Dizziness associated with discontinuation of oral contraceptives in Bangladesh
Measham, A.R.; Khan, A.R.; Huber, D.H.
International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics the Official Organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics 18(2): 109-112
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0020-7292 PMID: 6108246 DOI: 10.1002/j.1879-3479.1980.tb00257.xDocument Number: 201093
Data from 5 studies recently conducted in Bangladesh regarding dizziness as a major side effect of oral contraceptive (OC) use were reviewed. The Bangladeshi women describe dizziness as "Mata gurai" (headspinning), a sensation of rotary motion unaccompanied by nausea or vomiting. It appears to mimic the characteristics of postural hypotension rather than true vertigo and is often associated with generalized weakness. Both dizziness and weakness were cited by a large proportion of women in study A as reasons for discontinuation, and the 2 symptoms were often linked. Burning sensations, usually in the extremities, also proved to be a frequent cause of discontinuation. In study B, except for dizziness, there was no significant difference between women continuing OC use and those who had stopped use. The incidence of dizziness reported by discontinuers was significantly higher than that reported by continuing users. The case-control health survey used in study C corroborated the view that some complaints associated with OC use were equally common in nonusers, but the incidence of dizziness and eye problems was significantly higher in OC users than in both matched control groups. There were no significant associations found between dizziness and hemoglobin levels or blood pressure in study D. Of those women who took multiple vitamin capsules in study E, 57% reported a lessening of dizzinesss, compared with 69% who received glucose capsules.
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