title: Classical and newly recognised non-contraceptive benefits of combined hormonal contraceptive use in women over 40.
abstract: Although age is the most crucial predictor of a woman's reproductive capacity, it is assumed that there is still a risk of pregnancy in menopause transition, as occasional spontaneous ovulation is possible. Moreover, age alone is not sufficient to contraindicate the use of any contraceptive method, whether hormonal or not. The use of new CHC in women over 40 has not only been associated with an improved safety profile but has also been associated with other non-contraceptive benefits or the consolidation of already-known benefits. The studies with new CHC have demonstrated that efficacy and safety do not differ from the corresponding parameters observed in younger women. Additionally, the new CHC offers specific and especially useful benefits for women over 40 in the treatment of menstrual disorders. Finally, interest is currently focused on the potential of early diagnosis and the prevention of cardiovascular disease and depression, both of which may be alleviated by the CHC.
authors.affiliation: University of Granada, Obstetric and Gynecologic, Maestro Montero, 21, Granada, Spain. Electronic address: nicomendoza@telefonica.net.
authors.forename: Nicolas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Mendoza
authors.affiliation: University of Granada, Obstetric and Gynecologic, Maestro Montero, 21, Granada, Spain.
authors.forename: Rafael
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sanchez-Borrego
mesh_terms: D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D003267:Contraception; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003863:Depression / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008599:Menstruation Disturbances / Q000188:drug therapy*; D047648:Perimenopause; D011247:Pregnancy
chemical_list: D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female
keywords: Combined hormonal contraception; Hormonal contraception; Menopause transition; Natural estrogens; Non-contraceptive benefits