Characteristics of the Menstrual Cycle After Discontinuation of Oral Contraceptives

Authors

Claudia L. Nassaralla, Marquette University
Joseph B. Stanford, University of UtahFollow
Diane Daly, Saint John’s Mercy Medical Center
Mary Schneider, Marquette UniversityFollow
Karen C. Schliep, University of Utah
Richard Fehring, Marquette UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Format of Original

9 p.

Publication Date

2-2011

Publisher

Mary Ann Liebery Inc.

Source Publication

Journal of Women's Health

Source ISSN

1540-9996

Original Item ID

doi: 10.1089/jwh.2010.2001

Abstract

Background: Menstrual cycle function may continue to be altered after discontinuation of oral contraceptives (OC). Few studies have been published on the effects of recent OC use on menstrual cycle parameters; none have examined characteristics of the menstrual flow or the quality of cervical mucus. The purpose of this retrospective matched cohort study is to assess biomarkers of the menstrual cycle after discontinuation of OCs.

Methods: Among a sample of women who daily recorded observations of menstrual cycle biomarkers, 70 women who had recently discontinued OCs were randomly matched by age and parity with 70 women who had not used OCs for at least 1 year. Outcomes investigated included overall cycle length, length of the luteal phase, estimated day of ovulation, duration of menstrual flow, menstrual intensity, and mucus score. Differences between recent OC users and controls were assessed using random effects modeling.

Results: Recent OC users had statistically significantly lower scores for mucus quality for cycles 1 and 2. Additionally, OC users had a later estimated day of ovulation that was statistically significant in cycle 2 and a decreased intensity of menstrual flow that was significant in the first four cycles (difference = −0.48 days). In random effects modeling, all these parameters were significantly different for the first six cycles combined.

Conclusions: Menstrual cycle biomarkers are altered for at least two cycles after discontinuation of OCs, and this may help explain the temporary decrease in fecundity associated with recent OC use.

Comments

Accepted version. Journal of Women's Health, Vol. 20, No. 2 (February 2011). DOI. © 2011 Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. Used with permission.

Recommended Citation

Nassaralla, Claudia L.; Stanford, Joseph B.; Daly, Diane; Schneider, Mary; Schliep, Karen C.; and Fehring, Richard, "Characteristics of the Menstrual Cycle After Discontinuation of Oral Contraceptives" (2011). College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications. 89.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/nursing_fac/89