ABSTRACT: More than 80% of U.S. women will use hormonal contraception during their reproductive years 1. Many of these women use hormonal contraception for its noncontraceptive benefits. Hormonal contraceptives can correct menstrual irregularities resulting from oligo-ovulation or anovulation and make menstruation more predictable.
The purpose of this document is to describe noncontraceptive uses for hormonal contraceptives and examine the evidence evaluating the effectiveness of contraceptives for these applications. For many of the conditions, experts suggest that effects of contraceptives are class effects and that all formulations may provide similar therapy. Evidence will be given for specific routes and formulations of hormonal contraception when available, although there are few data on newer methods and formulations.