The effects of oral contraceptives on androgen levels and their relevance to premenstrual mood and sexual interest: a comparison of two triphasic formulations containing norgestimate and either 35 or 25 microg of ethinyl estradiol

PURPOSE: This study compared two oral contraceptives (OCs) with the same triphasic regimen of progestin (norgestimate 0.18, 0.215 and 0.25 mg) but differing doses of ethinyl estradiol (EE) - 25 and 35 microg EE - in their effects on androgens, mood and sexual interest in women starting on OCs. METHODS: Total testosterone (T), free testosterone (FT), sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S), together with measures of mood [Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)], sexual interest [Dyadic and Solitary subscales of the Sexual Desire Inventory (SDI)] and self-reported side effects were assessed before starting on the OC and again after 3 months of use. RESULTS: Sixty women, all university students, were randomized to receive either the 25 microg EE (N/EE25) or the 35 microg EE (N/EE35) pill; 12 women discontinued, leaving 48 who completed the 3-month study. Their mean age was 19.7 years (18-30) and they were predominantly white and single. Both OCs produced reductions in mean T [N/EE35: from 1.33 to 0.60 nmol/L, p<.001; N/EE25: from 1.12 to 1.02 nmol/L; nonsignificant (NS)] and FT (N/EE35: from 41.3 to 4.4 pmol/L, p<.001; N/EE25: from 25.4 to 7.9 pmol/L, p<.01), but the reduction in both T and FT was significantly greater with the higher EE dose (N/EE35) (p=.05 and p=.03, respectively). DHEA-S was also reduced with both formulations (N/EE35: from 7.26 to 5.22 micromol/L); N/EE25: from 7.50 to 5.39 micromol/L), although the reduction was only significant in the N/EE35 group (p<.02). Considerable variability in changes in mood was evident with both OCs, with some women showing predominantly negative effects (10 in N/EE35, 5 in N/EE25); others, positive effects (9 in N/EE35, 17 in N/EE25) and some, no change (four in each group). Women using N/EE25 were significantly more likely to show improvement in premenstrual mood than those in the N/EE35 group (p<.02), although there was no correlation between changes in BDI and FT or DHEA-S. Sexual interest scores did not change significantly from baseline to posttreatment with either OC (N/EE35: dyadic, from 40.5 to 39.6, NS; solitary, from 5.9 to 6.4, NS; N/EE25: dyadic, from 36.7 to 37.0, NS; solitary, from 5.0 to 4.2, NS). CONCLUSION: The lower EE pill reduced FT less and was associated with greater improvement in premenstrual mood. A causal relation between these two effects is uncertain.     

Effects of two low-dose combined oral contraceptives containing drospirenone on bone turnover and bone mineral density in young fertile women: a prospective controlled randomized study

BACKGROUND: The effects of a 21-day combined oral contraceptive containing 30 mcg ethinyl estradiol plus 3 mg drospirenone with a 21-day preparation containing 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol plus 3 mg drospirenone on bone turnover and bone mineral density (BMD) in young fertile women were compared. METHODS: A randomized, controlled trial was conducted on healthy fertile women treated with 30 mcg ethinyl estradiol plus 3 mg drospirenone (Group A; n=21), 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol plus 3 mg drospirenone (Group B; n=23) and healthy controls (Group C; n=21). At 3, 6, 9 and 12 months, serum and urinary calcium, osteocalcin (BGP), urinary pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline were measured. At baseline and after 12 months, lumbar bone mineral density was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: In Groups A and B, urinary pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline at 6, 9 and 12 months were significantly reduced in comparison with basal values and Group C (p<.05). In Groups A and B, serum calcium levels were significantly increased after 6 months. No significant difference was detected between Groups A and B in urinary levels of pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline, in calcium levels and in BGP levels. At 12 months, no significant difference was detected in spinal BMD values between the three groups and in comparison with basal values. CONCLUSION: Both combined oral contraceptives exert a similar positive influence on bone turnover in young postadolescent women.     

绝经后女性性功能和性活动状况调查

目的了解女性绝经后性功能和性活动状况及影响因素,以便更深入地研究女性绝经后的性问题,提高其身心健康水平和生活质量。方法采用问卷方式对680名绝经后女性的性功能、性观念和性活动状况及其影响因素进行调查。结果 80%以上的人有性生活,但频率减少,性功能下降,满意度降低。有70.1%的人以其他方式来满足性要求。性生活的配合度增高,性生活和谐与否对夫妻感情的影响度降低。结论多数老年人仍有正常的性要求,只是表达方式不同。性功能的改变除生理和男方的因素外,还有观念和认识问题。     

Use of combined oral contraceptives among women with migraine and nonmigrainous headaches: a systematic review

This systematic review examines evidence evaluating whether women with headaches who use combined oral contraceptives (COCs) have a greater risk of stroke than women with headaches who do not use COCs. We searched MEDLINE for articles published from 1966 through March 2005 relevant to headaches and COC use as risk factors for stroke. Of the 79 articles identified, nine met our selection criteria (eight reports of six observational studies plus one meta-analysis). All studies reported specifically on migraine headaches. Evidence from six case-control studies suggested that COC users with a history of migraine were two to four times as likely to have an ischemic stroke as nonusers with a history of migraine. The odds ratios for ischemic stroke ranged from 6 to almost 14 for COC users with migraine compared with nonusers without migraine. The three studies that provided evidence on hemorrhagic stroke reported low or no risk associated with migraine or with COC use.     

Impact of common contraceptive methods on quality of life and sexual function in Hong Kong Chinese women

The combined oral contraceptive (COC) pills, injectables, intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) and female sterilization are the most common contraceptive methods used by women. Women's choice, compliance and satisfaction with specific contraceptive methods are influenced by any impact of the method on their quality of life and sexual function. Anxiety regarding possible adverse effects of the contraceptive methods on their quality of life and sexual function is one of the common concerns. The aim of this prospective observational study was to determine the impact of the abovementioned contraceptive methods on the quality of life and sexual function of the users. A sample of 361 Hong Kong Chinese women who were first-time users of the following contraceptive methods completed the study: COC pills (n=87), injectables (n=67), IUCD (n=96) and female sterilization (n=111). Quality of life and sexual function of the subjects were assessed before and 3–4 months after use of the method by a standardized questionnaire. The questions were adopted from the validated Chinese versions of the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL) questionnaire and the Derogatis Sexual Functioning Inventory (DSFI). In the female sterilization group, we found a significantly higher score for sexual satisfaction (p=.004) and sexual drive (p=.003) 3–4 months after sterilization, as well as an improved WHOQOL social domain score (p=.009). However, the other DSFI subscale scores and WHOQOL domain scores were not significantly different (p>.05). No significant difference was demonstrated in all the WHOQOL domain scores and DSFI subscale scores after use of COC pills, injectables and IUCD (p>.05). We conclude that the COC pills, injectables, IUCD and female sterilization all do not have significant adverse impact on quality of life and sexual function. After female sterilization, there is a significant improvement in sexual satisfaction and sexual drive.     

受不同思想影响的女大学生的性行为研究

目的了解受不同思想影响的女大学生的性行为状况。方法在中国武汉地区,按学校类型、专业(文史、理公、医科、艺术)、年级进行随机整群抽样。对调查对象以无记名的自填式问卷进行调查。共发放5 137份问卷,回收有效问卷4 769份,有效问卷回收率为92.8%。调查数据录入计算机,以SPSS13.0进行分析。结果受共产主义思想、科学思想和成名成家思想影响的学生发生性行为的危险低;受享乐主义思想、自由主义思想和利己主义思想影响的学生更易有性行为。受儒家思想和道家思想影响的学生的多性伴率明显低于不受这些思想影响的学生;而受利己主义思想影响的学生的多性伴率明显高于不受这一思想影响的学生。结论受不同思想影响的女大学生在性行为和多性伴行为上有差异。     

Effects of sex hormones in oral contraceptives on the female sexual function score: a study in German female medical students

Background

The survey was conducted to compare the influence of sex hormones in oral contraceptives (OCs) on female sexual function.

Methods

One thousand eighty-six female German medical students completed an online-based questionnaire incorporating the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Oral contraceptives used were classified into those containing androgenic or antiandrogenic progestins and by ethinylestradiol (EE) dosage (20 mcg, 30 mcg and >30 mcg). Female Sexual Function Index scores in women using OCs were compared to those in nonusers.

Results

Seven hundred fifty-two of 1086 participating women used OCs. No statistically significant differences in FSFI scores were found among women using OCs containing androgenic or antiandrogenic progestins, nor were any seen between different EE dosages. In general, OC users had lower FSFI scores than nonusers.

Conclusion

Female Sexual Function Index scores were negatively influenced by the use of OCs. However, the impact of an androgenic or antiandrogenic progestin content or different dosages of EE as modulating factors of female sexual function seems negligible.     

女性激素替代治疗、口服避孕药与女性肺癌关系的Meta分析

目的探讨女性激素替代治疗(HRT)与口服避孕药(OCs)对女性肺癌的影响。方法搜索Medline等计算机数据库,系统收集相关文献。采用固定模型或随机效应模型(研究结果存在异质性)计算合并OR。结果纳入Meta分析的文献共12篇,其中3篇为队列研究,9篇为病例对照研究。Meta分析HRT与肺癌合并OR值为0.88(95%CI:0.77～1.01)。按是否吸烟进行分层分析,吸烟者与非吸烟者中HRT的合并OR值分别为0.76(95%CI:0.61～0.95)和0.78(95%CI:0.64～0.95)。口服避孕药与女性肺癌无统计学关联(OR=0.95;95%CI:0.83～1.20)。结论HRT可能降低女性肺癌发生的危险度,其结果还需要进一步深入研究来验证。     

骨盆运动对改善女性性功能的疗效观察

目的:观察骨盆运动对改善女性性功能的疗效。方法:将已婚且身体健康的自愿参加研究的126名女性分为观察组(62名)和对照组(64名)。观察组进行16周骨盆运动练习,每天练习2次,每次10 min,对照组按其原来各自的方式生活和工作。结果:经16周的骨盆运动练习后,观察组性功能自我评分不及格的比率明显下降,良好的比率明显上升,与实验前和对照组比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.01);性功能自我评分优秀的比率上升,与实验前和对照组比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。实验后两组性功能自我评分总分以及实验前后观察组性功能自我评分总分差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。实验后观察组自觉性欲、性生活主动性、性高潮强度得分均较实验前提高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);性幻想、性生活满意度、性高潮频率得分均较实验前显著提高(P<0.01)。结论:骨盆运动练习对提高女性性功能自我评分有明显效果,可以有效地改善女性的性功能状况。     

Effects of two combined oral contraceptives containing ethinyl estradiol 20 microg combined with either drospirenone or desogestrel on lipids, hemostatic parameters and carbohydrate metabolism

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of ethinyl estradiol 20 microg/drospirenone 3 mg (EE 20 microg/DRSP 3 mg) administered according to a 24/4 regimen with ethinyl estradiol 20 microg/desogestrel 150 microg (EE 20 microg/DSG 150 microg) administered according to the conventional 21/7 regimen on lipid, carbohydrate and hemostatic parameters. STUDY DESIGN: In this open-label study, healthy women were randomized to EE 20 microg/DRSP 3 mg or EE 20 microg/DSG 150 microg for seven cycles. Mean differences in high-density lipoprotein (HDL)- and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol levels at cycle 7 compared to baseline were assessed. Secondary variables included changes in other lipid, hemostatic and carbohydrate parameters. RESULTS: Both treatments increased HDL-cholesterol, but decreased LDL-cholesterol by a comparable extent. Although slightly elevated in both groups, blood glucose and C-peptide levels measured during oral glucose tolerance tests were within normal reference ranges at cycle 7. Overall, the differences in lipid, hemostatic or carbohydrate parameters were not significant between the two treatments. CONCLUSION: EE 20 microg/DRSP 3 mg has a good safety profile comparable with EE 20 microg/DSG 150 microg.     

Effects of a low-dose and ultra-low-dose combined oral contraceptive use on bone turnover and bone mineral density in young fertile women: a prospective controlled randomized study

In this prospective, controlled, randomized study, we compared the effect of a low-dose 21-day combined oral contraceptive (COC) containing 20 microg ethinyl estradiol (EE) and 75 microg gestodene (GTD) (Group A; n = 19) with an ultra-low-dose 24-day COC containing 15 microg EE and 60 microg GTD (Group B; n = 18) on bone turnover and bone mineral density (BMD) in young, fertile women. Nineteen healthy fertile women were used as untreated controls (Group C). At 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of the study serum osteocalcin (BGP), urinary pyridinoline (PYD) and deoxypyridinoline (D-PYD) were measured in all subjects. At baseline and after 12 months BMD was determined at lumbar spine by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in all patients. In both Groups A and B, urinary levels of PYD and D-PYD at 6, 9 and 12 months, were significantly reduced in comparison with basal values and with control subjects (p < 0.05). No significant differences in urinary PYD and D-PYD levels were observed between Groups A and B during the entire period of treatment. At 12 months, no statistically significant difference in spinal BMD values was detected between the three groups and in comparison with basal values. The present study suggests that the two COCs could exert a similar positive effect on bone turnover in young postadolescent women, without any significant and appreciable modification of BMD.     

子宫肌瘤不同手术策略对患者卵巢功能和性功能的影响研究

目的:对比子宫肌瘤不同手术治疗策略对患者卵巢功能和性功能的影响。方法:选取2008～2011年该院收治的96例子宫肌瘤患者为研究对象,按照入院顺序随机均分为3组各32例,A组患者给予子宫动脉栓塞治疗,B组患者给予子宫全切除术治疗,C组患者给予子宫肌瘤剔除术治疗,分别比较3种方式治疗前后患者卵巢功能和性功能的变化。结果:①A组和C组患者术后3、6个月血清中促性腺激素(FSH)、黄体生成素(LH)水平与术前比较稍有增加(P>0.05);B组患者术后3个月时FSH、LH水平较术前稍升高(P>0.05);术后6个月FSH、LH水平与术前比较明显升高(P<0.05)。术后3月时,B组患者FSH和LH水平高于A组和C组(P>0.05);术后6月时,B组患者FSH和LH水平明显高于A组和C组(P<0.05)。②A组和C组患者术后3、6个月性行为中异常症状评分与术前比较增加,其他指标评分低于术前(P>0.05);B组患者术后3个月时异常症状评分与术前比较增加,其他指标评分低于术前(P>0.05);术后6个月时异常症状评分与术前比较明显增加,其他指标评分明显低于术前(P<0.05)。术后3月时,B组患者性功能低于A组和C术组(P>0.05);术后6月时,B组患者性功能明显低于A组和C组(P<0.05)。结论:子宫动脉栓塞术和子宫肌瘤剔除术对患者卵巢功能及性功能无明显影响,而子宫全切除术使患者卵巢功能及性功能明显受损,对子宫肌瘤患者的治疗应尽可能保留子宫,以提高患者术后生活质量和内分泌稳定。     

基于暗娼收集性伴精液检测HIV的可行性及相关因素分析

目的 探讨通过女性性工作者(FSWs)的男性伴安全套中的精液(套存精液)进行HIV检测的可行性及相关影响因素.方法 通过外展人员招募FSWs,对与之发生性行为的男性伴(嫖客或固定性伴)的套存精液进行HIV检测,然后对FSWs及其男性伴进行问卷调查,并对FSWs及其男性伴的静脉血进行HIV检测.结果 共招募了54名FSWs、57名嫖客和43名固定性伴,FSWs、嫖客及固定性伴血清学HIV阳性率分别为33.33%、29.82%和23.26%;嫖客和固定性伴精液HIV阳性率分别为40.35%和30.23%,这两类精液的HIV抗体检测灵敏度均为100%,特异度分别为85.00%和90.91%.单因素分析显示,FSWs自我报告共用注射器吸毒行为及男性伴有子女这两个因素与血液和精液HIV抗体检测不一致有关.结论 套存精液HIV抗体检测特异度较低,其原因可能为套存精液标本受到HIV阳性FSWs的污染,所以基于FSWs收集男性伴套存精液进行HIV检测可能高估这两类人群的HIV感染率.     

康复疗法对女性心力衰竭患者运动耐量和心功能的作用

目的通过研究康复疗法对女性心力衰竭（简称心衰）患者运动耐量和心功能的影响,探讨该疗法在女性心衰患者中的应用价值。方法将134例女性心衰患者随机分为对照组（67例）和康复治疗组（简称治疗组,67例）,采用6rain步行试验评价运动耐量,运用纽约心脏协会（NYHA）心功能分级和左心室射血分数（LVEF）评价心功能,随访24周,比较两组患者的运动耐量和心功能的差异。结果（24．0±1．2）周后,对照组61例和治疗组64例患者完成了随访,被纳入最终分析;两组患者基础状态的运动耐量和心功能相近,差异无统计学意义;与对照组相比,治疗组的平均6min步行距离较长[（403．7±51．4）m嬲（355．2±52．4）m,P〈0．01],增加量也较大[（145．8±54．8）mvs（63．3±29．6）m,P〈0．01];平均NYHA心功能分级低[（2．4±0．4）VS（2．6±0．4）,P〈0．01）],改善更明显[（-0．4±0．09）vs（-0．1±0．07）,P〈0．05）];两组平均LVEF差异无统计学意义[（47．3±6．5％）∞（46．4±4．3％）,P〉0．05）],但改善较对照组显著[（3．7±2．3％）735（1．0±0．7％）,P〈0．01）]。结论康复疗法能够显著改善女性心衰患者的运动耐量和心功能,临床效果显著。     

不同经济水平农村女性居民原发性高血压患病与危险因素调查

目的:了解不同经济水平农村女性居民高血压患病情况及危险因素。方法:采用分层整群抽样方法对河北省冀州市不同经济水平的35岁及以上农村女性居民进行原发性高血压患病情况调查;对207例新发高血压患者和1099例对照进行原发性高血压危险因素的Logistic回归分析。结果:①经济水平较好组女性居民高血压患病率为37.15%,较差组患病率为49.67%,不同经济水平女性间高血压患病率有差异(χ2=30.739,P=0.000),女性人群高血压患病率随年龄的增长而上升。②经济水平较好组高血压危险因素(以OR值大小为序)依次为体质指数和年龄,OR值分别为1.358和1.055;经济水平较差组高血压的危险因素(以OR值大小为序)依次为吸烟、每天吃鸡蛋、体质指数和年龄,OR值分别为2.914、1.917、1.514和1.044;年人均收入高是高血压的保护因素,OR值为0.411。结论:不同经济水平农村女性居民高血压患病率及高血压危险因素不同,农村女性居民高血压的共同危险因素为体质指数和年龄。     

A randomized study on the influence of oral contraceptives containing ethinylestradiol combined with drospirenone or desogestrel on lipid and lipoprotein metabolism over a period of 13 cycles

In this open-label, randomized study we compared the influence of a new oral contraceptive containing 30 microg ethinylestradiol and 3 mg drospirenone (EE + DRSP = Yasmin), with a reference preparation containing 30 microg ethinylestradiol and 150 microg desogestrel (EE + DSG = Marvelon) on the lipid profile. The primary target variables were total high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, HDL2 cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. These and additional lipid and lipoprotein fractions were measured at baseline and in the 3rd, 6th and 13th treatment cycles in a total of 50 volunteers, and also assessed after density gradient ultracentrifugation. A slight increase in mean total HDL cholesterol vs. baseline was found for the DRSP group (+12.8%) and the DSG group (+11.8%) after 13 treatment cycles. HDL2 cholesterol did not change remarkably in both groups. The mean LDL cholesterol values increased by 10.6% vs. baseline in the DSG group and remained nearly stable in the DRSP group (+1.8%). All measured values remained within the reference ranges. No statistically significant differences were found between the two treatment groups for those primary endpoints. A slight rise in mean total cholesterol was found for all cycles after the initiation of treatment. The mean increase after 1 year of treatment was approximately 8% in both treatment groups. Mean triglyceride levels increased for both treatment groups without leaving the reference range. The increase for total triglycerides was +73.6 % in the DRSP group and +61.3% in DSG group. For total phospholipids, an increase of +13.6% (DRSP) and +18.5% (DSG) over 13 cycles was measured. The apolipoproteins Apo A-I, Apo A-II and Apo B increased slightly more during DRSP treatment than during DSG treatment. The reduction of Apo E was similar in both groups. Lipoprotein (a) remained stable in the DRSP group, whereas it increased by +10.8% in the DSG group. In conclusion, the combined low-dose oral contraceptive Yasmin, with 30 microg ethinylestradiol and 3 mg of the novel progestogen drospirenone, as well as the reference preparation, had little impact on the lipid profile. While both preparations displayed a favorable lipid profile with increased total HDL cholesterol, the antiandrogenic or missing androgenic activity of Yasmin may be regarded as responsible for the stable LDL cholesterol levels. As a result, the ratio of total HDL:LDL was increased, a pattern that is usually considered clinically beneficial with respect to cardiovascular disease risk.