FDA Approves Lybrel, a Pill Designed to Stop Menstruation
With 90 micrograms of levonorgestrel (a progestin) and 20 micrograms of ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen), Lybrel contains a low dose of hormones. Other pill formulations have up to twice as much estrogen and use different doses and types of progestins. "I don't think women need another brand-name contraceptive like Lybrel," Miller adds. She frequently prescribes generic birth control pills to stop periods in women who don't wish to have any.
The long-term effects of taking oral contraceptives for years or decades remain unknown. Studies indicate that birth control pills protect against endometrial and ovarian cancer, while they might slightly increase the risk of breast cancer, particularly in women who use them for years before getting pregnant. No one knows how breast tissue will respond to continuous exposure to hormones, Prior points out. And she says using the pill without a break could have a detrimental effect on bone density, especially in women under 25 who are still building bone. It could be that the cumulative dose of continuous hormones amplifies these risks and benefits.
What is clear, though, is that many women and doctors are eager to embrace the idea of no more periods, which could have a big impact on the 12 million oral contraceptive users once Lybrel hits pharmacy shelves in July. "Our market surveys show that 60 percent of women are interested in putting their periods on hold with oral contraceptives, and 97 percent of gynecologists say that it's safe when used appropriately," says Amy Marren, director of clinical affairs at Wyeth. "We know it's not for every woman, but we think many will want it."
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