Contraception Flashcards
Female reproductive cycle review
28 days; 2 phases-
Day 1= first day of menseS
Two phases:
FOLLICULAR
D 1-14
Anterior pituitary releases FSH which causes eggs to begin to mature
(Usually 5-7 eggs maturing but only 1 or 2 dominant follicles)
» follicles secrete estrogen which PROMOTES GROWTH OF UTERINE LINING» when estrogen levels reach a certain point LH is secreted from anterior pituitary, finalizing follicle development and OVULATION OCCURS!
LUTEAL PHASE
D 14-28 (ovulation until menses)
Site of ovulation becomes Corpus Luteum and secretes progesterone for an impending pregnancy until placenta could take over (ie about 10 weeks)
If no fertilization, there is a loss of feedback and CL DEGRADES
» lack of progesterone»_space; shedding of uterine lining
Types of hormonal contraception
1. OCPs- COCs (combined oral contraceptives) Monophasic Biphasic Triphasic -progestin only "mini pill" 2. IUD (mirena) 3. Other progestin-only implants (Depo Provera, Implnanon)
Oral contraceptives: combined OC’s almost always contAin ethinyl estradiol (EE), and a progestin.
EE is always the same but the difference in progestins…
…is the androgen in activity
Aka: how much does it behave like testosterone
More androgenic= more acne, bloating, hirsuitism
Newer progestins have less androgenic activity
OC’s: How do they work?
- combined estrogen / progestin work to suppress release of FSH and LH; without ovulation pregnancy cannot occur
1. Estrogen: suppresses LH AND FSH/speed ovum transport, decreasing fertilization time
2. progestin: in its ovulation by suppressing release of LH, THICKEN CERVICAL MUCUS (ie barrier), and creates a more hostile environment for implantation
OC’s 4 types and main points on each
- Monophasic : 1 level of hormone for cycle
- Biphasic: 2 combos of estrogen/ progestin
- Triphasic: 3 “ “ “” “”
Tripahsic: Has many different forms, either progestin or estrogen may increase or stay same
Progestin only: constant level of progestin
estrogen is almost always EE, but the type of progestin changes
Progestins are all derivatives of testosterone-
Either an estrane or a gonane does not describe pharmacological activity
Exception = drosperinone. A derivative of aldosterone.
OC’s - how to pick one, how to dose
*start with low dose» lowest risk side effects
(Low dose pills have 18-25 mcg EE, normal pills have 30-50 mcg)
**triphasic mimics normal cycle, so good place to start
Low dose pill better for:
History of common migraines (no aura) Uterine fibroids HX heavy menses HTN FIbrocystic blasts
If pt weighs more than 160#, how to dose:
Need pill with higher amounts estrogen and progesterone
If triphasic causes untoward side effects like mood swings, try…
Monophasic for extended cycle regimens:
Menses q 3 mo
84 days of EE/progestin
(seasonique, seasonale,Lybrel)
Are hormones variable in mono, bi and tri phasic? y / n
Hormones are viable with these preparations**
There are generations of progestins. The third gen, gonane, “Desogestrel/ Norgestimate,” is….
Least adrenergic; increased risk for blood clots
Progestin only pills are good choices for:
- Breastfeeding women( estrogen can decrease supply but not likely progestin)
- Women with HX blood clots
- HX of classical migraines
Some items to emphasize with Progestin only pills:
- *must be taken same time every day- no room for error. If miss pill, use back up pill
- there are no placebo pills
- most women have irregular spotting but no menses
- amenorrhea common
Some name of progestin- only:
Norethidrone (Micronor, Camila, Errin, Jovlivette)
norgestrel (overette)
How to start OC’s: quick start
Quick start=
Patient starts that day regardless of cycle
Needs back up method until next menses
Higher risk for breakthrough bleeding first month