desogestrel / Generic mfg. - LARVOL DELTA

Trends in the use of oral contraceptives and progestins in Japanese female Olympic athletes. (PubMed, Phys Sportsmed) - "A significant shift occurred from OCs containing ≥30 µg of ethinylestradiol (EE) to those containing 20 µg of EE, and from desogestrel-based OCs to those containing drospirenone and norethisterone. This trend highlights the growing importance of gynecological support in elite sports. Future research should focus on the potential performance and health effects of the newer-generation formulations that are now predominantly used."

Journal

Hormonal Contraceptive Formulations and Breast Cancer Risk in Adolescents and Premenopausal Women. (PubMed, JAMA Oncol) - "Higher risk was associated with oral desogestrel-only formulations (HR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.13-1.23) and oral desogestrel-combined formulations (HR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.08-1.31), as well as implants containing etonogestrel, desogestrel's active metabolite (HR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.11-1.35), compared to levonorgestrel-containing combined pills (HR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.03-1.15) and levonorgestrel, 52 mg, intrauterine system (HR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.09-1.18). No statistically significant increased risk was observed for medroxyprogesterone acetate injection, etonogestrel vaginal ring, or combined oral drospirenone, despite having many users. Findings of this cohort study highlight that breast cancer risk varies substantially by progestin content in hormonal contraceptives, providing valuable insights to support more informed contraceptive prescription."

Journal • Breast Cancer • Cervical Cancer • Gynecology • Infertility • Oncology • Ovarian Cancer • Sexual Disorders • Solid Tumor • Uterine Cancer

THE NAPCSR, THE BIOMARKER FOR CHC-ASSOCIATED THROMBOTIC RISK EVALUATION (FIGO 2025) - " nAPCsr was assessed on plasma samples from women using either no contraception (n = 220), progestin-only pill (POP) (n = 14), natural estrogen (estradiol or estetrol)-based CHC (n = 43), ethinylestradiol (EE) 20 or 30 μg with levonorgestrel (n = 70), EE 20 μg with desogestrel, gestodene or drospirenone (n = 105) and EE ≥30 μg with desogestrel, dienogest or cyproterone acetate (n = 32). For non-users or women using POP, nAPCsr >3.0 indicate a procoagulable state, which could be attributable to thrombophilia (e.g. FV Leiden), meaning the pill should be contraindicated. For women already on CHCs, nAPCsr above respective thresholds indicate that the benefit–risk balance of the contraceptive formulation used is questionable."

Biomarker • Hematological Disorders • Hepatitis C

Effectiveness and Safety of Postoperative Medical Treatments Following Fertility-Preserving Surgery for Endometriosis: A Network Meta-Analysis. (PubMed, BJOG) - "LNG-IUS combined with laparoscopic surgery appears most effective in reducing recurrence and pain in EMs patients. Danazol and goserelin should be used cautiously due to notable adverse effects."

Journal • Retrospective data • Review • Endometriosis • Gynecology • Pain • Women's Health

Comparative Effectiveness of COCPs Versus Levonorgestrel and Other Therapies in Female Acne: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (EADV 2025) - "Materials & A systematic search was performed to identify randomized controlled trials (randomized controlled trials) comparing combined oral contraceptives (e.g., ethinyl estradiol with drospirenone, norgestimate, desogestrel, or chlormadinone acetate) against levonorgestrel-only pills, topical agents, or combination therapies for the treatment of acne. Combined oral contraceptives are effective and safe options for the treatment of acne in women, with enhanced benefits observed when used in conjunction with other treatment modalities. Despite high heterogeneity in reported outcomes and treatment protocols, the evidence supports the use of combined oral contraceptives, particularly formulations containing ethinyl estradiol with drospirenone or ethinyl estradiol with norgestimate. Future clinical trials should aim for standardized reporting of acne severity and direct head-to-head comparisons between contraceptive formulations to better inform optimal treatment..."

HEOR • Retrospective data • Review • Acne Vulgaris • Seborrheic Dermatitis

Addition of Metformin Does Not Alter Metabolic Impact of Combined Oral Contraceptive Pills in Hyperandrogenic Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Findings from COMET-PCOS Trial (ENDO 2025) - "240 women with hyperandrogenic PCOS and BMI ≥25kg/m2 were randomized to 6 months of continuous COCPs (20ug ethinyl estradiol/0.15mg desogestrel) (n=79), extended-release 2000mg/day Metformin (n=81), or a combination (COCP+Metformin) (n=80). In this study including a high-risk PCOS phenotype, COCPs had favorable effects on obesity measures and mixed effects on lipids and glucose tolerance. Metformin alone or in combination with COCPs did not result in significant improvements. Our findings support the use of COCPs as first-line therapy in the hyperandrogenic PCOS phenotype and suggest that Metformin is of limited benefit."

