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  • Title: Contraception for the perimenopausal patient.
    Author: Upton GV.
    Journal: Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am; 1987 Mar; 14(1):207-27. PubMed ID: 3306520.
    Abstract:
    All the existing data show that combination estrogen/progestogen therapy is mandatory if any replacement therapy is to be given to the woman over age 40. Sufficient evidence has indicated that estrogen alone is inadequate; progestogen must be given to prevent endometrial hyperplasia, lower the risk of breast cancer, and prevent bone loss. In the premenopausal woman, such therapy should also provide contraception. Because of the lack of minimal dose products fulfilling such criteria, many physicians will allow women to continue with their contraceptive if they do not smoke and have no other contraindications. It will remain to be seen if a product close to ideal can be found to fulfill the contraceptive and therapeutic needs of women traversing the most physiologically hazardous period of their lives. Epidemiological studies of oral contraceptives pertaining to premenopausal women are briefly reviewed. Therapeutic considerations are noted. The clinical effects of aging and hormone replacement therapy are indicated in terms of metabolism, the endometrium, and bone mass. The pharmacological advantages and consequences of nonhormonal and hormonal contraception are explored. For aging women over 40, there is a need for relief of menopausal symptoms, contraception, and reduction of risks for atherosclerosis, hypertension, coronary heart disease, endometrial carcinoma, breast cancer, and osteoporosis. With the availability and use of low estrogen products, women over 40 can insure tissue support and prevent bone loss as long as the therapy is instituted within 3 years of the last menses. Over-40 women who drink and smoke should not use oral contraceptives. Sterilization does not satisfy longterm hormonal needs, and has other reported menstrual side effects. The dose and duration regimen of hormonal therapy must be carefully considered due to the effects on the endometrium., the coagulation system, the liver, lipids, and bone. Combination estrogen and progestogen is necessary, but consideration must be given to existing levels of endogenous hormones. Lipid patterns may change due to hormone replacement or as a result of aging and contribute to coronary heart disease. Hormone replacement can reverse the atherogenic pattern of increased low density lipoprotein levels and decreased high density lipoprotein levels; a chart gives the effects on lipids and coagulation from various estrogen or estrogen plus progestogen products. For the estrogen-deficient menopausal woman, high estrogen can decrease antithrombin III plasminogen and alpha-antitrypsin antigen levels. Lower dose progestogens are recommended. Studies of dose and effects on bone mass are reviewed and vaginal rings and transdermal steroid patches, triphasic formulations, and new progestational agents such as 19-nortestosterone derivatives are described. Newer low dose formulations are needed for the aging woman, as well as further research on what product best suits the variability of women aged 40-50
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