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pubmed:otherAbstract |
PIP: Among a group of 249 women examined during 1969-1971 in Swedish hospitals because of amenorrhea after oral contraceptive therapy, 177 patients answered a follow-up questionnaire in April 1972. For purposes of study these latter patients were divided into Groups 1 (6-12 month amenorrhea, spontaneous recovery), 2 (12-39 month amenorrhea, spontaneous recovery), and 3 (ongoing amenorrhea in May 1972). The numbers of patients in Groups 1, 2, and 3 were 38, 67, and 72, respectively. For 122 of the patients, no explanation other than one relating to oral contraceptive therapy could be postulated for the amenorrhea. 63 patients (35.4%) had had menstrual irregularities before using oral contraceptives. However, it is impossible to foretell simply from past menstrual history whether a woman will develop amenorrhea after oral contraceptive therapy. No correlation was seen between therapy duration or age of patient and the duration of the subsequent amenorrheic period. In the women with amenorrhea lasting more than 12 months, low excretions of low polar estrogens and 17-ketogenic steroids were seen. Possible precise causes of amenorrhea relating to oral contraceptive therapy and treatment are discussed.
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