Clinical • Cardiovascular • Genetic Disorders • Obesity • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome • APOA1

Addition of Metformin Does Not Alter Metabolic Impact of Combined Oral Contraceptive Pills in Hyperandrogenic Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Findings from COMET-PCOS Trial (ENDO 2025) - "240 women with hyperandrogenic PCOS and BMI ≥25kg/m2 were randomized to 6 months of continuous COCPs (20ug ethinyl estradiol/0.15mg desogestrel) (n=79), extended-release 2000mg/day Metformin (n=81), or a combination (COCP+Metformin) (n=80). In this study including a high-risk PCOS phenotype, COCPs had favorable effects on obesity measures and mixed effects on lipids and glucose tolerance. Metformin alone or in combination with COCPs did not result in significant improvements. Our findings support the use of COCPs as first-line therapy in the hyperandrogenic PCOS phenotype and suggest that Metformin is of limited benefit."

Clinical • Cardiovascular • Genetic Disorders • Obesity • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome • APOA1

Meningioma in users of progestogen contraceptives: a disproportionality analysis of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). (PubMed, Eur J Clin Pharmacol) - "Notwithstanding the important limitations of disproportionality analyses, these findings add to a growing body of literature describing a potential association between progestogen-based contraceptives and meningioma. Screening should be recommended for progestogen-treated females experiencing symptoms consistent with meningioma."

Adverse events • Journal • Brain Cancer • Meningioma • Oncology • Solid Tumor

Dispensing practices issue shorter prescription lengths compared to non-dispensing practices. (PubMed, BJGP Open) - "Dispensing practices are associated with shorter prescription lengths, increasing the number of prescriptions issued over time and the associated dispensing fee. The absence of clear guidance on prescription lengths likely contributes to this-central bodies should consider providing explicit recommendations to optimise prescription durations."

Journal

Onset and recovery from depressive mood changes on progestin treatment - a case series reporting the course and type of depressive symptoms in progestin users with different histories and risks. (PubMed, Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care) - "Seven women reported depressive symptoms after newstart with desogestrel, dienogest or the LNG-IUS 52 mg. It is promising that symptoms resolved within few weeks after discontinuation. Close follow-up of all newstarters is recommended."

Journal • CNS Disorders • Depression • Endometriosis • Gynecology • Psychiatry • Women's Health

Hormonal contraceptive use and anaemia: a nation-wide pharmacoepidemiological study from Northern Europe. (PubMed, Eur J Epidemiol) - "Individual product effects ranged from 0·77 [0·66-0·90] for drospirenone and ethinylestradiol to 0·40 [0·32-0·48] for desogestrel-only. Benefits of HC use extend to anaemia protection on population level. Anaemia protection should be included in guidelines on HC to support clinical decision making."

Journal • Anemia • Genetic Disorders • Hematological Disorders • Long-acting Reversible Contraceptives • Obesity • Oncology • Women's Health

Use of systemic hormonal contraception and risk of depression: a registry-based study from Finland. (PubMed, Eur J Epidemiol) - "Use of HC in the six preceding months, specifically that of combined hormonal contraceptives (containing gestodene and ethinylestradiol, drospirenone and ethinylestradiol, and nomegestrol and estradiol), was significantly associated with a lower risk of depression compared to non-use when controlling for marital status, socioeconomic status, education, recent delivery, recent psychiatric hospitalization, chronic diseases, use of psychiatric medications (excluding antidepressants) and former use of HC (odds ratio: 0.90, 95% confidence interval = 0.85-0.95; 0.86, 95% confidence interval = 0.81-0.91, respectively). Current use of progestogen-only preparations (norethisterone, levonorgestrel, desogestrel) was not associated with depression. This pattern was evident in all age groups, including adolescent girls. HC use appeared not associated with an increased risk of depression in fertile-aged women and across all age groups, including adolescent girls."

