Unapproved Use of High-Dose Combined Pills in Japan: A Community Study on Prevalence and Health Characteristics of the Users

Background.Because of the ban on oral contraceptive use in Japan, only high-dose combined pills (HDCP), permitted as treatment for menstrual disorders, can be used as a contraceptive. We determined the prevalence of the use of such preparations in a community in Japan and assessed the health characteristics of the users. Methods.A total of 18,435 female residents age 35 years and over in a city of Gifu Prefecture, Japan, responded in 1992 to a health questionnaire that included questions on the use of HDCP, lifestyle, and dietary habits. The response rate was 92%. Results.The rates of current and past HDCP use were 1.3 and 7.1%, respectively, among women ages 35–49 years, and 2.2% of the women had used HDCP for longer than any other method of contraception. Current HDCP users were more likely to be smokers. They had lower intakes of carotene, fiber, and vitamins C and E and a lower polyunsaturated/saturated fat ratio than never-users. Conclusions.The prevalence of HDCP use was 1.3% among Japanese women ages 35–49 years. Potential risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, such as smoking and a diet with lower intakes of antioxidants, were prevalent among current HDCP users.