title: Hormonal contraceptives and travel to high altitude.
abstract: Women frequently ask about the safety and efficacy of using hormonal contraception (HC), either oral contraceptive pills (OC) or other forms, when traveling to high altitude locales. What are the risks and benefits of using HC at high altitude? Does HC affect acclimatization, exercise performance, or occurrence of acute mountain sickness? This article reviews current data regarding the risks and benefits of HC at high altitude, both demonstrated and theoretical, with the aim of helping health care providers to advise women traveling above 2500 meters. Most healthy women can safely use HC when traveling to high altitude, but should be aware of the potential risks and inconveniences.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado , Aurora, Colorado.
authors.forename: Linda E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Keyes
mesh_terms: D000064:Acclimatization; D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000531:Altitude; D000532:Altitude Sickness / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000502:physiology; D012737:Sex Factors; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology; D014195:Travel
chemical_list: D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal
keywords: acute mountain sickness; high altitude; hormonal contraception; hypoxia; thrombosis; women