Effects of an extended flexible regimen of an oral contraceptive pill containing 20 µg ethinylestradiol and 3 mg drospirenone on menstrual-related symptoms: a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy for menstrual-related symptoms of an extended flexible regimen of an oral contraceptive pill containing 20 µg ethinylestradiol and 3 mg drospirenone in comparison with a 24/4 d cyclical regimen of the same formulation. METHODS: This randomised, non-inferiority, open-label, multicentre study was conducted in women aged 18-39 years. Their menstrual-related symptoms were assessed using the Penn Daily Symptom Rating (DSR17). Participants were randomised to use an extended flexible regimen of 20 µg ethinylestradiol and 3 mg drospirenone (EE/DRSPe.flex), comprising 168 consecutive days with a 4-d hormone-free interval (HFI, allowing for management of unexpected bleeding) or a conventional 24/4 cyclical regimen of the same pill (EE/DRSP24/4). The primary measure of efficacy was the percentage change in DSR17 total score from baseline to cycle 6. The secondary measures of efficacy were the percentage changes in DSR17 total score from baseline after each 28-d interval throughout the entire study and in the scores for individual DSR17 symptoms. RESULTS: The primary analysis demonstrated that EE/DRSPe.flex was not inferior to EE/DRSP24/4 (Mean DSR17 score 9.1; 95% confidence interval (CI) - 2.5, 20.6; p = 0.123). Analysis at intervals throughout the entire evaluation period showed greater reduction in DSR17 total score for EE/DRSPe.flex than for the 24/4 regimen (p < 0.001). The decreases in individual scores for the symptoms 'poor coordination' and 'depression/feeling sad/down or blue' were greater for the extended flexible regimen than for the cyclical regimen (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The extended flexible regimen was not inferior to the 24/4 cyclical regimen in terms of the primary endpoint. It significantly improved symptoms in the interval analysis, and the effects on specific DSR17 symptoms, compared with the cyclical regimen.

Effect of information on the perception of users and prospective users of combined oral contraceptives regarding the risk of venous thromboembolism.

This study evaluated patients' knowledge on the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) associated with combined oral contraceptives (COCs) and their perception of this risk when it is presented as a relative risk (RR), absolute risk (AbR) or attributable risk (AR). This was a cross-sectional study involving 159 users or potential users of COCs. The participants answered a self-administered questionnaire in which the risk of VTE associated with COCs was presented as RR, AbR and AR. The degree of concern expressed regarding this risk and the women's changes of opinion when the information was communicated through a different risk model were evaluated. Most of the women (67.9%) expressed concern when the risk was presented as an RR. Conversely, they showed no concern when the risk was presented as an AbR (14.5%) or AR (10.7%). A significant number of women changed their opinion regarding their level of concern when the risk was presented as an AbR or AR (p < 0.001). In conclusion, concerns about thrombotic complications from the use of combined hormonal contraception is reduced when incidence rather than relative risk is presented. Presentation of thrombosis complications in terms of incidence rather than RR may improve communication of side effects during counseling for combined hormonal contraception initiation.

A review of the pharmacology, clinical outcomes, and real-world effectiveness, safety, and non-contraceptive effects of NOMAC/E2.

Selecting an appropriate oral contraceptive can be challenging for healthcare professionals due to the abundance of marketed contraceptive options with different clinical and real-world effectiveness and safety profiles. Nomegestrol acetate + 17ß-estradiol (NOMAC/E2) is a combined oral contraceptive (COC) that inhibits ovulation by suppressing ovarian function by a 17-hydroxy-progesterone derivative and an estrogen identical to that endogenously produced by the ovaries. This narrative review examines clinical and real-world studies of NOMAC/E2 based on a background literature search using PubMed and Google Scholar. The review outlines the pharmacology of NOMAC/E2, including its progestational activity, pharmacokinetics, and effects on carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism, and coagulation parameters, and summarizes key clinical efficacy and safety data that led to the approval of NOMAC/E2 in Europe, Brazil, and Australia. To help elucidate how NOMAC/E2 clinical trial data translate into a real-world setting, this review describes the effectiveness and safety of NOMAC/E2 in prospective studies that include over 90,000 users (half of whom received NOMAC/E2), outlining its effects on risk of thrombosis, menstrual bleeding patterns, weight, mood, acne, bone health, and patient quality of life. Non-contraceptive benefits of NOMAC/E2 for women with endometriosis, dysmenorrhea, or pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder are also discussed. These data demonstrate that NOMAC/E2 has a long half-life and rapid absorption, is effective at preventing unwanted pregnancies, and exhibits a favorable safety profile in both clinical trials and real-world settings. Importantly, NOMAC/E2 is not associated with increased risk of venous thromboembolism, a major safety concern of healthcare professionals for women receiving hormonal contraceptives. This review highlights NOMAC/E2 as a differentiated option among COCs and could help inform oral contraceptive choice to ultimately improve patient management and outcomes in real-world settings.

