Estrogen Free Contraception: Progestin-only-systems

Journal für Reproduktionsmedizin und Endokrinologie - Journal of Reproductive Medicine and Endocrinology 2010; 7 (Sonderheft 1): 97-105

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Keywords: Kontrazeption,  contraception,  implant,  injection,  intrauterine hormonal system

To reduce side effects of estrogen-progestin combination preparations, the dose of estrogen has continuously been reduced in the pill. As an alternative, estrogen-free preparations are increasingly used and are now available as oral, subdermal, intrauterine and intramuscular applications. The benefits of estrogen-free contraceptives are the prevention of estrogen-related side effects (nausea, edema, weight gain, mastodynia) and of cycle-dependent side effects (dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, premenstrual syndrome [PMS], hypermenorrhea, menstrual migraine). Furthermore, they can be used in women with risk factors, in whom estrogens are contraindicated. These include hypertension, thrombophilia, status post thrombosis, myocardial infarction, stroke, liver tumors, cholelithiasis and during lactation. In the following sections, the available preparations are being discussed.