Steroid contraceptives: neuro-psychiatric and electroencephalographic complications
Elwan, O.; Madkour, O.; Kamal, I.; Abdallah, M.
Journal of International Medical Research 1(6): 534-547
1973
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-0605 PMID: 4806735 DOI: 10.1177/030006057300100605Document Number: 503087
The neuropsychiatric and electroencephalographic (EEG) complications of oral contraceptive (OC) use were investigated in 8 groups of 10 patients each. 61 of the women (76.2%) reported neuropsychiatric side effects, and changes in EEG were found in 48 patients. The reported symptoms were tension and anxiety states (45%), neurasthenic states (62.5%), and depressive states (52.5%). The administration of progesterone or estrogens alone increased the incidence of side effects. It is concluded that the ideal OC formulation provides a balance of both components in the lowest effective concentrations.