INTESTINAL ENDOMETRIOSIS: OUTCOMES FROM A MULTIDISCIPLINARY SPECIALIZED REFERRAL CENTER.

BACKGROUND: Deep penetrating endometriosis (DE) can affect abdominal and pelvic organs like the bowel and bladder, requiring treatment to alleviate symptoms. AIMS: To study and investigate clinical and surgical outcomes in patients diagnosed with DE involving the intestines, aiming to analyze the effectiveness of surgical treatments. METHODS: All cases treated from January 2021 to July 2023 were included, focusing on patients aged 18 years or older with the disease affecting the intestines. Patients without intestinal involvement and those with less than six months of post-surgery follow-up were excluded. Intestinal involvement was defined as direct invasion of the intestinal wall or requiring adhesion lysis for complete resection. Primary outcomes were adhesion lysis, rectal shaving, disc excision (no-colectomy group), and segmental resection (colectomy group) along with surgical complications like anastomotic leak and fistulas, monitored for up to 30 days. RESULTS: Out of 169 patients with DE surgically treated, 76 met the inclusion criteria. No colectomy treatment was selected for 50 (65.7%) patients, while 26 (34.2%) underwent rectosigmoidectomy (RTS). Diarrhea during menstruation was the most prevalent symptom in the RTS group (19.2 vs. 6%, p<0.001). Surgical outcomes indicated longer operative times and hospital stays for the segmental resection group, respectively 186.5 vs. 104 min (p<0.001) and 4 vs. 2 days, (p<0.001). Severe complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥3) had an overall prevalence of 6 (7.9%) cases, without any difference between the groups. There was no mortality reported. Larger lesions and specific symptoms like dyschezia and rectal bleeding were associated with a higher likelihood of RTS. Bayesian regression highlighted diarrhea close to menstruation as a strong predictor of segmental resection. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with DE involving the intestines, symptoms such as dyschezia, rectal bleeding, and menstrual period-related diarrhea predict RTS. However, severe complication rates did not differ significantly between the segmental resection group and no-colectomy group.

Impact of standardized information provided by gynecologists on women's choice of combined hormonal contraception.

This prospective interventional study was designed to determine the impact of providing standardized information on different methods of combined hormonal contraception on women's selection of which method to use. A total of 952 Brazilian gynecologists were randomly selected. Each gynecologist recruited 15 consecutive patients for whom combined hormonal contraception was indicated. Each patient was asked which contraceptive method she would prefer (pill, patch, vaginal ring or injectable) before and after receiving a standardized explanation on each of these methods provided by her doctor. A total of 9507 women were included in the study. Prior to counseling, 66.5% of the women stated that they would prefer the pill, 17.9% the injectable, 8.9% the patch and 6.7% the vaginal ring. After counseling, 53.7% of the women stated that they would prefer the pill, 16.3% the injectable, 14% the patch and 16% the ring. In conclusion, the combined pill remains the most popular contraceptive method among Brazilian women; however, after receiving information on the various contraceptive methods available, the proportion of women choosing the vaginal ring or patch increased, while preference for the combined pill decreased.

The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system: its effect on the number of hysterectomies performed in perimenopausal women with uterine fibroids.

This prospective observational study was designed to determine the percentage of hysterectomies avoided following insertion of a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) in perimenopausal women with uterine fibroids and a prior indication for surgery. The study also compared the progress of patients using the LNG-IUS with those submitted to hysterectomy, with particular emphasis on the patient's satisfaction with treatment. Sixty perimenopausal patients with uterine fibroids and excessive bleeding referred for hysterectomy were included. After counseling on the possibility of non-surgical treatment, 39 patients opted to use an LNG-IUS while 21 opted for hysterectomy. Continuation of LNG-IUS use and the patient's satisfaction with the chosen procedure were assessed. A secondary analysis evaluated hemoglobin levels, clinical complications, bleeding patterns and uterine volume at ultrasonography over time. After 24 months of follow-up, four of the patients who had opted to use an LNG-IUS were submitted to surgery, while 35 continued using the device, thus avoiding hysterectomy in 89.5% of cases. LNG-IUS users were more satisfied with treatment (p = 0.02) compared to those submitted to hysterectomy. In conclusion, the use of the LNG-IUS enables the number of hysterectomies to be reduced in women with uterine fibroids and is associated with greater satisfaction compared to surgical treatment.