Journal • CNS Disorders • Depression • Mood Disorders • Psychiatry

THROMBOCYTOPENIA IN THE CONTEXT OF IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA: A CASE REPORT (EHA 2025) - "She was evaluated at the medical consultation of Gynecology in August/24 for menstrual pain, with anterior fibroid myoma uterine type 1 of 42x40 mm and starting desogestrel... These cases of iron deficiency anemia accompanied by non-severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count > 20 x 109/L), usually asymptomatic, can occur and the presence of associated bleeding symptoms should not lead to a misdiagnosis. The diagnostic mistake could cause it to be treated as a ITP with secondary iron deficiency anemia. Iron supplementation (either intravenously or orally) allows for rapid and complete recovery of platelet count with transient thrombocytosis on occasion and avoids inappropriate steroid use."

Case report • Clinical • Anemia • Cardiovascular • Fatigue • Gynecology • Hematological Disorders • Pain • Solid Tumor • Thrombocytopenia • Thrombocytosis • Uterine Leiomyoma

THROMBOSIS RISK AND HORMONE USE IN WOMEN WITH MPN : DATA FROM A CONTEMPORARY COHORT (EHA 2025) - "Hormones included estrogen (ethinyl estradiol, estradiol and estrone) and/or progesterone (levonorgestrel, progesterone, medroxyprogesterone acetate and desogestrel) for OC and HRT... This study disclosed a significant association between i) OC/HRT exposure; ii) oral hormone preparations and arterial thrombotic risk in patients with ET. This is, to our knowledge, the most contemporary study addressing this critical topic. Findings underscore a potential need for heightened vigilance in ET patients treated with OC/HRT and will be helpful in refining clinical recommendations to those considering such therapy."

Clinical • Cardiovascular • Diabetes • Dyslipidemia • Essential Thrombocythemia • Hematological Disorders • Hypertension • Metabolic Disorders • Myelofibrosis • Myeloproliferative Neoplasm • Oncology • Polycythemia Vera • Thrombocytosis • Thrombosis • JAK2

Oral contraceptives with progestogens desogestrel or levonorgestrel and risk of intracranial meningioma: national case-control study. (PubMed, BMJ) - "The results showed a small increased risk of intracranial meningioma in women who had used desogestrel 75 µg for more than five continuous years, but no risk in users of levonorgestrel (alone or combined with oestrogen)."

Journal • Brain Cancer • Meningioma • Oncology • Solid Tumor

Spontaneous Endometrioma Rupture: A Retrospective Pilot Study and Literature Review of a Rare and Challenging Condition. (PubMed, J Clin Med) - "Interestingly, only one patient had undergone hormonal treatment, with a combined oral contraceptive (COC) of Ethinylestradiol (0.02 mg) and Desogestrel (0.15 mg), while the other patients either lacked awareness of their endometriosis or expressed reluctance towards hormonal downregulation therapy... Though rare, spontaneous OMA rupture should be considered in acute abdomen cases, especially with cysts > 5 cm. Hormonal therapy may reduce rupture risk, but more research is needed to confirm this and refine diagnostic strategies."

Journal • Retrospective data • Endometriosis • Gastroenterology • Gastrointestinal Disorder • Gynecology • Musculoskeletal Pain • Pain • Women's Health

Medical treatment for adenomyosis: long term use of progestins. (PubMed, Gynecol Endocrinol) - "The treatment groups included dienogest (2 mg, n = 71), levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (52 mg, n = 25), desogestrel (75 mcg, n = 20), and drospirenone (4 mg, n = 24)...Dienogest significantly reduced dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and HMB, with efficacy maintained over three years in most patients...Norethisterone acetate was used as a second-line treatment in cases of intolerance or inadequate response. Progestins are effective for the long-term management of adenomyosis symptoms. The flexibility in switching between different progestins or routes of administration may help in optimizing outcomes."

Journal • Endometriosis • Long-acting Reversible Contraceptives • Pain • Women's Health

Comparative effectiveness and safety of different progestins in combined oral contraceptives: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. (PubMed, Arch Gynecol Obstet) - "The four progestogens demonstrate comparable contraceptive efficacy while exhibiting distinct therapeutic advantages in their respective clinical applications. DSG for routine use, GSD for bleeding control, DRSP for minimizing androgenic effects, and LNG for emergency contraception."

