title: Advantages and challenges of oestrogen-free hormonal contraception.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Not all women tolerate hormonal contraceptives containing oestrogens.
  
  
  METHODS
  The authors selected and evaluated relevant publications on the advantages and challenges of oestrogen-containing and oestrogen-free oral contraceptives obtained from the MEDLINE and Google databases from January 2000 to January 2010. In addition, the reference lists from the obtained publications as well as the authors' clinical experience served as additional sources of information. Emphasis was placed on the common adverse effects and risks associated with oestrogen replacement as well as on the noncontraceptive benefits of combined oral contraceptive pills and progestogen-only pills in the management of menstrual cycle-dependent problems.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Progestogen-only pills have the potential to abolish many of the common adverse effects associated with oestrogen plus progestogen oral contraceptives and can be used to treat various menstrual cycle-dependent problems. However, only a limited number of clinical comparative studies are available. Progestogen-only pills are associated with a more irregular bleeding pattern than contraceptive pills containing oestrogens, especially during the first few months of therapy. As this is not permanent, adequate counselling is essential in order to prevent unnecessary discontinuation of treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Progestogen-only pills offer an effective, convenient, and readily reversible method of contraception that is suitable for women with contraindications for oestrogens.
authors.affiliation: Practice for Gynecology and Clinical Research, Magdeburg, Germany. ahrendt@prof-ahrendt-frauenarzt.de
authors.forename: Hans-Joachim
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Ahrendt
authors.forename: Daniela
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Adolf
authors.forename: Kai J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Buhling
mesh_terms: D003267:Contraception / Q000379:methods; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004967:Estrogens / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008599:Menstruation Disturbances / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011374:Progesterone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D004967:Estrogens; D011374:Progesterone