Patient selection criteria for blastocyst transfers in extended embryo culture programs.

PURPOSE: To identify the correlation between different cycles, patient factors and blastocyst characteristics. METHODS: The study included 420 patients undergoing ICSI cycles and 2781 graded blastocysts, which took into account the blastocyst quality. The correlations between the blastocyst parameters and the patient and cycle characteristics were assessed. RESULTS: The blastocyst development was negatively correlated with the maternal age, BMI and dose of FSH. The ICM was negatively correlated with the FSH dose, whereas the TE quality was influenced by the FSH dose, the maternal age and the number of retrieved oocytes. The embryo morphology on days two and three may predict the blastocyst developmental competence. CONCLUSIONS: Older patients and patients with high BMI should not be included in extended embryo culture programmes. The extended culture may not favour embryos with poor morphology on days two and three of development. Additionally, a lower ovarian stimulation and decreased oocyte yields may lead to the development of high-quality blastocysts.

Nonoperative vs Operative Management of Uncomplicated Acute Appendicitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Importance: Appendectomy remains the standard of care for uncomplicated acute appendicitis despite several randomized clinical trials pointing to the safety and efficacy of nonoperative management of this disease. A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials may contribute to the body of evidence and help surgeons select which patients may benefit from surgical and nonsurgical treatment. Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of nonoperative management vs appendectomy for acute uncomplicated appendicitis. Data Sources: A systematic review was conducted using indexed sources (Embase and PubMed) to search for published randomized clinical trials in English comparing nonoperative management with appendectomy in adult patients presenting with uncomplicated acute appendicitis. To increase sensitivity, no limits were set for outcomes reported, sex, or year of publication. All nonrandomized or quasi-randomized trials were excluded, and validated primers were used. Study Selection: Among 1504 studies imported for screening, 805 were duplicates, and 595 were excluded for irrelevancy. A further 96 were excluded after full-text review, mainly owing to wrong study design or inclusion of pediatric populations. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria and were selected for the meta-analysis. Data Extraction and Synthesis: Meta-extraction was conducted with independent extraction by multiple reviewers using the Covidence platform for systematic reviews and in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Data were pooled by a random-effects model. Main Outcomes and Measures: Treatment success and major adverse effects at 30 days' follow-up. Results: The main outcome (treatment success proportion at 30 days of follow-up) was not significantly different in the operative and nonoperative management cohorts (risk ratio [RR], 0.85; 95% CI, 0.66-1.11). Likewise, the percentage of major adverse effects was similar in both cohorts (RR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.29-1.79). However, in the nonoperative management group, length of stay was significantly longer (RR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.26-1.70), and a median cumulative incidence of 18% of recurrent appendicitis was observed. Conclusions and Relevance: These results point to the general safety and efficacy of nonoperative management of uncomplicated acute appendicitis. However, this strategy may be associated with an increase in duration of hospital stay and a higher rate of recurrent appendicitis. This meta-analysis may help inform decision-making in nonoperative management of uncomplicated acute appendicitis.

Different Perceptions among Women and Their Physicians Regarding Contraceptive Counseling: Results from the TANCO Survey in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: The optimal use of contraceptive methods requires that women participate in targeted choice of methods that meet their individual needs and expectations. The Thinking About Needs in Contraception (TANCO) study is a quantitative online survey of the views of health professionals and women on aspects of contraceptive counseling and contraceptive use. METHODS: Physicians and women attending clinics for contraception were invited to complete online questionnaires. The research explored the knowledge and use of contraceptive methods, satisfaction with the current method and interest in receiving more information on all methods. Aspects related to contraceptive practice among physicians were gathered in parallel. The results obtained in the Brazilian research were compared with those of the European research, which involved 11 countries. RESULTS: There was a high prevalence of contraceptive use and general satisfaction with the current method. A total of 63% of the women were using short-acting contraceptive (SAC) methods, and 9% were using a long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC). Sixty-six percent of women were interested in receiving more information on all methods; 69% of women said they would consider LARC if they received more comprehensive information about it. Health professionals tend to underestimate the interest of women in receiving information about contraception in general, and more specifically about LARCs. CONCLUSION: Despite the high levels of use and satisfaction with the current methods, women were interested in receiving more information on all contraceptive methods. Structured contraceptive counseling based on individual needs and expectations may lead to greater knowledge and a greater likelihood of proper contraceptive choice.

