Contraception for the perimenopausal patient.

All the existing data show that combination estrogen/progestogen therapy is mandatory if any replacement therapy is to be given to the woman over age 40. Sufficient evidence has indicated that estrogen alone is inadequate; progestogen must be given to prevent endometrial hyperplasia, lower the risk of breast cancer, and prevent bone loss. In the premenopausal woman, such therapy should also provide contraception. Because of the lack of minimal dose products fulfilling such criteria, many physicians will allow women to continue with their contraceptive if they do not smoke and have no other contraindications. It will remain to be seen if a product close to ideal can be found to fulfill the contraceptive and therapeutic needs of women traversing the most physiologically hazardous period of their lives.