Extended regimen combined oral contraception: A review of evolving concepts and acceptance by women and clinicians

REFERENCES

• Thomas SL, Ellertson C. Nuisance or natural and healthy: should monthly menstruation be optional for women? Lancet 2000;355:922–4.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Burkman R, Bell C, Serfaty D. The evolution of combined oral contraception: improving the risk-to-benefit ratio. Contraception 2011;84:19–34.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Pincus G. Control of conception by hormonal steroids. Science 1966;153:493–500.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Mansour D, Verhoeven C, Sommer W, et al. Efficacy and tolerability of a monophasic combined oral contraceptive containing nomegestrol acetate and 17β-oestradiol in a 24/4 regimen, in comparison to an oral contraceptive containing ethinylestradiol and drospirenone in a 21/7 regimen. Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care 2011;16:430–43.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Kaunitz AM, Burkman RT, Fisher AC, et al. Cycle control with a 21-day compared with a 24-day oral contraceptive pill: a randomized controlled trial. Obstet Gynecol 2009;114:1205–12.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Ahrendt HJ, Makalova D, Parke S, et al. Bleeding pattern and cycle control with an estradiol-based oral contraceptive: a seven-cycle, randomized comparative trial of estradiol valerate/dienogest and ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel. Contraception 2009;80:436–44.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Bitzer J. Hormone withdrawal-associated symptoms: overlooked and under-explored. Gynecol Endocrinol 2013;29:530–5.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Kaunitz AM. Menstruation: choosing whether…and when. Contraception 2000;62:277–84.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Vandever MA, Kuehl TJ, Sulak PJ, et al. Evaluation of pituitary-ovarian axis suppression with three oral contraceptive regimens. Contraception 2008;77:162–70.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Mishell DR, Jr. Rationale for decreasing the number of days of the hormone-free interval with use of low-dose oral contraceptive formulations. Contraception 2005;71:304–5.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Zapata LB, Steenland MW, Brahmi D, et al. Effect of missed combined hormonal contraceptives on contraceptive effectiveness: a systematic review. Contraception 2013;87:685–700.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Archer DF. Menstrual-cycle-related symptoms: a review of the rationale for continuous use of oral contraceptives. Contraception 2006;74:359–66.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Kaunitz AM, Portman DJ, Hait H, et al. Adding low-dose estrogen to the hormone-free interval: impact on bleeding patterns in users of a 91-day extended regimen oral contraceptive. Contraception 2009;79:350–5.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Miller L, Notter KM. Menstrual reduction with extended use of combination oral contraceptive pills: randomized controlled trial. Obstet Gynecol 2001;98:771–8.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Miller L, Hughes JP. Continuous combination oral contraceptive pills to eliminate withdrawal bleeding: a randomized trial. Obstet Gynecol 2003;101:653–61.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Edelman A, Micks E, Gallo MF, et al. Continuous or extended cycle vs. cyclic use of combined hormonal contraceptives for contraception. Cochrane Database of Syst Rev 2014;7:CD004695
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Cote I, Jacobs P, Cumming D. Work loss associated with increased menstrual loss in the United States. Obstet Gynecol 2002;100:683–7.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Ferrero S, Abbamonte LH, Giordano M, et al. What is the desired menstrual frequency of women without menstruation-related symptoms? Contraception 2006;73:537–41.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Sulak PJ, Cressman BE, Waldrop E, et al. Extending the duration of active oral contraceptive pills to manage hormone withdrawal symptoms. Obstet Gynecol 1997;89:179–83.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Kwiecien M, Edelman A, Nichols MD, et al. Bleeding patterns and patient acceptability of standard or continuous dosing regimens of a low-dose oral contraceptive: a randomized trial. Contraception 2003;67:9–13.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Dmitrovic R, Kunselman AR, Legro RS. Continuous compared with cyclic oral contraceptives for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea: a randomized controlled trial. Obstet Gynecol 2012;119:1143–50.