Table 1. Factors to be considered in the determination of the ethinyl estradiol dose in a combined oral contraceptive.
Factors/symptoms | COC with ≤ 20 µg ethinyl estradiol | COC with ≥ 30 µg ethinyl estradiol |
Cycle | regular | irregular |
Skin lesions | no | acne |
Ovarian cysts | no | yes |
Other drugs (risk of interactions) | no | yes |
Risk factors for thromboembolism | yes | no |
Cigarette smoking | yes | no |
Reliable intake of COC | yes | less reliable |
COC, combined oral contraceptives