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Estrostep

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Estrostep

  • See Also
  1. Oral Contraceptive
  2. Oral Contraceptive Drug Interaction
  3. Oral Contraceptive Selection
  4. Oral Contraceptive Side Effect Management
  5. Oral Contraceptive-Related Uterine Bleeding Management
  • Preparations (Norethindrone Acetate / Ethinyl Estradiol)
  1. Estrostep (1 / 20 - 30 - 35)
  • Components
  1. Norethindrone Acetate 1 mg (see preparation above)
  2. Ethinyl Estradiol 20 ug - 30 ug - 35 ug
  • Effects
  1. Relative Progestational Activity: 1.2 (high)
  2. Estrogenic Activity: 16 (low)
  3. Androgenic Activity: 0.53 (high)
  • Pill associated problems
  1. Indications to switch to Ortho Novum 1/35
    1. Acne Vulgaris (lower androgen)
  2. Indications to switch to Ortho Cyclen
    1. Increased Appetite (lower Progestin)
    2. Major Depression provoked (lower Progestin)
  3. Indications to switch to Lo/Ovral
    1. Break-through bleed days 1-9 (more Estrogen)
    2. Break-through bleed all of month (more Estrogen)
    3. Menses too light (more Estrogen, less Progestin)
  4. Indications to switch to Loestrin 1.5/30
    1. Libido decreased (more androgen)
    2. Break-through bleed days 10-21 (more Progestin)
    3. Heavy Menses (more Progestin or less Estrogen)
    4. Dysmenorrhea or Menstrual Cramps (more Progestin)
  5. Indications to switch to Loestrin 1/20
    1. Breast Tenderness or engorgement (lower Estrogen)
    2. Headaches (lower Estrogen)
    3. Moodiness (less Estrogen or more Progestin)
    4. Weight gain (less Estrogen or more Progestin)
  • References
  1. Cerel-Suhl (1999) Am Fam Physician 60(7):2073 [PubMed]
  2. Speroff (1993) Obstet Gynecol 81:1034-47 [PubMed]
  3. Dickey (1998) Managing Contraceptive Pill Patients