Androgenic Effects of Oral Contraceptives: Implications for Patient Compliance

The document from 1995 discussed the androgenic side effects of oral contraceptives (OCs), such as oily skin, acne, hirsutism, obesity, and alopecia, as well as metabolic issues like unfavorable lipid profiles and increased risk of diabetes and hypertension. These side effects were causing poor compliance and discontinuation of OC use, particularly among younger patients. Newer OC formulations with less androgenic progestins like norgestimate, desogestrel, and gestodene were introduced, leading to fewer androgen-related effects and potentially better compliance. The document highlighted the role of healthcare providers in educating patients about the benefits of OCs and addressing fears to improve continued use. It concluded that low-dose OCs with new generation progestins have significantly less androgenic effects and provide additional health benefits, which should be communicated to patients to enhance compliance.