A continuous experience of the use of norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol combination in small doses as a contraceptive
Ruíz Moreno, J.A.; Rubio Lotvin, B.; Bolio Arista, R.; de Larios, N.M.
Ginecologia y Obstetricia de Mexico 41(244): 179-184
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-9041 PMID: 321297 Document Number: 119523
Since recent recommendations advocate that smaller doses of estrogen should be used, a combination of .5 mg of norethindrone and .015 mg ethinyl estradiol was tested on 198 patients for a total of 2546 cycles, the longest usage being over 2 years. The women ranged from 15 to 45 years of age, the average age being 28, and the average number of pregnancies, 5.2. The medication was taken daily for 21 days and then stopped for 7. The group was controlled for secondary effects, bleeding, weight changes, and nucleal or hormonal changes. 14.2% stopped taking it because of secondary problems like spotting, nausea, transhormonal bleeding, and depression. The only pregnancy was due to inadequate attention to the prescription by the patient. Tolerance of the medication was quite good overall and no severe difficulties resulted.