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Cheewadhanaraks S, Choksuchat C, Dhanaworavibul K, et al. Postoperative depot medroxyprogesterone acetate versus continuous oral contraceptive pills in the treatment of endometriosis-associated pain: a randomized comparative trial. Gynecol Obstet Invest 2012;74:151–6.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Vercellini P, Frontino G, De Giorgi O, et al. Continuous use of an oral contraceptive for endometriosis-associated recurrent dysmenorrhea that does not respond to a cyclic pill regimen. Fertil Steril 2003;80:560–3.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Hall KS, Trussell J. Types of combined oral contraceptives used by US women. Contraception 2012;86:659–65.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Andrist LC, Arias RD, Nucatola D, et al. Women’s and providers’ attitudes toward menstrual suppression with extended use of oral contraceptives. Contraception 2004;70:359–63.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Lakehomer H, Kaplan PF, Wozniak DG, et al. Characteristics of scheduled bleeding manipulation with combined hormonal contraception in university students. Contraception 2013;88: 426–30.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Jensen JT, Garie SG, Trummer D, et al. Bleeding profile of a flexible extended regimen of ethinylestradiol/drospirenone in US women: an open-label, three-arm, active-controlled, multicenter study. Contraception 2012;86:110–8.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• van Heusden AM, Fauser BCJM. Activity of the pituitary-ovarian axis in the pill-free interval during use of low-dose combined oral contraceptives. Contraception 1999;59:237–43.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Reape KZ, DiLiberti CE, Hendy CH, et al. Effects on serum hormone levels of low-dose estrogen in place of placebo during the hormone-free interval of an oral contraceptive. Contraception 2008;77:34–9.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Willis SA, Kuehl TJ, Spiekerman AM, et al. Greater inhibition of the pituitary-ovarian axis in oral contraceptive regimens with a shortened hormone-free interval. Contraception 2006;74:100–3.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Killick SR, Fitzgerald C, Davis A. Ovarian activity in women taking an oral contraceptive containing 20 μg ethinyl estradiol and 150 μg desogestrel: effects of low estrogen doses during the hormone-free interval. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1998;179:S18–24.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Sulak PJ, Scow RD, Preece C, et al. Hormone withdrawal symptoms in oral contraceptive users. Obstet Gynecol 2000;95:261–6.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Schlaff WD, Lynch AM, Hughes HD, et al. Manipulation of the pill-free interval in oral contraceptive pill users: the effect on follicular suppression. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2004;190:943–51.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Anderson FD, Hait H. A multicenter, randomized study of an extended cycle oral contraceptive. Contraception 2003;68:89–96.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Anderson FD, Gibbons W, Portman D. Safety and efficacy of an extended-regimen oral contraceptive utilizing continuous low-dose ethinyl estradiol. Contraception 2006;73:229–34.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Portman DJ, Kaunitz AM, Howard B, et al. Efficacy and safety of an ascending-dose, extended-regimen levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol combined oral contraceptive. Contraception 2014;89:299–306.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Kroll R, Reape KZ, Margolis M. The efficacy and safety of a low-dose, 91-day, extended-regimen oral contraceptive with continuous ethinyl estradiol. Contraception 2010;81:41–8.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Loseasonique (levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol and ethinyl estradiol) [prescribing information]. Sellersville, PA: Teva Women's Health, Inc.; 2013.
   Google Scholar
• Hickey M, Agarwal S. Unscheduled bleeding in combined oral contraceptive users: focus on extended-cycle and continuous-use regimens. J Fam Plan Reprod Health Care 2009;35:245–8.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Darwish M, Bond M, Ricciotti N, et al. A comparison of the pharmacokinetic profile of an ascending-dose, extended-regimen combined oral contraceptive to those of other extended regimens. Reprod Sci 2014;21:1401–10.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Darwish M, Bond M, Ricciotti N, et al. The PK/PD relationship of ethinyl estradiol and unscheduled bleeding or spotting for an ascending-dose, estrogen/progestin combination oral contraceptive (OC). Reprod Sci 2013;20(3 Suppl.):193A.
