[A continuous experience of the use of norethindrone-ethinyl estradiol combination in small doses as a contraceptive]. / Experiencia continuada con el empleo de la combinación noretindrona-etinil estradiol a dósis baja como anticonceptivo

ABSTRACT

PIP Since recent recommendations advocate that smaller doses of estrogen should be used, a combination of .5 mg of norethindrone and .015 mg ethinyl estradiol was tested on 198 patients for a total of 2546 cycles, the longest usage being over 2 years. The women ranged from 15 to 45 years of age, the average age being 28, and the average number of pregnancies, 5.2. The medication was taken daily for 21 days and then stopped for 7. The group was controlled for secondary effects, bleeding, weight changes, and nucleal or hormonal changes. 14.2% stopped taking it because of secondary problems like spotting, nausea, transhormonal bleeding, and depression. The only pregnancy was due to inadequate attention to the prescription by the patient. Tolerance of the medication was quite good overall and no severe difficulties resulted.^ieng