HEOR • Journal • Retrospective data • Review

The effectiveness of combined oral contraceptive pills (COCs) in preventing persistent corpus luteal cysts following oocyte retrieval: a randomized controlled trial. (PubMed, Hum Fertil (Camb)) - "Participants in the study group received COCs containing 0.15 mg desogestrel and 0.02 mg ethinyl oestradiol per pill for 21 days (n = 65), while the comparison group underwent expectant management (n = 65)...However, the mean cyst diameter at 4 weeks was significantly smaller in the COC group (5.74 mm vs. 9.39 mm, p < 0.01). The use of COCs does not effectively prevent the formation of corpus luteal cysts at 2 and 4 weeks after oocyte retrieval in the IVF process."

Clinical • Journal • Gynecology • Infertility • Sexual Disorders

Combined oral contraceptives alter ectonucleotidase and adenosine deaminase activities in peripheral blood cells. (PubMed, Purinergic Signal) - "Participants used third-generation (3G) oral contraceptives, such as drospirenone or cyproterone acetate, or fourth-generation (4G) oral contraceptives, such as gestodene or desogestrel, both combined with ethinylestradiol. Likewise, the decrease in E-ADA activity may be associated with lower concentrations of ADO in the vascular microenvironment, which has antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory effects. Overall, the findings demonstrated that hormonal contraceptives alter the activity of purinergic ectoenzymes, which might be related to their effects on hemostasis and a predisposition to thromboembolic events."

Journal • Cardiovascular

Pharmacovigilance study of the association between progestogen and depression based on the FDA adverse event reporting System (FAERS). (PubMed, Sci Rep) - "Progestogens commonly used in the clinic include levonorgestrel, etonogestrel, medroxyprogesterone, hydroxyprogesterone, progesterone, desogestrel, and megestrol. Conclusion Analysis of data from the FAERS database revealed that levonorgestrel, medroxyprogesterone, etonogestrel, and desogestrel were correlated with depression. These findings provide real-world evidence of the potential risk of progestogen-related depression."

Adverse events • Journal • CNS Disorders • Depression • Endometriosis • Gynecology • Major Depressive Disorder • Mood Disorders • Psychiatry • Suicidal Ideation • Women's Health

Impact of progestin type on the risk of drug interactions between combined oral contraceptives and psychotropic drugs: a pooled analysis of real-world data. (PubMed, Contraception) - "Among women using psychotropic drugs, drospirenone was associated with a lower risk of AEs compared to levonorgestrel, while other progestins showed no significant differences. The number of contraceptive failures was low across progestins."

Journal • Real-world • Real-world evidence • Retrospective data

Thromboembolic events associated with combined oral contraceptives: a real-world study based on the FDA adverse event reporting system (FAERS) database. (PubMed, Expert Opin Drug Saf) - "Levonorgestrel, desogestrel, and drospirenone containing COCs were significantly associated with arterial thromboembolism (ATE) besides norethisterone containing COCs. This study found an increased risk of TEEs treated with COCs, particularly with drospirenone. We should pay close attention to risk monitor on the treatment of early stages."

Adverse events • Journal • Real-world • Real-world evidence • Cardiovascular • Respiratory Diseases • Venous Thromboembolism

Rituximab in lupus anticoagulant hypoprothrombinemia syndrome: A case report. (PubMed, Lupus) - "After 1-year, complete remission of clinical symptoms was achieved, with normalization of FII and FIX values and moderate reduction of aPS/PT titers, especially IgM isotype."

Journal • Genetic Disorders • Hematological Disorders • Hemophilia • Immunology • Inflammatory Arthritis

Development of breakthrough bleeding model of combined-oral contraceptives utilizing model-based meta-analysis. (PubMed, CPT Pharmacometrics Syst Pharmacol) - "Data from 25 studies containing BTB information of 4 progestins (desogestrel, drospirenone, gestodene, and levonorgestrel) in combination with ethinyl estradiol (EE) at various dose levels was used for this analysis...BTB typically returns to baseline within 3 months at the highest (30 μg) dose, whereas it can take significantly longer to reestablish a regular bleeding pattern at lower EE doses (15 and 20 μg), irrespective of the progestin used. The dose-response relationships established for BTB across different progestin/EE combinations can now be used to support the selection of optimal COC dosing/treatment regimens and serve as the scientific basis for evaluating the impact of clinically relevant factors, including drug-drug interactions and demographics, on BTB."

Journal • Retrospective data