A perspective on progestogens in oral contraceptives

Abstract

Steroid contraception was developed in the late 1950s and introduced into use in the early 1960s. It soon became apparent that estroprogestational agents had adverse systemic effects, mainly on the cardiovascular and blood coagulation system. During the 1970s, new contraceptive agents were developed that contained 30 to 50 mcg of estrogen. Despite the low amount of estrogen it was clear that vascular side effects persisted. Progestogen-only oral contraceptives or the newest type of contraceptives, also produce side effects, such as elevation of the blood pressure, alterations in serum lipids, elevation of blood glucose and plasma insulin; these effects may accelerate atherogenesis. New studies in steroid contraception will focus on lowering the doses of progestogen components in contraceptive preparations.