Can people with systemic lupus erythematosus use hormonal contraceptives?
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Yes,[1] but it is important to work closely with a medical provider when considering hormonal contraceptives, as the estrogen exposure from birth control pills can be too risky for certain people with SLE — specifically those with antiphospholipid antibodies and/or high SLE disease activity. In such cases, alternative methods of contraception, like long-acting reversible contraceptives (e.g., intrauterine devices), may be a safer option.[2]
1.^Petri M, Kim MY, Kalunian KC, Grossman J, Hahn BH, Sammaritano LR, Lockshin M, Merrill JT, Belmont HM, Askanase AD, McCune WJ, Hearth-Holmes M, Dooley MA, Von Feldt J, Friedman A, Tan M, Davis J, Cronin M, Diamond B, Mackay M, Sigler L, Fillius M, Rupel A, Licciardi F, Buyon JP,Combined oral contraceptives in women with systemic lupus erythematosus.N Engl J Med.(2005-Dec-15)
2.^Andreoli L, Bertsias GK, Agmon-Levin N, Brown S, Cervera R, Costedoat-Chalumeau N, Doria A, Fischer-Betz R, Forger F, Moraes-Fontes MF, Khamashta M, King J, Lojacono A, Marchiori F, Meroni PL, Mosca M, Motta M, Ostensen M, Pamfil C, Raio L, Schneider M, Svenungsson E, Tektonidou M, Yavuz S, Boumpas D, Tincani AEULAR recommendations for women's health and the management of family planning, assisted reproduction, pregnancy and menopause in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and/or antiphospholipid syndrome.Ann Rheum Dis.(2017-Mar)