The carpal tunnel syndrome—a new complication ascribed to the “pill”

It is concluded that patients showing fluid retention tendencies after prolonged oral contraceptive use will be very susceptible to the carpal tunnel syndrome and lower-dose progesterone contraceptive formulas should therefore be sought.

Abstract

62 patients using oral contraceptives of various types (average of 45.2 cycles) were diagnosed as suffering from the carpal tunnel syndrome (numbness and tingling of the hands along the median nerve) without any other apparent physiological aberation to account for the condition. After ceasing use of the contraceptives all patients improved except that the thenar muscle atrophy found in 16 of the patients continued. 15 patients who re-commenced use of oral contraceptives against medical advice showed signs of renewed exacerbation of the syndrome. Estrogens effect on fluid retention appears to be the cause for this development. It is concluded that patients showing fluid retention tendencies after prolonged oral contraceptive use will be very susceptible to the carpal tunnel syndrome and lower-dose progesterone contraceptive formulas should therefore be sought.