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Coelingh Bennink HJT, van Gennip FAM, Gerrits MGF, Egberts JFM, Gemzell-Danielsson K, Kopp-Kallner H. Health benefits of combined oral contraceptives - a narrative review. EUR J CONTRACEP REPR 2024; 29:40-52. [PMID: 38426312 DOI: 10.1080/13625187.2024.2317295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This review presents an update of the non-contraceptive health benefits of the combined oral contraceptive pill. METHODS We conducted a literature search for (review) articles that discussed the health benefits of combined oral contraceptives (COCs), in the period from 1980 to 2023. RESULTS We identified 21 subjective and/or objective health benefits of COCs related to (i) the reproductive tract, (ii) non-gynaecological benign disorders and (iii) malignancies. Reproductive tract benefits are related to menstrual bleeding(including anaemia and toxic shock syndrome), dysmenorrhoea, migraine, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), ovarian cysts, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), androgen related symptoms, ectopic pregnancy, hypoestrogenism, endometriosis and adenomyosis, uterine fibroids and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Non-gynaecological benefits are related to benign breast disease, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, asthma and porphyria. Health benefits of COCs related to cancer are lower risks of endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer and colorectal cancer. CONCLUSIONS The use of combined oral contraceptives is accompanied with a range of health benefits, to be balanced against its side-effects and risks. Several health benefits of COCs are a reason for non-contraceptive COC prescription.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Helena Kopp-Kallner
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Bove R, Sutton P, Nicholas J. Women's Health and Pregnancy in Multiple Sclerosis. Neurol Clin 2024; 42:275-293. [PMID: 37980119 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncl.2023.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis has a 3:1 female-to-male predominance and commonly presents in young adult women. The hormonal changes in women throughout their lifetime do affect the underlying pathology of multiple sclerosis, and the needs of women therefore change with age. Although multiple sclerosis does not adversely affect fertility or pregnancy, there are many factors to consider when caring for women throughout family planning, pregnancy, and the postpartum period. The care of these women and complex decisions regarding disease-modifying therapy use in family planning should be individualized and comprehensive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riley Bove
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, 1651 Fourth Street, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Paige Sutton
- OhioHealth Multiple Sclerosis Center, 3535 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, OH 43214, USA.
| | - Jacqueline Nicholas
- OhioHealth Multiple Sclerosis Center, 3535 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, OH 43214, USA
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Siddiqui A, Yang JH, Hua LH, Graves JS. Clinical and Treatment Considerations for the Pediatric and Aging Patients with Multiple Sclerosis. Neurol Clin 2024; 42:255-274. [PMID: 37980118 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncl.2023.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Chronologic aging is associated with multiple pathologic and immunologic changes that impact the clinical course of multiple sclerosis (MS). Clinical phenotypes evolve across the lifespan, from a highly inflammatory course in the very young to a predominantly neurodegenerative phenotype in older patients. Thus, unique clinical considerations arise for the diagnosis and management of the two age extremes of pediatric and geriatric MS populations. This review covers epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment strategies for these populations with nuanced discussions on therapeutic approaches to effectively care for patients living with MS at critical transition points during their lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areeba Siddiqui
- Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, 888 W. Bonneville Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89106, USA
| | - Jennifer H Yang
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Mail Code 0662, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Division of Pediatric Neurology, Rady Children's Hospital, 3020 Children's Way MC 5009, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
| | - Le H Hua
- Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, 888 W. Bonneville Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89106, USA.
