Top in women’s health: OTC birth control pill; study on COVID-19 vaccine and menstruation

Two FDA advisory committees unanimously recommended approval of an over-the-counter progestin-only birth control pill, a decision hailed by one committee member as a landmark for the history of women’s health.

The pill, Opill (norgestrel 0.075 mg; HRA Pharma), is a once-daily oral contraceptive pill that works by thickening cervical mucus to inhibit penetration of sperm, as well as by suppressing or disrupting ovulation. It was the top story in women’s health last week.

In another top story, a study showed no link between SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and menstrual disturbance or bleeding. There was also no link between vaccination and postmenopausal bleeding resulting in a hospital admission or visit.

Read these and more top stories in women’s health below:

FDA advisers unanimously support approval of over-the-counter birth control pill

FDA advisers voted unanimously to recommend approval of an over-the-counter progestin-only birth control pill. Read more.

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination not linked to menstrual disturbance, bleeding in postmenopause

Study results demonstrated no associations between SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and hospital admission or visit for postmenopausal bleeding and no association with premenopausal menstrual disturbance or bleeding. Read more.

Postmenopausal women with breast cancer adapt well to endocrine therapy

Postmenopausal women with early-stage breast cancer adapted successfully to the disease and endocrine therapy whether it was tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitor, researchers reported in Menopause. Read more.

Q&A: Menopause symptoms result in adverse work outcomes, missed workdays

Menopause symptoms can negatively affect work outcomes, highlighting the need for improved medical therapies and a more supportive workplace environment, according to researchers involved in a large cross-sectional Mayo Clinic study. Read more.

Severe maternal morbidity at delivery may increase readmission risk 1 year postpartum

Severe maternal morbidity at delivery was associated with an increased readmission risk throughout the year after delivery, according to research published in Obstetrics & Gynecology. Read more.