Management of breakthrough bleeding in extended hormonal contraceptive regimens

Abstract

The present invention relates to a flexible extended use regimen for a hormonal contraceptive useful to manage bleeding problems associated with fixed extended use of hormonal contraceptives and to a pharmaceutical package containing the respective hormonal contraceptive.

1 . A method for female hormonal contraception which comprises the monophasic continuous administration of an active preparation of ethinyl estradiol in an amount of 5 to <30 μg daily or another synthetic or natural estrogen in an amount equivalent to 5 to <30 μg ethinyl estradiol daily and a progestin in a contraceptive amount to the female for a first minimum period for as long as desired by the female after which the female initiates a break in said administration of said active preparation of 1 to 6 days, and wherein said break is followed by at least one further administration cycle of at least the duration of the first minimum period. 
     
     
         2 .- 71 . (canceled)