Abstract | OBJECTIVE: METHODS: We conducted a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial comparing continuous to a cyclic 21-7 OCP regimen ( gestodene 0.075 mg and ethinyl estradiol 20 microgram) for 6 months in 38 primary dysmenorrhea patients. The primary outcome was the difference in subjective perception of pain as measured by the visual analog scale over a period of 6 months. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients completed the study. In both groups, pain reduction measured by visual analog scale declined over time and was significant at 6 months compared with baseline, with no difference between groups. Continuous regimen was superior to cyclic regimen after 1 month (mean difference -27.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] -40.5 to -14.2; P<.001) and 3 months (mean difference -17.8, 95% CI -33.4 to -2.1; P=.03) of treatment. Secondary outcomes noted no difference between groups in terms of menstrual distress as measured by the Moos Menstrual Distress Questionnaire. After 6 months, there was an increase in weight and a decrease in systolic blood pressure in the continuous group compared with the cyclic group. CONCLUSION: Both regimens of OCPs are effective in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. Continuous OCPs outperform cyclic OCPs in the short term, but this difference is lost after 6 months. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT00517556. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.
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Authors | Romana Dmitrovic, Allen R Kunselman, Richard S Legro |
Journal | Obstetrics and gynecology
(Obstet Gynecol)
Vol. 119
Issue 6
Pg. 1143-50
(Jun 2012)
ISSN: 1873-233X [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 22617578
(Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural)
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Chemical References |
- Contraceptives, Oral
- Norpregnenes
- Gestodene
- Ethinyl Estradiol
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Blood Pressure
(drug effects)
- Body Weight
(drug effects)
- Contraceptives, Oral
(administration & dosage)
- Drug Therapy, Combination
- Dysmenorrhea
(drug therapy)
- Ethinyl Estradiol
(administration & dosage)
- Female
- Humans
- Norpregnenes
(administration & dosage)
- Pain
(drug therapy)
- Pain Measurement
- Treatment Outcome
- Young Adult
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