| | - Jennifer S Graves
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Mail Code 0662, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Division of Pediatric Neurology, Rady Children's Hospital, 3020 Children's Way MC 5009, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
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Ferret-Sena V, Ramos C, Cascais MJ, Capela C, Sena A. Oral Contraceptives Interact with Adiposity-Associated Markers in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis. J Clin Med 2024; 13:464. [PMID: 38256598 PMCID: PMC10816152 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13020464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence suggests the involvement of adipose tissue in modulating the clinical course of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). This study aimed to investigate whether the intake of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) affects body weight and leptin and adiponectin (APN) blood levels in these patients. Clinical data from 62 women (M = 33.23 year) were recorded prior to the initiation of disease-modifying therapy. Patients who were taking COCs at the time of experiencing the first symptoms of disease (COC user) were compared with those who never used these formulations or stopped taking them before disease onset (COC non-user). Bivariate Pearson's correlations and hierarchical multiple linear regressions analysis were conducted. Normalized APN levels were lower in the COC-using patients (p = 0.013). Negative correlations between waist circumference and normalized APN (p = 0.001) were observed only in the COC non-user patients. A longer duration of COC intake was associated with increased body mass index and waist circumference (p = 0.003). Normalized APN predicted the MS Severity Score (MSSS) (p = 0.020), but this correlation was lost in the COC user patients. After adjusting for confounders, only age (p = 0.027) and, later, disease onset (p = 0.014) were correlated with the MSSS. Larger and prospective studies are needed to investigate the interactions of sex steroids with adipose metabolism in modulating disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Véronique Ferret-Sena
- Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM), Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, Caparica, 2829-511 Almada, Portugal; (V.F.-S.); (C.R.)
| | - Catarina Ramos
- Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM), Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, Caparica, 2829-511 Almada, Portugal; (V.F.-S.); (C.R.)
| | - Maria João Cascais
- Nutritional Biochemistry, NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1150-199 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Carlos Capela
- Centro de Responsabilidade Integrado de Esclerose Múltipla, Hospital Santo António dos Capuchos, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Central, EPE, 1169-050 Lisbon, Portugal;
- Centro Clínico Académico de Lisboa, 1159-056 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Armando Sena
- Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM), Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, Caparica, 2829-511 Almada, Portugal; (V.F.-S.); (C.R.)
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Hsu S, Bove R. Hormonal Therapies in Multiple Sclerosis: a Review of Clinical Data. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2024; 24:1-15. [PMID: 38102502 PMCID: PMC10774191 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-023-01326-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Given the potential for exogenous hormones to influence risk and course of MS, this narrative review aims to summarize current knowledge from observational and interventional studies of exogenous hormones in humans with MS. RECENT FINDINGS Large randomized clinical trials for combined oral contraceptives and estriol both show modest effect on inflammatory activity, with the latter showing potential neuroprotective effect. After fertility treatment, large actively treated cohorts have not confirmed any elevated risk of relapse. Preclinical data suggest that androgens, selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), and selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) may be neuroprotective but clinical data are lacking. Gender affirming treatment, particularly estrogen in trans-women, could possibly be associated with elevated risk of inflammation. For women with MS entering menopause, hormone therapy appears safe during the appropriate menopausal window, but its long-term effects on neuroprotection are unknown. Exogenous hormones, used in varied doses and for diverse indications, have variable effects on MS risk, inflammatory activity, and neuroprotection. Large randomized trials are needed before it is possible to determine the true effect of exogenous hormones in a condition as complex as MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Hsu
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neuroscience, Division of Neuroimmunology and Glial Biology, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Riley Bove
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neuroscience, Division of Neuroimmunology and Glial Biology, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Krysko KM, Dobson R, Alroughani R, Amato MP, Bove R, Ciplea AI, Fragoso Y, Houtchens M, Jokubaitis VG, Magyari M, Abdelnasser A, Padma V, Thiel S, Tintore M, Vukusic S, Hellwig K. Family planning considerations in people with multiple sclerosis. Lancet Neurol 2023; 22:350-366. [PMID: 36931808 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(22)00426-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis is often diagnosed in patients who are planning on having children. Although multiple sclerosis does not negatively influence most pregnancy outcomes, less is known regarding the effects of fetal exposure to novel disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). The withdrawal of some DMTs during pregnancy can modify the natural history of multiple sclerosis, resulting in a substantial risk of pregnancy-related relapse and disability. Drug labels are typically restrictive and favour fetal safety over maternal safety. Emerging data reporting outcomes in neonates exposed to DMTs in utero and through breastfeeding will allow for more careful and individualised treatment decisions. This emerging research is particularly important to guide decision making in women with high disease activity or who are treated with DMTs associated with risk of discontinuation rebound. As increasing data are generated in this field, periodic updates will be required to provide the most up to date guidance on how best to achieve multiple sclerosis stability during pregnancy and post partum, balanced with fetal and newborn safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen M Krysko