OBJETIVO: A utilização ideal de métodos contraceptivos requer que as mulheres participem da escolha orientada sobre métodos que atendam às suas necessidades e expectativas individuais. O estudo Thinking About Needs in Contraception (TANCO)­Pensando nas Necessidades em Contracepção­é uma pesquisa quantitativa online de opiniões de profissionais de saúde e de mulheres sobre aspectos do aconselhamento contraceptivo e uso de anticoncepcionais. MéTODOS: Médicos e mulheres que frequentam consultórios de atendimento visando contracepção foram convidados a preencher questionários online. A pesquisa explorou o conhecimento e o uso de métodos contraceptivos, a satisfação com o método atual, e o interesse em receber mais informações sobre todos os métodos. Aspectos relacionados à prática contraceptiva entre médicos foram reunidos em paralelo. Os resultados obtidos na pesquisa brasileira foram comparados aos da pesquisa europeia, que envolveu 11 países. RESULTADOS: Houve alta prevalência do uso de contraceptivos e satisfação geral com o método atual. Sessenta e três por cento das mulheres estavam usando métodos de curta duração (SAC, na sigla em inglês), e 9% estavam usando um método de longa ação (LARC, na sigla em inglês). Sessenta e seis por cento das mulheres estavam interessadas em receber mais informações sobre todos os métodos; 69% das mulheres disseram que considerariam um LARC se recebessem informações mais abrangentes sobre esse método. Os profissionais de saúde tendem a subestimar o interesse das mulheres em receber informações sobre a contracepção em geral e, mais especificamente, sobre os LARC. CONCLUSãO: Apesar dos altos níveis de uso e satisfação com os métodos atuais, as mulheres estavam interessadas em receber mais informações sobre todos os métodos contraceptivos. O aconselhamento contraceptivo estruturado, baseado nas necessidades e expectativas individuais pode levar ao maior conhecimento e à maior probabilidade de escolha contraceptiva adequada.

Reactional changes in short-term levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (lng-ius) use.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate endocervical and vaginal environment changes in women using a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS). METHODS: A quasi-experimental study included sixty women who had an LNG-IUS inserted in the Family Planning Clinic of UNICAMP between April and November of 2016. Women in reproductive age, non-pregnant, without the use of antibiotics and contraceptives seeking for LNG-IUS insertion were selected for this study. All women were evaluated with regard to vaginal and endocervical pH, vaginal and endocervical Gram-stained bacterioscopy, and Pap-smear before and two months after LNG-IUS insertion. Clinical aspects such as cervical mucus, vaginal discharge, and cervical ectopy were also observed. RESULTS: After LNG-IUS insertion, there was an increase in the following parameters: endocervical pH>4.5 (p=0.02), endocervical neutrophil amount (p<0.0001), vaginal cytolysis (p=0.04). There was a decrease in vaginal discharge (p=0.01). No statistically significant changes were found in vaginal pH, neutrophils amount in the vaginal mucosa, vaginal discharge appearance, vaginal candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis, vaginal coccobacillary microbiota, cervical mucus appearance, or cervical ectopy size. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term LNG-IUS use did not increase vulvovaginal candidiasis or bacterial vaginosis, and led to diminished vaginal discharge. Notwithstanding, this device promoted reactional changes in the vaginal and endocervical environment, without modification on cervical ectopy size.

An individualized approach to the management of vaginal atrophy in Latin America.

