Menstrual-cycle-related symptoms: a review of the rationale for continuous use of oral contraceptives

Contraception

Volumn 74, Issue 5, 2006, Pages 359-366

  Archer, David F ^a  

^a EASTERN VIRGINIA MEDICAL SCHOOL   (United States)

Author keywords

Continuous use; Menstrual cycle symptoms; Oral contraceptives; Pill free period

Indexed keywords

ETHINYLESTRADIOL PLUS LEVONORGESTREL; ORAL CONTRACEPTIVE AGENT;

CLINICAL TRIAL; DYSMENORRHEA; HEADACHE; HUMAN; MENORRHAGIA; MENSTRUATION; MENSTRUATION DISORDER; PELVIS PAIN SYNDROME; PREGNANCY; PREVALENCE; REPRODUCTION; REVIEW;

ADOLESCENT; ADULT; AMENORRHEA; CONTRACEPTIVES, ORAL, HORMONAL; FEMALE; HUMANS; MENSTRUATION DISTURBANCES;

EID: 33749528945     PISSN: 00107824     EISSN: None     Source Type: Journal    
DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2006.06.003     Document Type: Review

References (82)

1. Kaunitz A.M. Menstruation: choosing whether... and when. Contraception 62 (2000) 277-284
2. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Premenstrual syndrome: clinical management guidelines for obstetrician-gynecologists. ACOG Pract Bull 15 (2000) 1-9
3. Kjerulff K.H., Erickson B.A., and Langenberg P.W. Chronic gynecological conditions reported by US women: findings from the National Health Interview Survey, 1984 to 1992. Am J Public Health 86 (1996) 195-199
4. Curtis K.M., Hillis S.D., Kieke Jr. B.A., Brett K.M., Marchbanks P.A., and Peterson H.B. Visits to emergency departments for gynecologic disorders in the United States, 1992-1994. Obstet Gynecol 91 (1998) 1007-1012
5. Andersch B., and Milsom I. An epidemiologic study of young women with dysmenorrhea. Am J Obstet Gynecol 144 (1982) 655-660
6. Thomas S.L., and Ellertson C. Nuisance or natural and healthy: should monthly menstruation be optional for women?. Lancet 355 (2000) 922-924
7. Dawood M.Y. Dysmenorrhea. Clin Obstet Gynecol 33 (1990) 168-178
8. Cote I., Jacobs P., and Cumming D. Work loss associated with increased menstrual loss in the United States. Obstet Gynecol 100 (2002) 683-687
9. Sulak P.J., Carl J., Gopalakrishnan I., Coffee A., and Kuehl T.J. Outcomes of extended oral contraceptive regimens with a shortened hormone-free interval to manage breakthrough bleeding. Contraception 70 (2004) 281-287
10. Sulak P.J., Cressman B.E., Waldrop E., Holleman S., and Kuehl T.J. Extending the duration of active oral contraceptive pills to manage hormone withdrawal symptoms. Obstet Gynecol 89 (1997) 179-183
11. den Tonkelaar I., and Oddens B.J. Preferred frequency and characteristics of menstrual bleeding in relation to reproductive status, oral contraceptive use, and hormone replacement therapy use. Contraception 59 (1999) 357-362
12. Dayal M., and Barnhart K.T. Noncontraceptive benefits and therapeutic uses of the oral contraceptive pill. Semin Reprod Med 19 (2001) 295-303
13. French L. Dysmenorrhea. Am Fam Physician 71 (2005) 285-291
14. Sundell G., Milsom I., and Andersch B. Factors influencing the prevalence and severity of dysmenorrhoea in young women. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 97 (1990) 588-594
15. Protheroe J. Modern management of menorrhagia. J Fam Plann Reprod Health Care 30 (2004) 118-122
16. Hallberg L., Hogdahl A.M., Nilsson L., and Rybo G. Menstrual blood loss - a population study. Variation at different ages and attempts to define normality. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 45 (1966) 320-351
17. Cole S. Menstrual blood loss and haematological indices. J Reprod Fertil 27 (1971) 158
18. Livingstone M., and Fraser I.S. Mechanisms of abnormal uterine bleeding. Hum Reprod Update 8 (2002) 60-67
19. Fraser I.S. Treatment of menorrhagia. Baillieres Clin Obstet Gynaecol 3 (1989) 391-402
20. Fraser I.S., McCarron G., and Markham R. A preliminary study of factors influencing perception of menstrual blood loss volume. Am J Obstet Gynecol 149 (1984) 788-793
21. Chimbira T.H., Anderson A.B., and Turnbull A. Relation between measured menstrual blood loss and patient's subjective assessment of loss, duration of bleeding, number of sanitary towels used, uterine weight and endometrial surface area. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 87 (1980) 603-609
22. Minjarez D.A., and Bradshaw K.D. Abnormal uterine bleeding in adolescents. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am 27 (2000) 63-78
23. Munro M.G., and Lukes A.S. Abnormal uterine bleeding and underlying hemostatic disorders: report of a consensus process. Fertil Steril 84 (2005) 2335-2337
24. Clarke A., Black N., Rowe P., Mott S., and Howle K. Indications for and outcome of total abdominal hysterectomy for benign disease: a prospective cohort study. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 102 (1995) 611-620
25. Astrup K., Olivarius Nde F., Moller S., Gottschau A., and Karlslund W. Menstrual bleeding patterns in pre- and perimenopausal women: a population-based prospective diary study. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 83 (2004) 197-202
26. Johannes C.B., and Crawford S.L. Menstrual bleeding, hormones, and the menopausal transition. Semin Reprod Endocrinol 17 (1999) 299-309
27. Weiss G. Menstrual irregularities and the perimenopause. J Soc Gynecol Investig 8 1 Suppl Proceedings (2001) S65-S66
28. Gowers W. Epilepsy and other chronic diseases: their causes, symptoms and treatment (1885), William Wood & Co, New York
29. Herzog A.G. Reproductive endocrine considerations and hormonal therapy for women with epilepsy. Epilepsia 32 Suppl 6 (1991) S27-S33
30. Svalheim S., Tauboll E., Bjornenak T., et al. Do women with epilepsy have increased frequency of menstrual disturbances?. Seizure 12 (2003) 529-533
31. Wheeler J.M. Epidemiology of endometriosis-associated infertility. J Reprod Med 34 (1989) 41-46
32. Rawson J.M. Prevalence of endometriosis in asymptomatic women. J Reprod Med 36 (1991) 513-515
33. Strathy J.H., Molgaard C.A., Coulam C.B., and Melton III L.J. Endometriosis and infertility: a laparoscopic study of endometriosis among fertile and infertile women. Fertil Steril 38 (1982) 667-672
34. Verkauf B.S. Incidence, symptoms, and signs of endometriosis in fertile and infertile women. J Fla Med Assoc 74 (1987) 671-675
35. Carter J.E. Combined hysteroscopic and laparoscopic findings in patients with chronic pelvic pain. J Am Assoc Gynecol Laparosc 2 (1994) 43-47
36. Demco L. Mapping the source and character of pain due to endometriosis by patient-assisted laparoscopy. J Am Assoc Gynecol Laparosc 5 (1998) 241-245
37. Koninckx P.R., Oosterlynck D., D'Hooghe T., and Meuleman C. Deeply infiltrating endometriosis is a disease whereas mild endometriosis could be considered a non-disease. Ann N Y Acad Sci 734 (1994) 333-341
38. Silberstein S., and Merriam G. Sex hormones and headache 1999 (menstrual migraine). Neurology 53 4 Suppl 1 (1999) S3-S13
39. MacGregor E.A., and Hackshaw A. Prevalence of migraine on each day of the natural menstrual cycle. Neurology 63 (2004) 351-353
40. Martin V.T. Menstrual migraine: a review of prophylactic therapies. Curr Pain Headache Rep 8 (2004) 229-237
41. Silberstein S.D., and Merriam G.R. Sex hormones and headache. J Pain Symptom Manage 8 (1993) 98-114
42. The ESHRE Capri Workshop Group. Ovarian and endometrial function during hormonal contraception. Hum Reprod 16 (2001) 1527-1535
43. Thomas K., and Vankrieken L. Inhibition of ovulation by low-dose monophasic contraceptive containing gestodene. Am J Obstet Gynecol 163 (1990) 1404-1410
44. Hoogland H.J., and Skouby S.O. Ultrasound evaluation of ovarian activity under oral contraceptives. Contraception 47 (1993) 583-590
45. Egarter C., Putz M., Strohmer H., Speiser P., Wenzl R., and Huber J. Ovarian function during low-dose oral contraceptive use. Contraception 51 (1995) 329-333
46. Coney P., and DelConte A. The effects on ovarian activity of a monophasic oral contraceptive with 100 microg levonorgestrel and 20 microg ethinyl estradiol. Am J Obstet Gynecol 181 (1999) 53-58
47. Spona J., Elstein M., Feichtinger W., et al. Shorter pill-free interval in combined oral contraceptives decreases follicular development. Contraception 54 (1996) 71-77
48. Spona J., Feichtinger W., Kindermann C., Wunsch C., and Brill K. Inhibition of ovulation by an oral contraceptive containing 100 micrograms levonorgestrel in combination with 20 micrograms ethinylestradiol. Contraception 54 (1996) 299-304
49. Rossmanith W.G., Steffens D., and Schramm G. A comparative randomized trial on the impact of two low-dose oral contraceptives on ovarian activity, cervical permeability, and endometrial receptivity. Contraception 56 (1997) 23-30
50. Sullivan H., Furniss H., Spona J., and Elstein M. Effect of 21-day and 24-day oral contraceptive regimens containing gestodene (60 microg) and ethinyl estradiol (15 microg) on ovarian activity. Fertil Steril 72 (1999) 115-120
51. Pierson R.A., Archer D.F., Moreau M., Shangold G.A., Fisher A.C., and Creasy G.W. Ortho Evra/Evra versus oral contraceptives: follicular development and ovulation in normal cycles and after an intentional dosing error. Fertil Steril 80 (2003) 34-42
52. Hamilton C.J., and Hoogland H.J. Longitudinal ultrasonographic study of the ovarian suppressive activity of a low-dose triphasic oral contraceptive during correct and incorrect pill intake. Am J Obstet Gynecol 161 (1989) 1159-1162
53. Birtch R.L., Olatunbosun O.A., and Pierson R.A. Ovarian follicular dynamics during conventional vs. continuous oral contraceptive use. Contraception 73 (2006) 235-243
54. Baerwald A.R., and Pierson R.A. Endometrial development in association with ovarian follicular waves during the menstrual cycle. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 24 (2004) 453-460
55. Connell E.B. Contraception in the prepill era. Contraception 59 (1999) 7S-10S
56. Loudon N.B., Foxwell M., Potts D.M., Guild A.L., and Short R.V. Acceptability of an oral contraceptive that reduces the frequency of menstruation: the tri-cycle pill regimen. BMJ 2 (1977) 487-490
57. Gladwell M. John Rock's Error. New Yorker (2000) 52-63
58. Westhoff C., and Kaunitz A. An overview of menstruation. Female Patient Suppl Apr (2002) 4-7
59. Eaton S.B., Pike M.C., Short R.V., et al. Women's reproductive cancers in evolutionary context. Q Rev Biol 69 (1994) 353-367
60. Anderson F.D., and Hait H. A multicenter, randomized study of an extended cycle oral contraceptive. Contraception 68 (2003) 89-96
61. Anderson F.D., Hait H., Hsiu J., Thompson-Graves A.L., Wilborn W.H., and Williams R.F. Endometrial microstructure after long-term use of a 91-day extended-cycle oral contraceptive regimen. Contraception 71 (2005) 55-59
62. Miller L., and Notter K.M. Menstrual reduction with extended use of combination oral contraceptive pills: randomized controlled trial. Obstet Gynecol 98 (2001) 771-778
