Extended regimens of combined hormonal contraception to reduce symptoms related to withdrawal bleeding and the hormone-free interval: A systematic review of randomised and observational studies. (October 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mendoza, Nicolás; Lobo, Paloma; Lertxundi, Roberto; Correa, Marta; Gonzalez, Esteban; Salamanca, Alberto; Sánchez-Borrego, Rafael
• Is Part Of: European journal of contraception & reproductive health care. Volume 19:Number 5(2014:Oct.)
• Page Start: 321
• Page End: 339
• Publication Date: 2014-10
• Subjects: Contraception -- Periodicals; Reproductive health -- Periodicals; Generative organs, Female -- Periodicals; Contraception -- Periodicals; Reproductive Medicine -- Periodicals; 613.9
• DOI: 10.3109/13625187.2014.927423
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1362-5187

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <bold>Objective</bold> To assess whether continuous and extended regimens (CRs/ERs) of combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) improve symptoms related to withdrawal bleeding or the hormone-free interval and to compare the efficacy, safety, and cost of CRs/ERs to those of conventional 28-day regimens.</p> <p> <bold>Study design</bold> A literature search of the PubMed database was conducted for randomised clinical trials (RCTs) and observational studies published in any language between 2006 and 2013.</p> <p> <bold>Results</bold> Sixteen RCTs and 14 observational studies evaluated issues related to our objectives. CRs/ERs, whose efficacy and safety were comparable to those described for conventional regimens, were preferred due to their improvement of symptoms related to withdrawal bleeding or the hormone-free interval and the lower costs resulting from the reduced incidence of these symptoms.</p> <p> <bold>Conclusion</bold> The contraceptive efficacy and safety of CR/ER use of CHCs is at least equal to that of 28-days conventional regimens, and this use may have some cost savings. CRs/ERs are recommended for women willing to take a CHC for treatment of symptoms related to withdrawal bleeding or the hormone-free interval.</p> </abstract>