OBJECTIVE: In the absence of guidelines specific for Latin America, a region where the impact of menopause is becoming increasingly important, an evidence-based specialist opinion on management of vaginal atrophy will help improve outcomes. METHODS: An advisory board meeting was convened in São Paulo, Brazil, to discuss practical recommendations for managing vaginal atrophy in women in Latin America. Before the meeting, physicians considered various aspects of the condition, summarizing information accordingly. This information was discussed during the meeting. The expert consensus is now summarized. RESULTS: In Latin America, given the relatively early age of menopause, it will be beneficial to raise awareness of vaginal atrophy among women before they enter menopause, considering cultural attitudes and involving partners as appropriate. Women should be advised about lifestyle modifications, including attention to genital hygiene, clothing, and sexual activity, and encouraged to seek help as soon as they experience vaginal discomfort. Although treatment can be started at any time, prompt treatment is preferable. A range of treatments is available. By addressing the underlying pathology, local estrogen therapy can provide effective symptom relief, with choice of preparation guided by patient preference. An individualized treatment approach should be considered, giving attention to patients' specific situations. CONCLUSIONS: It is critical that women are empowered to understand vaginal atrophy. Educating women and healthcare providers to engage in open dialogue will facilitate appreciation of the benefits and means of maintaining urogenital health, helping to improve outcomes in middle age and beyond. Women should receive this education before menopause.

Effects of estrogen therapy on microalbuminuria in healthy post-menopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of estrogen therapy on microalbuminuria levels in healthy post-menopausal women. METHODS: Sixty post-menopausal women were evaluated in a prospective, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The patients were randomly allocated to one of two groups to take one pill orally per day containing either 1 mg of 17beta-estradiol (E(2) group) or placebo (placebo group). Prior to initiating treatment and at the end of the sixth treatment month, microalbumin was measured in a 12-h urine sample, and lipid profile (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides) and fasting glucose were evaluated. Comparative intra- and inter-group analyses between the initial and final laboratory parameters were performed using the t-test for paired samples and for independent samples, respectively. RESULTS: Microalbuminuria levels remained within normal limits throughout the study and no statistically significant differences were found in the intra- or inter-group analyses. With respect to lipid profile, alterations characteristically encountered during use of estrogen replacement therapy were found. No statistically significant variation in glucose levels occurred during the study period. CONCLUSION: Estrogen replacement therapy had no significant effect on microalbuminuria levels in healthy post-menopausal patients.

Influência da utilização de métodos contraceptivos sobre as taxas de gestação não planejada em mulheres brasileiras / Influence of contraceptive use on unplanned pregnancy rates in Brazilian women

Este estudo teve como objetivo primário analisar a taxa de gestações não planejadas e sua relação com o uso de métodos contraceptivos no Brasil. Secundariamente, procurou-se identificar o impacto da pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 sobre o desejo reprodutivo e a utilização de contraceptivos. Foram entrevistadas mulheres entre 16 e 45 anos que tiveram pelo menos uma gestação, por meio de questionário on-line, em todas as regiões brasileiras. Foram analisados dados de 1.000 mulheres com média etária de 34,7 anos, paridade média de 1,69 filho e número médio de 2,01 gestações. Entre as mulheres, 62% referiram ter tido pelo menos uma gestação não planejada, com maior percentual entre as mulheres que utilizam o sistema público de saúde (65%) em relação ao sistema privado (55%). Entre as mulheres que referiram ao menos uma gestação não planejada, 46% usavam algum método contraceptivo na ocasião. O uso atual de métodos contraceptivos atingiu 81% das mulheres entrevistadas, sendo os contraceptivos orais utilizados por 31%, seguidos dos preservativos (20%), laqueadura tubária (10%) e métodos de longa ação (LARC, 9%). Entre as mulheres, 53% considerariam um LARC como modalidade contraceptiva, especialmente entre as que referiram esquecimento frequente de pílulas. Durante a pandemia, 7% das mulheres entrevistadas referiram suspender o uso de contraceptivos. Para 80%, não houve mudanças no planejamento reprodutivo durante a pandemia, porém observaram-se 10% de gestações não planejadas. Em conclusão, a menor adoção de métodos contraceptivos, aliada ao uso incorreto/ falha do método, associa-se a maiores taxas de gestações não planejadas. Métodos com maior índice de eficácia são considerados por mulheres que já experimentaram gestações não planejadas. Houve pequeno impacto da pandemia sobre o uso de métodos contraceptivos e sobre o planejamento reprodutivo.(AU)

Long-Acting Reversible Contraception.

