RESUMEN
This open, prospective, randomized, comparative study evaluated clinical, metabolic, and histopathological aspects of cyclic, extended, and continuous use of a COC containing 30 micro g EE and 75 micro g gestodene [Gynera] in 245 women for 18 cycles. Continuous [82 women] and extended [80 women] pill users had significantly fewer bleeding days requiring sanitary protection than cyclic users [83 women]. Spotting increased initially in continuous and extended pill users but declined after the 4[th] cycle. Amenorrhea rates increased significantly after the 4[th] cycle reaching 85% and 71.4% in the last cycle in continuous and extended pill users, respectively. No significant changes in BP or weight as well as a significant increase in hemoglobin concentration were observed in all study groups. No significant changes in lipid profile were observed except a significant increase in HDL-cholesterol in the continuous group. Insulin levels increased significantly with no associated change in glucose levels in all study arms. A significant increase in both fibrinogen and PAI-1 and a significant reduction in PT without changes in other coagulation parameters were observed in all study arms. Continuous and extended COC pill use for 18 cycles was well tolerated with satisfactory clinical effects and good compliance without changes in BP or weight. The treatment was associated with high rates of amenorrhea after the 4[th] cycle, less severe adverse effects, and metabolic changes similar to those in cyclic users