Combined contraceptives
- 30 Nov 2023
- 1 Minute to read
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Combined contraceptives
- Updated on 30 Nov 2023
- 1 Minute to read
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- Combined hormonal contraceptive (CHCs) containing ethinylestradiol can be used in eligible women under 50 years of age as an alternative to HRT.
- For more information on eligibility criteria, see UK MEC contraception guidance.
- Options include the combined pill, transdermal patch (Evra®) and vaginal ring (NuvaRing).
- HRT containing estradiol may be more beneficial in improving bone health and blood pressure, and may be associated with lower cardiovascular risk.
- Zoely and Qlaira represent two unique CHC treatment options that contain natural estradiol (rather than ethinylestradiol).
- For younger women, the CHC may feel more aligned to their peers.
References and Further Information:
- Menopause Practice Standards produced by the British Menopause Society (BMS), Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), Society for Endocrinology (SfE), Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health (FSRH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine (FPM) and Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) 2022. Found on page 12.
- Panay N, Anderson A, Nappi R et al. Premature ovarian insufficiency: an international society white paper. Climacteric 2020.
- FSRH UK Medical Eligibility Criteria for contraceptive use. Last amended 2019.
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