title: Extended cycle combined hormonal contraception.
abstract: Extended cycle contraception is a safe and acceptable form of contraception and may be more efficacious than cyclic regimens, especially for users of oral contraceptive pills. Most extended cycle regimens result in fewer scheduled bleeding episodes, an outcome desired by many women. They may also result in more unscheduled bleeding and/or spotting episodes that decrease with time. Women who use extended cycle contraception experience fewer menstrual symptoms, particularly headache. Some women have medical conditions or menstrual symptoms that make extended cycle contraception a preferred method. Although we do not have enough data to recommend one particular extended cycle regimen over another, the use of these new regimens will provide women with more options, and almost certainly will improve the acceptability and efficacy of hormonal contraception. In this article, the authors focus on extended cycle combined hormonal contraceptive regimens and summarize their acceptability, efficacy, and safety. They also argue that extended cycle combined hormonal contraceptive may have increased efficacy compared with traditional cyclic combined hormonal contraceptive.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA.
authors.forename: Jody
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Steinauer
authors.forename: Amy M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Autry
mesh_terms: D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D008598:Menstruation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined