More than 80% of U.S. women will use hormonal contraception during their reproductive years. Many of thesewomen use hormonal contraception for its noncontraceptive benefits. Hormonal contraceptives can correct menstrualirregularities resulting from oligo-ovulation or anovulation and make menstruation more predictable.
The purpose of this document is to describe noncontraceptive uses for hormonal contraceptives and examine theevidence evaluating the effectiveness of contraceptives for these applications. For many of the conditions, expertssuggest that effects of contraceptives are class effects and that all formulations may provide similar therapy. Evidencewill be given for specific routes and formulations of hormonal contraception when available, although there are fewdata on newer methods and formulations.
Background
Patients are often unaware of the noncontraceptive bene-fits of hormonal contraception, and this represents anopportunity for counseling. A brief list of some com-mon noncontraceptive benefits is provided in Box 1.Most hormonal contraceptives combine a progestinfor its contraceptive effects and an estrogen to stabilizethe endometrium and reduce unwanted spotting. Usersof progestin-only hormonal contraceptives avoid the sideeffects associated with the use of contraceptives con-taining estrogen. Progestin-only contraceptives oftencan be used in women when estrogen is contraindicated;however, unpredictable spotting may be problematic forsome patients. Over time, this unwanted bleeding gener-ally subsides and progestin-only methods may providehighly effective long-term contraception.

完整下載 2010-ACOG臨床指南：激素避孕藥的非避孕用途