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This Journal feature begins with a case vignette highlighting a common clinical problem. Evidence supporting various strategies is then presented, followed by a review of formal guidelines, when they exist. The article ends with the author's clinical recommendations.
A healthy, lean 46-year-old woman who is a nonsmoker requests advice about contraception. She notes that her menstrual periods are less regular than previously, and she also reports intermittent bothersome hot flashes. She is in a new relationship after a divorce, and she is sexually active. She asks if she can begin to use an oral contraceptive. What would you advise?
The Clinical Problem
During
Strategies and Evidence
Contraceptive Efficacy
Safety
Venous Thromboembolism
Myocardial Infarction and Stroke
Breast Cancer
Noncontraceptive Benefits
Irregular and Heavy Uterine Bleeding
Vasomotor Symptoms
Skeletal Health
Cancer
Areas of Uncertainty
Guidelines from Professional Societies
Conclusions and Recommendations
Source Information
From the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Florida College of Medicine–Jacksonville, Jacksonville.
An audio version of this article is available at www.nejm.org.
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