Atypical Cytology with Contraceptive, Hormone Medication: A Preliminary Report

Exfoliated cells from genital-tract smears of 2,296 women on estrogen-progestigen contraceptive therapy were studied. Abnormalities in both squamous and endocervical cells were noted in 45 of these women, an incidence of 2.0%. During the same period slides of specimens from 17,724 women not receiving hormones were examined. Abnormalities were seen in 184 of these, an incidence of 1.0%. Nine of the women on the medication had histologic examination of the cervix; sections revealed mild to severe dysplasia of the exocervix as well as endocervical glandular hyperplasia. Although in some instances the atypias appear reversible, careful observation of patients receiving these medications is highly recommended.