   Google Scholar
• Mendoza N, Lobo P, Lertxundi R, et al. Extended regimens of combined hormonal contraception to reduce symptoms related to withdrawal bleeding and the hormone-free interval: a systematic review of randomised and observational studies. Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care 2014;1–19.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Dinger J, Minh TD, Buttmann N, et al. Effectiveness of oral contraceptive pills in a large U.S. cohort comparing progestogen and regimen. Obstet Gynecol 2011;117(1):33–40.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Howard B, Trussell J, Grubb E, et al. Comparison of pregnancy rates in users of extended and cyclic combined oral contraceptive (COC) regimens: a brief report. Contraception 2014;89:25–7.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Archer DF, Jensen JT, Johnson JV, et al. Evaluation of a continuous regimen of levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol: phase 3 study results. Contraception 2006;74:439–45.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Panicker S, Mann S, Shawe J, et al. Evolution of extended use of the combined oral contraceptive pill. J Fam Plan Reprod Health Care 2014;40:133–41.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Davis MG, Reape KZ, Hait H. A look at the long-term safety of an extended-regimen OC. J Fam Pract 2010;59:E9–13
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Anderson FD, Gibbons W, Portman D. Long-term safety of an extended-cycle oral contraceptive (Seasonale): a 2-year multicenter open-label extension trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2006;195:92–6.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Klipping C, Duijkers I, Fortier MP, et al. Long-term tolerability of ethinylestradiol 20 μg/drospirenone 3 mg in a flexible extended regimen: results from a randomised, controlled, multicentre study. J Fam Plan Reprod Health Care 2012;38:84–93.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Loudon NB, Foxwell M, Potts DM, et al. Acceptability of an oral contraceptive that reduces the frequency of menstruation: the tri-cycle pill regimen. BMJ 1977;2:487–90.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Sulak PJ, Kuehl TJ, Ortiz M, et al. Acceptance of altering the standard 21-day/7-day oral contraceptive regimen to delay menses and reduce hormone withdrawal symptoms. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;186:1142–9.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Anthuber S, Schramm GA, Heskamp ML. Six-month evaluation of the benefits of the low-dose combined oral contraceptive chlormadinone acetate 2 mg/ethinylestradiol 0.03 mg in young women: results of the prospective, observational, non-interventional, multicentre TeeNIS study. Clin Drug Invest 2010; 30:211–20.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Guilbert E, Boroditsky R, Black A, et al. Canadian Consensus Guideline on Continuous and Extended Hormonal Contraception, 2007. J Obst Gynaecol Can 2007;29:S1–32.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Nappi RE, Pellegrinelli A, Campolo F, et al. Effects of combined hormonal contraception on health and wellbeing: women’s knowledge in northern Italy. Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care 2015;20:36–46.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Aubeny E, Buhler M, Colau JC, et al. Oral contraception: patterns of non-compliance. The Coraliance study. Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care 2002;7:155–61.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Wiegratz I, Kuhl H. Long-cycle treatment with oral contraceptives. Drugs 2004;64:2447–62.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Stephenson J, Shawe J, Panicker S, et al. Randomized trial of the effect of tailored versus standard use of the combined oral contraceptive pill on continuation rates at 1 year. Contraception 2013;88:523–31.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Legro RS, Pauli JG, Kunselman AR, et al. Effects of continuous versus cyclical oral contraception: a randomized controlled trial. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2008;93:420–9.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Hooper DJ. Attitudes, awareness, compliance and preferences among hormonal contraception users: a global, cross-sectional, self-administered, online survey. Clin Drug Invest 2010;30:749–63.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• den Tonkelaar I, Oddens BJ. Preferred frequency and characteristics of menstrual bleeding in relation to reproductive status, oral contraceptive use, and hormone replacement therapy use. Contraception 1999;59:357–62.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Wiegratz I, Hommel HH, Zimmermann T, et al. Attitude of German women and gynecologists towards long-cycle treatment with oral contraceptives. Contraception 2004;69:37–42.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Fruzzetti F, Paoletti AM, Lombardo M, et al. Attitudes of Italian women concerning suppression of menstruation with oral contraceptives. Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care 2008;13:153–7.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Merki-Feld GS, Breitschmid N, Seifert B, et al. A survey on Swiss women’s preferred menstrual/withdrawal bleeding pattern over different phases of reproductive life and with use of hormonal contraception. Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care 2014; 19:266–75.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Makuch MY, Duarte-Osis MJ, de Padua KS, et al. Opinion and experience of Brazilian women regarding menstrual bleeding and use of combined oral contraceptives. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2012;117:5–9.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Sauer U, Mann S, Brima N, et al. Offering extended use of the combined contraceptive pill: a survey of specialist family planning services. Int J Women’s Health 2013;5:613–17.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Sanchez-Borrego R, Garcia-Calvo C. Spanish women’s attitudes towards menstruation and use of a continuous, daily use hormonal combined contraceptive regimen. Contraception 2008;77:114–17.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Glasier AF, Smith KB, van der Spuy ZM, et al. Amenorrhea associated with contraception – an international study on acceptability. Contraception 2003;67:1–8.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Rutter W, Knight C, Vizzard J, et al. Women’s attitudes to withdrawal bleeding and their knowledge and beliefs about the oral contraceptive pill. Med J Aust 1988;149:417–19.