Oral contraceptives and breast cancer

Article Abstract:

The female sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone, which are used in formulations of oral contraceptives, are known to have effects in the development of human and animal cancers. Thus, there has been concern about the potential for increased breast cancer among women using oral contraceptives. According to scientific thought, hormones, rather than initiating cancerous changes in cells, promote the growth of these already altered cells. This leads to the idea that increased doses and duration of use would be associated with an increased risk, and this should be more apparent at younger ages of cancer diagnosis. Research has increasingly given rise to agreement that contraceptive use between ages 25 and 40 has no effect of risk of cancer through age 59. However, some studies suggest that oral contraceptives may indeed increase the probability of very early-occurring (under age 45) breast cancer, and some studies suggest this is due to a promotional effect. However, the risk of breast cancer at this age is very low compared with lifetime risk, and in addition, the findings of these studies are not entirely consistent, so strict conclusions of cause and effect would be inappropriate. Other studies suggest that those with benign breast disease or a family history of breast cancer are not at increased risk of breast cancer. In contrast, the risks of cancer of the endometrium (uterine lining) and ovary are decreased among users of oral contraceptives. Because of the indefinite outcomes of the many studies, government recommendations for use of oral contraceptives have not changed. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Risk factors, Physiological aspects, Breast cancer, Hormones, Sex, Sex hormones

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Oral contraceptives and premenstrual symptoms: Comparison of a 21/7 and extended regimen

Article Abstract:

The incidence and severity of premenstrual-type symptoms in patients converted from a 21/7 oral contraceptive (OC) regimen to an extended regimen is assessed. The results have shown that a 168-day extended regimen of DSRP/EE (3 mg of drosperinone and 30 micro g of ethinyl estradiol) (DRSP/EE) has led to a decrease in premenstrual-type symptoms when compared with the 21/7-day regimen.

Premenstrual syndrome, Clinical report

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Safety concerns and health benefits associated with oral contraception

Article Abstract:

The neoplastic effects of hormonal contraceptives are extensively studied, and meta-analyses indicate that there is a reduction in the risk of endometrical and ovarian cancer and an increased risk of liver cancer. Smoking, hypertension, obesity, and diabetes are risk factors that must be taken into account when prescribing oral contraceptives (OCs).

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