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CURRENT STATUS OF ORAL CONTRACEPTIVE STEROIDS


 Recent literature on the status of oral contraceptives (OCs) is reviewed. The steroid composition and relative potency of combined OCs used in the U.S. are set forth, and their mechanism of action is discussed. The effects of OCs on the ovary, myometrium, endometrium, cervix, vagina, breasts, hypothalamus, serum protein levels, carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism, water and electrolyte metabolism, body weight, tryptophan metabolism, vitamins and minerals, the liver, central nervous system, skin, genitourinary tract, gastrointestinal tract, eye, immune system, and on subsequent fertility are reviewed. Factors which should be considered in the choice of an OC are discussed, as well as the time OC use should be initiated in the postpartum and postabortion periods. Contraindications to OC use and considerations in the monitoring of patients are discussed.
