Unusal signs and symptoms associated with oral contraceptive medication

Abstract

A review of medical literature concerning case history reports of adverse clinical manifestations of hormonal contraceptives is presented. While extremely rare, these side-effects often present with obscure etiology, and the physician is cautioned to be aware of their occurrence.

PIP: A review of medical history concerning case history reports of adverse clinical manifestations of hormonal contraceptives is presented. The unusual complicatons described are: gingivitis, dilation of the ureters, masculinization of the female fetus, candidiasis, ischemic colitis, megaloblastic anemia, chorea, alopecia, chloasma pigmentation, prophyria, photosensitivity, herpes gestationis, lupus, erythematous syndrone, erythema modosum and corneal irritation. The pathophysiology of the lesion and its relation to hormone action are presented.