From the Guidelines
The mini pill is a progestin-only pill (POP) that works primarily by thickening cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching an egg. According to a study published in Pediatrics in 2014 1, progestin-only pills, also known as “mini-pills”, provide an additional option for patients who have safety concerns about estrogen use. Some key points about the mini pill include:
- It contains only progestin without estrogen
- It must be taken at the same time every day for maximum effectiveness
- It is suitable for women who cannot take estrogen, such as those who are breastfeeding or have high blood pressure
- It may cause irregular bleeding, especially in the first few months of use The mini pill is a viable contraceptive option for women who require a hormone-based method without estrogen, as noted in the study 1. Key characteristics of the mini pill, as described in the study 1, include its mechanism of action, which is primarily through thickening cervical mucus, and its potential for a higher failure rate due to the need for very stringent adherence.
From the FDA Drug Label
Norethindrone tablets does not contain estrogen and, therefore, this insert does not discuss the serious health risks that have been associated with the estrogen component of combined oral contraceptives The relationship between progestin-only oral contraceptives and these risks have not been established and there are no studies definitely linking progestin-only pill (POP) use to an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
The mini pill is also known as progestin-only pill (POP) or norethindrone 2.
From the Research
Mini Pill Name
- The mini pill is also known as the progestogen-only mini-pill 3
Characteristics
- It is a greatly under-used method of contraception due to a lack of awareness of its reasonable efficacy and minor side effects 3
- The benefits and disadvantages of the progestogen-only mini-pill have been carefully evaluated, and recommendations have been made for its more widespread use 3
Comparison with Other Contraceptives
- The progestogen-only mini-pill is different from other contraceptives such as the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG IUS) 4, depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate, progestin implant, and combined hormonal contraception 5
- The LNG IUS provides a long-acting, highly effective, and reversible form of contraception, with a pearl index of 0.18 per 100 women-years 4
Health Benefits
- Long-acting progestogen-releasing systems, such as the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system, may offer added health benefits, including treatment and prevention of benign gynecological disease and some systemic conditions 6
- The progestogen-only mini-pill may have similar health benefits, but data are still lacking 6
Risks
- Pregnancies in women using progestin-only oral contraceptives, including the mini pill, are more likely to be ectopic than pregnancies in the general population 7