Hormonal contraception and the risk of severe asthma exacerbation: 17-year population-based cohort study

Using the Optimum Patient Care Research Database, researchers examined the link between use of hormonal contraceptives and risk of severe asthma exacerbation in reproductive-age women suffering from asthma. A 17-year (1 January 2000–31 December 2016) retrospective cohort of reproductive-age (16–45 years, n=83 084) women with asthma was constructed. At baseline, use of any hormonal contraceptives was reported by 34% of women, 25% were using combined (oestrogen/progestogen) and 9% were using progestogen-only contraceptives. Findings indicated that in reproductive-age women, the risk of severe asthma exacerbation may be decreased by using hormonal contraceptives.