63. Kwiecien M., Edelman A., Nichols M.D., and Jensen J.T. Bleeding patterns and patient acceptability of standard or continuous dosing regimens of a low-dose oral contraceptive: a randomized trial. Contraception 67 (2003) 9-13
64. Machado R.B., Fabrini P., Cruz A.M., Maia E., and da Cunha Bastos A. Clinical and metabolic aspects of the continuous use of a contraceptive association of ethinyl estradiol (30 μg) and gestodene (75 μg). Contraception 70 (2004) 365-370
65. Miller L., and Hughes J.P. Continuous combination oral contraceptive pills to eliminate withdrawal bleeding: a randomized trial. Obstet Gynecol 101 (2003) 653-661
66. Lambert J., and Newton W. Continuous use of oral contraceptives reduces bleeding. J Fam Pract 52 (2003) 601-602
67. Edelman A.B., Gallo M.F., Jensen J.T., Nichols M.D., Schulz K.F., and Grimes D.A. Continuous or extended cycle vs. cyclic use of combined oral contraceptives for contraception. Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2005) CD004695
68. Aubeny E., Buhler M., Colau J.C., Vicaut E., Zadikian M., and Childs M. The Coraliance study: non-compliant behavior. Results after a 6-month follow-up of patients on oral contraceptives. Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care 9 (2004) 267-277
69. Killick S.R., Bancroft K., Oelbaum S., Morris J., and Elstein M. Extending the duration of the pill-free interval during combined oral contraception. Adv Contracept 6 (1990) 33-40
70. Schrager S. Abnormal uterine bleeding associated with hormonal contraception. Am Fam Physician 65 (2002) 2073-2080
71. Rosenberg M.J., and Waugh M.S. Oral contraceptive discontinuation: a prospective evaluation of frequency and reasons. Am J Obstet Gynecol 179 (1998) 577-582
72. Apter D., Borsos A., Baumgartner W., Melis G.B., Vexiau-Robert D., Colligs-Hakert A., et al. Effect of an oral contraceptive containing drospirenone and ethinylestradiol on general well-being and fluid-related symptoms. Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care 8 (2003) 37-51
73. ACOG Practice Bulletin. The use of hormonal contraception in women with coexisting medical conditions. Number 18, July 2000. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 75 (2001) 93-106
74. Kadir R.A., Sabin C.A., Pollard D., Lee C.A., and Economides D.L. Quality of life during menstruation in patients with inherited bleeding disorders. Haemophilia 4 (1998) 836-841
75. Ward C.L. Hemorrhaging at menarche: a case report. J Fam Pract 34 (1992) 351-354
76. Vercellini P., Frontino G., De Giorgi O., Pietropaolo G., Pasin R., and Crosignani P.G. Continuous use of an oral contraceptive for endometriosis-associated recurrent dysmenorrhea that does not respond to a cyclic pill regimen. Fertil Steril 80 (2003) 560-563
77. Sulak P.J., Scow R.D., Preece C., Riggs M.W., and Kuehl T.J. Hormone withdrawal symptoms in oral contraceptive users. Obstet Gynecol 95 (2000) 261-266
78. Sulak P.J., Kuehl T.J., Ortiz M., and Shull B.L. Acceptance of altering the standard 21-day/7-day oral contraceptive regimen to delay menses and reduce hormone withdrawal symptoms. Am J Obstet Gynecol 186 (2002) 1142-1149
79. Schneider M.B., Fisher M., Friedman S.B., Bijur P.E., and Toffler A.P. Menstrual and premenstrual issues in female military cadets: a unique population with significant concerns. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 12 (1999) 195-201
80. Bennell K., White S., and Crossley K. The oral contraceptive pill: a revolution for sportswomen?. Br J Sports Med 33 (1999) 231-238
81. Davis A.J. Advances in contraception. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am 27 (2000) 597-610 [vii]
82. Kaunitz A.M. Oral contraceptive use in perimenopause. Am J Obstet Gynecol 185 (2001) S32-S37