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, St Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ruth Dobson
- Preventive Neurology Unit, Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University London, London, UK; Department of Neurology, Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Raed Alroughani
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, Amiri Hospital, Sharq, Kuwait
| | - Maria Pia Amato
- Department NEUROFARBA, Section of Neurosciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Florence, Italy
| | - Riley Bove
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Andrea I Ciplea
- Department of Neurology, Katholisches Klinikum, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Yara Fragoso
- Multiple Sclerosis and Headache Research Institute, Santos, Brazil; Departamento de Neurologia, Universidade Metropolitana de Santos, Santos, Brazil
| | - Maria Houtchens
- Department of Neurology, Partners MS Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vilija G Jokubaitis
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Melinda Magyari
- Danish Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Azza Abdelnasser
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Vasantha Padma
- Department of Neurology, Neurosciences Center, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Sandra Thiel
- Department of Neurology, Katholisches Klinikum, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Mar Tintore
- Department of Neurology-Neuroimmunology, Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Catalonia, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sandra Vukusic
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital Neurologique Pierre Wertheimer, Service de Neurologie, sclérose en plaques, pathologies de la myéline et neuro-inflammation, Bron, France; Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, Observatoire Français de la Sclérose en Plaques, INSERM 1028 et CNRS UMR 5292, Lyon, France; Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France; Eugène Devic EDMUS Foundation against multiple sclerosis, state-approved foundation, Bron, France
| | - Kerstin Hellwig
- Department of Neurology, Katholisches Klinikum, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
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López-Reyes L, Guío-Sánchez C, González-Uribe C, Cárdenas-Robledo S. Fertility preferences and unmet need for family planning in women with multiple sclerosis. Front Neurol 2022; 13:1035596. [PMID: 36438948 PMCID: PMC9682175 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1035596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most women with multiple sclerosis (MS) have childbearing potential. Although fertility and pregnancy are not affected by MS, the fertility preferences of women with MS can change due to the risk of complications for the mother and/or adverse pregnancy outcomes resulting from the disease or its treatment. OBJECTIVES To describe fertility preferences (FPs) and their associated factors, to estimate the Unmet Need for Family Planning (UNFP), use of contraceptives, and history of exposure to disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) during pregnancy in women with MS. METHODS In a cross-sectional observational study, a random sample of women with MS were surveyed with the FP subset of the Demographic and Health Survey of Colombia. Factors associated with FP were evaluated through bivariate and logistic regression analysis. The proportion of pregnancies exposed to DMTs, UNFP, and use of contraceptives was estimated. RESULTS Of the 141 women interviewed, 101 women had childbearing potential, of whom 49 did not want to have children, 38 were sterilized, 33 wanted to have more children, 19 were undecided, and 2 stated they were unable to bear children (menopause or hysterectomy). No MS-related variables were associated with the preference to have more children. Age (OR 0.91; 95% CI 0.84-0.98) and the number of children (OR 0.23; 95% CI 0.09-0.58) decreased the likelihood of desire for children. Of 116 sexually active women, 87.06 % (101) were using contraceptives, and among them, four were using fertility awareness methods and withdrawal. The UNFP was estimated at 6.03% and was not significantly different from the general population. Eighty-two pregnancies were identified, of which 48 occurred after diagnosis, and 25 were exposed to DMTs. CONCLUSION Fertility preference in women with MS is not associated with clinical variables. A large proportion of women choose not to have children and prefer to use permanent contraceptive methods. Although the frequency of contraceptive use was high, some women have the UNFP and use low-efficacy contraceptive methods, which may result in unplanned pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena López-Reyes
- Departamento de Neurología, Centro de Esclerosis Múltiple Hospital Universitario Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
- Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Claudia Guío-Sánchez
- Departamento de Neurología, Centro de Esclerosis Múltiple Hospital Universitario Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Simón Cárdenas-Robledo
- Departamento de Neurología, Centro de Esclerosis Múltiple Hospital Universitario Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
- Departamento de Neurología, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
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