Unwanted pregnancy is a major public health problem both in developed and developing countries. Although the reduction in the rates of these pregnancies requires multifactorial approaches, increasing access to long-acting contraceptive methods can contribute significantly to change this scenario. In Brazil, gynecologists and obstetricians play a key role in contraceptive counseling, being decisive in the choice of long-acting reversible methods, characterized by intrauterine devices (IUDs) and the contraceptive implant. The vast scope due to the reduced number of situations to indicate long-acting methods should be emphasized in routine contraceptive counseling. On the other hand, gynecologists and obstetricians should adapt the techniques of insertion of long-acting methods, and engage in facilitating conditions to access these contraceptives through public and private health systems in Brazil. This study is part of a project called Diretrizes e Recomendações FEBRASGO (Guidelines and Recommendations of the FEBRASGO - Brazilian Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Associations from the Portuguese acronym). It aims to review the main characteristics of long-acting contraceptives and critically consider the current situation and future prospects to improve access to these methods, proposing practical recommendations of interest in the routine of gynecologists and obstetricians.

A gravidez não planejada representa importante problema de saúde pública tanto em países desenvolvidos quanto naqueles em desenvolvimento. Embora a redução das taxas dessas gestações requeira abordagens multifatoriais, o aumento no acesso aos métodos contraceptivos de longa ação pode contribuir de forma expressiva na mudança desse cenário. No Brasil, os ginecologistas e obstetras têm papel fundamental no aconselhamento contraceptivo, sendo decisivos na escolha dos métodos reversíveis de longa ação, caracterizados pelos dispositivos intrauterinos (DIUs) e pelo implante anticoncepcional. A grande abrangência decorrente do pequeno número de situações que contraindicam os métodos de longa ação deve ser enfatizada no aconselhamento contraceptivo de rotina. Por outro lado, os ginecologistas e obstetras devem se adaptar às técnicas de inserção dos métodos de longa ação, bem como se engajar na facilitação de condições para o acesso a esses contraceptivos por meio do sistema de saúde pública e privada no Brasil. Este estudo, parte do projeto denominado "Diretrizes e Recomendações FEBRASGO", tem por objetivo revisar as principais características dos contraceptivos de longa ação, além de considerar de forma crítica o panorama atual e as perspectivas futuras, visando melhorar o acesso a esses métodos, com recomendações práticas de interesse na rotina do ginecologista e obstetra.

Effects of two different oral contraceptives on total body water: a randomized study.

PURPOSE: This open-label, randomized study evaluated the effect of two different oral contraceptives on body weight and composition during one cycle of treatment. METHOD: Eighty women (mean age, 24.6 years) were randomized into three groups and given one of the following contraceptive methods: ethinylestradiol 15 mug/gestodene 60 mug (EE/GST, n=25), ethinylestradiol 30 mug/drospirenone 3 mg (EE/DRS, n=29) or male condom (control group, n=26). Bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) was carried out on the first, 10th and 21st days during the use of oral contraceptives or in the menstrual cycle (control group), and total body water (TBW), fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) were measured. RESULTS: No significant variations in TBW, FM or FFM were observed in the three groups during the cycle. Intergroup analysis showed no differences in TBW or FM; however, users of EE/GST showed a statistically significant increase in FFM compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: The different doses of ethinylestradiol associated with gestodene or drospirenone showed no statistically significant effects on TBW or FM during one cycle of observation.

What is the influence of hormone therapy on homocysteine and crp levels in postmenopausal women?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of estrogen therapy and estrogen-progestin therapy on homocysteine and C-reactive protein levels in postmenopausal women. METHODS: In total, 99 postmenopausal women were included in this double-blind, randomized clinical trial and divided into three groups: Group A used estrogen therapy alone (2.0 mg of 17ß-estradiol), Group B received estrogen-progestin therapy (2.0 mg of 17 ß-estradiol +1.0 mg of norethisterone acetate) and Group C received a placebo (control). The length of treatment was six months. Serum measurements of homocysteine and C-reactive protein were carried out prior to the onset of treatment and following six months of therapy. RESULTS: After six months of treatment, there was a 20.7% reduction in homocysteine levels and a 100.5% increase in C-reactive protein levels in the group of women who used estrogen therapy. With respect to the estrogen-progestin group, there was a 12.2% decrease in homocysteine levels and a 93.5% increase in C-reactive protein levels. CONCLUSION: Our data suggested that hormone therapy (unopposed estrogen or estrogen associated with progestin) may have a positive influence on decreasing cardiovascular risk due to a significant reduction in homocysteine levels.

