Estrogen-progestin combinations

In monophasic preparations a fixed estrogen/progestin combination is present in each contraceptive pill. 

Sequential preparations contain only estrogens in the first and a fixed estrogen/progestin combination in the second phase of the application period. 

Pharmacology Oral contraceptives (OCs) include estrogen-progestin combinations and progestin-only products. 

The use of HRT for mitigation of cardiovascular disease is not supported by the most recent clinical studies. The use of estrogen-progestin combinations in postmenopausal women was associated with a slight increase in coronary artery disease and a threefold elevation in thromboembolic episodes. 

Some of the contraindications to the use of estrogens, progestins, and estrogen-progestin combinations are presented in Table 61.4. 

Answer You should try to allay her fears but point out that she is correct in being concerned. Tell her that there is an increased risk of breast cancer after estrogen or estrogen-progestin combination therapy but that the risk is relatively small. Inform her... 

An estrogen-progestin combination was shown (N3) to reduce brain serotonin concentrations in female rats. Similar changes occur with the estrous cycle (G9). Estrogens may induce tryptophan pyrrolase activity in liver (Bll), and this could divert tryptophan from the 5-hydroxytryp-tamine (serotonin) pathway (C16), as was discussed earlier. 

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