appears to have little androgenic activity. Side effects of androgenic activity include acne, hairiness, weight gain and high blood pressure. Desogestrel does not appear to cause acne but does appear to improve it in women with preexisting conditions. In one study, preexisting hairiness resolved in 54% of the women after taking desogestrel-based oral contraceptives and new cases developed in only 0.1%. In another study, weight did not fluctuate in 70% of the women who took desogestrel and it had no significant effect on blood pressure.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1993
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Contraceptive efficacy of a monophasic oral contraceptive containing desogestrel
Article Abstract:
Oral contraceptives containing desogestrel appear to be safe and effective. Desogestrel is a selective progestin designed to have little androgenic activity. Androgenic side effects of oral contraceptives include weight gain and acne. Outside the US, the most commonly used oral contraceptives contain 150 micrograms of desogestrel and 30 micrograms of ethinyl estradiol. Among 42,640 European women who used desogestrel-based contraceptives, six pregnancies occurred. Women who take oral contraceptives still have varying degrees of ovarian activity, and follicular cysts develop occasionally. Thus, ovarian suppression is another important measure of effectiveness in oral contraceptives. In a test of seven oral contraceptives, the one containing desogestrel showed high ovarian suppression.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1993
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Efficacy and safety of a low-dose monophasic combination oral contraceptive containing 100 micrograms levonorgestrel and 20 micrograms ethinyl estradiol (Alesse)
Article Abstract:
An oral contraceptive containing 20 micrograms of estradiol appears to be effective in preventing pregnancy with few serious side effects. Pharmaceutical companies have lowered the dose of estrogen in contraceptives because high doses have been linked to abnormal blood clotting.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1999
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