Different perceptions among women and their physicians regarding contraceptive counseling: results from the TANCO survey in Brazil / Diferentes percepções entre mulheres e seus médicos sobre o aconselhamento contraceptivo: Resultados da pesquisa TANCO no Brasil

Abstract Objective The optimal use of contraceptive methods requires that women participate in targeted choice of methods that meet their individual needs and expectations. The Thinking About Needs in Contraception (TANCO) study is a quantitative online survey of the views of health professionals and women on aspects of contraceptive counseling and contraceptive use. Methods Physicians and women attending clinics for contraception were invited to complete online questionnaires. The research explored the knowledge and use of contraceptive methods, satisfaction with the current method and interest in receiving more information on all methods. Aspects related to contraceptive practice among physicians were gathered in parallel. The results obtained in the Brazilian research were compared with those of the European research, which involved 11 countries. Results There was a high prevalence of contraceptive use and general satisfaction with the current method. A total of 63% of the women were using short-acting contraceptive (SAC) methods, and 9% were using a long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC). Sixty-six percent of women were interested in receiving more information on all methods; 69% of women said they would consider LARC if they received more comprehensive information about it. Health professionals tend to underestimate the interest of women in receiving information about contraception in general, and more specifically about LARCs. Conclusion Despite the high levels of use and satisfaction with the current methods, women were interested in receiving more information on all contraceptive methods. Structured contraceptive counseling based on individual needs and expectations may lead to greater knowledge and a greater likelihood of proper contraceptive choice.

Resumo Objetivo A utilização ideal de métodos contraceptivos requer que as mulheres participem da escolha orientada sobre métodos que atendam às suas necessidades e expectativas individuais. O estudo Thinking About Needs in Contraception (TANCO)- Pensando nas Necessidades em Contracepção-é uma pesquisa quantitativa online de opiniões de profissionais de saúde e de mulheres sobre aspectos do aconselhamento contraceptivo e uso de anticoncepcionais. Métodos Médicos e mulheres que frequentam consultórios de atendimento visando contracepção foram convidados a preencher questionários online. A pesquisa explorou o conhecimento e ouso de métodos contraceptivos, a satisfação com o método atual, e o interesse em receber mais informações sobre todos os métodos. Aspectos relacionados à prática contraceptiva entre médicos foram reunidos em paralelo. Os resultados obtidos na pesquisa brasileira foram comparados aos da pesquisa europeia, que envolveu 11 países. Resultados Houve alta prevalência do uso de contraceptivos e satisfação geral com o método atual. Sessenta e três por cento das mulheres estavam usando métodos de curta duração (SAC, na sigla em inglês), e 9% estavam usando um método de longa ação (LARC, na sigla em inglês). Sessenta e seis por cento das mulheres estavam interessadas em receber mais informações sobre todos os métodos; 69% das mulheres disseram que considerariam um LARC se recebessem informações mais abrangentes sobre esse método. Os profissionais de saúde tendem a subestimar o interesse das mulheres em receber informações sobre a contracepção em geral e, mais especificamente, sobre os LARC. Conclusão Apesar dos altos níveis de uso e satisfação com os métodos atuais, as mulheres estavam interessadas em receber mais informações sobre todos os métodos contraceptivos. O aconselhamento contraceptivo estruturado, baseado nas necessidades e expectativas individuais pode levar ao maior conhecimento e à maior probabilidade de escolha contraceptiva adequada.

Clinical and metabolic aspects of the continuous use of a contraceptive association of ethinyl estradiol (30 microg) and gestodene (75 microg).

This open, prospective, noncomparative study evaluated clinical and metabolic aspects of the use of a contraceptive combination of ethinyl estradiol (30 microg) and gestodene (75 microg) continuously for 24 weeks in 45 women aged 25 +/- 3.7 years. No alterations in weight or blood pressure were observed. Few side effects were recorded. Amenorrhea rates increased from the fourth month of observation onwards, reaching 81.2% by week 24. A reduction in the levels of cholesterol and LDL and an increase in HDL and triglycerides were observed. Insulin levels increased but not significantly, while levels of glycemia remained unchanged. Levels of antithrombin III, fibrinogen and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) increased, whereas a reduction was observed in proteins C and S and in prothrombin time (PT). Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) remained unchanged. The treatment was associated with satisfactory clinical effects, high rates of amenorrhea after the third treatment cycle, and resulted in metabolic changes similar to those encountered during the classic use of contraceptive pills with monthly interruption for withdrawal bleeding.