Oral Contraceptives and Hepatic Adenomas
Oral contraceptives, also known as OCPs, have been on the market since the 1960s. It was in 1973 when researchers first discovered a link between hepatic adenomas and the use of contraceptives. Prior to the 1960s, cases of hepatic adenomas were rare, but their occurrence has been steadily increasing over the past few decades. Numerous studies have provided evidence supporting the association between hepatic adenomas and the use of oral contraceptives, as well as other hormonal therapies and medications.
Frequency
According to studies, the frequency of hepatic adenoma development in women who use oral contraceptives long-term is approximately 30 to 40 cases per one million. However, it is worth noting that the diagnosis of hepatic adenoma without any history of taking oral contraceptives is extremely rare, with only one case per one million women.
Research shows that women over the age of 30 who have been taking oral contraceptives for more than 25 months have the highest overall risk of developing hepatic adenomas. This risk is especially heightened if the oral contraceptives contain high doses of estrogen.