Initial pill selection and managing the contraceptive pill patient.

Contraceptive pill risk may be lowered and patient continuation rates increased by selecting a pill best suited to each patient's needs. Each contraceptive pill has a unique profile of activity which is dependent upon both the dosage and type of progestogen and estrogen. Patient characteristics, expecially menstrual history, are helpful in choosing an initial pill (which should be low in estrogen), and patient and family histories are also valuable in helping determine whether use of the pill is contraindicated. Patients with a history of sensitivity to their own hormones are more likely to experience side effects on contraceptive pills, as also are underweight women. Knowledge of individual pill activities and potencies can be helpful in selecting the initial pill and in changing pills when nonserious side effects occur.