Y42: Hormones and their synthetic substitutes and antagonists, not elsewhere classified

Y42.4: Oral contraceptives

Oral contraceptives are medications taken by mouth for the purpose of preventing pregnancy. They contain hormones - either a combination of estrogen and progestin or progestin alone - that interfere with the normal process of ovulation and fertility. While mostly used for birth control, they can also be prescribed for managing certain menstrual disorders or skin conditions. Common side effects can include nausea, changes in menstrual flow, and increased risk of blood clots. While rare, more serious effects can include high blood pressure, liver health issues, or heart problems especially in smokers or older women. Oral contraceptive usage may cause certain medical conditions or make existing ones worse, so a thorough medical check-up is advised before initiating them.