Gynecology Part 4 Flashcards
What class of medication is Ethinylestradiol?
Estrogen receptor agonist –> common OCP
What is the typical dose range of PO ethinylestradiol?
20 - 35 mcg –> may increase dose if breakthrough bleeding
What is the benefit of using a lower dosing strategy for PO ethinylestradiol?
Lessens AEs
What is the mechanism of Progestin (progesterone) use as a birth control option?
Provide negative feedback to H-P axis decreasing FSH and LH inhibiting follicle development and ovulation
What are three clinical effects of progesterone on the uterus and fallopian tubes?
Thickens cervical mucus
Thins endometrium
Decreases tubal peristalsis
Why is progesterone alone effective for birth control?
Progesterone inhibits ovulation
What is the risk if a patient becomes pregnant while taking progesterone birth control?
Ectopic pregnancy s/p progesterone decreasing tubal peristalsis.
What hormone does estrogen most inhibit and what is the clinical effect?
Estrogen most inhibits FSH –> inhibits cyst growth in the ovaries
What hormone does progesterone most inhibit?
LH
Differentiate older progesterone products from newer ones and state how this is clinically relevant?
Older products (Yaz for ex) have more of an anti-androgen effect. Beneficial in patients with acne or PCOS
What is the typical regimen for patients taking combination OCPs?
Take a pill every day. Three weeks of pills are hormonal followed by 4-7 days of placebo.
What differentiates one combination OCP product from another?
They vary based on estrogen dose and type of progesterone.
What is the typical regimen of a combination transdermal patch or vaginal ring?
Wear/use for three weeks then discontinue for one week. It is ok to use continuously if preferred.
What is the most significant AE of the transdermal patch combination products?
Twice the risk of thromboembolism compared to OCPs
What is the advantage of progesterone-only products compared to combination products?
Progesterone-only are always safer with regard to thromboembolism risk.
What is the name of the injectable progesterone-only product and what is the injection schedule?
Depo Provera –> one injection every three months
What are the most significant AEs of injectable progesterone-only products?
Weight gain and decrease in bone mineral density (but no increased risk of fracture has been shown)
How long do injectable progesterone-only products disrupt menstruation after their use is discontinued?
Can disrupt ovulation and menses for up to one year.
What is the brand name of the progesterone-only subdermal implant?
Nexplanon
How effective is the progesterone-only implant?
Very effective - statistically more effective than sterilization
How long is the progesterone-only implant effective for?
4 years
What is the most significant AE of the progesterone-only implant?
Light, irregular bleeding for the first 3 - 12 months.
What are the clinical effects of a progesterone releasing IUD?
Thickens cervical mucus, partially inhibits ovulation, thins endometrium.
How long is the progesterone releasing IUD effective for?
3-7 years depending on type.