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• A cross-cultural study of menstruation: implications for contraceptive development and use. World Health Organization Task Force on Psychosocial Research in Family Planning, Special Programme of Research, Development and Research, Training in Human Reproduction. Stud Fam Planning 1981;12:3–16.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Makuch MY, Osis MJ D, de Padua KS, et al. Use of hormonal contraceptives to control menstrual bleeding: attitudes and practice of Brazilian gynecologists. Int J Women’s Health 2013;5:795–801.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Archer DF, Kovalevsky G, Ballagh SA, et al. Ovarian activity and safety of a novel levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol continuous oral contraceptive regimen. Contraception 2009;80:245–53.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Kroll R, Seidman L, Ricciotti N, et al. A phase 1, multicentre, open-label study to evaluate ovarian follicular activity and hormone levels with an extended-regimen combined oral contraceptive with low-dose ethinyl estradiol supplementation. Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care 2015;20:249–58.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Davis AR, Kroll R, Soltes B, et al. Occurrence of menses or pregnancy after cessation of a continuous oral contraceptive. Fertil Steril 2008;89:1059–63.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Anderson FD, Hait H, Hsiu J, et al. Endometrial microstructure after long-term use of a 91-day extended-cycle oral contraceptive regimen. Contraception 2005;71:55–9.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Anderson FD, Feldman R, Reape KZ. Endometrial effects of a 91-day extended-regimen oral contraceptive with low-dose estrogen in place of placebo. Contraception 2008;77:91–6.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Seval DL, Buckley T, Kuehl TJ, et al. Attitudes and prescribing patterns of extended-cycle oral contraceptives. Contraception 2011;84:71–5.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Sulak PJ, Buckley T, Kuehl TJ. Attitudes and prescribing preferences of health care professionals in the United States regarding use of extended-cycle oral contraceptives. Contraception 2006;73:41–5.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Frederick CE, Edelman A, Carlson NE, et al. Extended-use oral contraceptives and medically induced amenorrhea: attitudes, knowledge and prescribing habits of physicians. Contraception 2011;84:384–9.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Gerschultz KL, Sucato GS, Hennon TR, et al. Extended cycling of combined hormonal contraceptives in adolescents: physician views and prescribing practices. J Adolesc Health 2007;40:151–7.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Wiegratz I, Galilaer K, Sanger N, et al. Prescribing preferences and personal experience of female gynaecologists in Germany and Austria regarding use of extended-cycle oral contraceptives. Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care 2010;15:405–12.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Pompei LM, Fernandes CE, Steiner ML, et al. Attitudes, knowledge and prescribing habits of Brazilian gynecologists regarding extended-cycle oral contraceptives. Gynecol Endocrinol 2013;29: 1071–4.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Female OB/GYNs speak out about health practices. AWHONN Lifelines 2004;8:14–8.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Frank E, Elon L. Clinical and personal relationships between oral contraceptive and hormone replacement therapy use among US women physicians. Menopause 2003;10:133–41.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Dehlendorf C, Krajewski C, Borrero S. Contraceptive counseling: best practices to ensure quality communication and enable effective contraceptive use. Clin Obstet Gynecol 2014;57:659–73.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Nobili MP, Piergrossi S, Brusati V, et al. The effect of patient-centered contraceptive counseling in women who undergo a voluntary termination of pregnancy. Patient Educ Couns 2007;65:361–8.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Gemzell-Danielsson K, Thunell L, Lindeberg M, et al. Comprehensive counseling about combined hormonal contraceptives changes the choice of contraceptive methods: results of the CHOICE program in Sweden. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2011;90:869–77.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Merki-Feld GS, Gruber IM. Broad counseling for adolescents about combined hormonal contraceptive methods: the choice study. J Adolesc Health 2014;54:404–9.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Halpern V, Lopez LM, Grimes DA, et al. Strategies to improve adherence and acceptability of hormonal methods of contraception. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2011;(4):CD004317
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Wiegratz I, Stahlberg S, Manthey T, et al. Effects of conventional or extended-cycle regimen of an oral contraceptive containing 30 mcg ethinylestradiol and 2 mg dienogest on various hemostasis parameters. Contraception 2008;78:384–91.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Wiegratz I, Stahlberg S, Manthey T, et al. Effects of an oral contraceptive containing 30 mcg ethinyl estradiol and 2 mg dienogest on lipid metabolism during 1 year of conventional or extended-cycle use. Contraception 2010;81:57–61.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Machado RB, de Melo NR, Maia H, Jr., et al. Effect of a continuous regimen of contraceptive combination of ethinylestradiol and drospirenone on lipid, carbohydrate and coagulation profiles. Contraception 2010;81:102–6.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Hillard PA. Menstrual suppression: current perspectives. Int J Women’s Health 2014;6:631–7.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Jacobson JC, Likis FE, Murphy PA. Extended and continuous combined contraceptive regimens for menstrual suppression. J Midwifery Women's Health 2012;57:585–92.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Nelson AL. Extended-cycle oral contraception: a new option for routine use. Treat Endocrinol 2005;4:139–45.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Nelson AL. Communicating with patients about extended-cycle and continuous use of oral contraceptives. J Women’s Health 2007;16:463–70.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Ong LML, de Haes JCJM, Hoos AM, et al. Doctor-patient communication: a review of the literature. Soc Sci Med 1995;40:903–18.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar