A Primer on Combined Oral Contraceptives Across the Reproductive Lifespan

Abstract

Canadian women may use combined oral contraceptives for many indications: contraception, dysmenorrhea, management of heavy menstrual bleeding, management of polycystic ovarian syndrome… the list goes on. A recent study showed that of Canadian women age 19-49 who used hormonal contraception, over half were using an oral contraceptive.1 Most of those oral contraceptives were combined hormonal pills. Combined oral contraceptives are an appropriate choice for many women throughout their reproductive lives. This primer will address the use of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) across the reproductive years with comments on common clinical challenges during adolescence, peak reproductive years, and perimenopause.