Hormonal contraception in the treatment of benign gynecological disorders
Autori:
Dora Pavlić, Nika Baldani, Magdalena Karadža, Luca Zaninović, Lana Škrgatić
Sažetak
Summary
Hormonal contraception currently represents an important therapeutic option in the management of several benign gynecological disorders. The development of new formulations, routes of administration and dosing regimens has considerably expanded its clinical use beyond contraception alone. The aim of this review was to summarize the role of hormonal contraception in the treatment of most common benign gynecological disorders and to analyze the role of different hormonal preparations in modern gynaecological practice. Available evidence indicates that combined hormonal contraceptives and progestin-only methods effectively reduce dysmenorrhea, alleviate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and decrease menstrual blood loss. In women with endometriosis, hormonal therapy represents the cornerstone of long-term pain management and prevention of symptom recurrence following surgery. In women with polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, combined hormonal contraceptives remain first-line therapy for menstrual irregularities and clinical hyperandrogenism, while simultaneously providing endometrial protection. The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system has emerged as the most effective conservative treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding and an important therapeutic option in women with chronic anovulation and bleeding disorders. Hormonal contraception should therefore be regarded as an important therapeutic modality in the management of benign gynecological disorders, with treatment selection individualized according to the etiology of the disorder, comorbidities, reproductive plans and patient preferences.