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A new generation of pills may reduce the risk of breast cancer, blood clots and heart disease associated with currently available oral contraceptives.

Existing combined pills contain two female sex hormones, progestin and estrogen. Estrogen is thought to be responsible for the increased risk of breast cancer seen in women who take the combined pill.

The new pill does not contain these hormones, so does not carry this risk. It has been tested on two groups of 90 women, with positive results and few reported problems, though further studies are needed to assess the benefits and possible side-effects.

Professor David Baird of the University of Edinburgh said:

"There is no theoretical reason why the new pill should increase the risk of breast cancer, as it does not contain oestrogen - if anything it might be expected to reduce the risk. If you reduce the cyclical exposure of the ovary to the ovarian hormones oestrogen and progesterone, you should reduce the risk of breast cancer."

The new pill acts by blocking the action of progesterone, which prepares the body for conception and pregnancy. Women who take the new pill stop having periods, so it may offer relief to those who suffer monthly bouts of premenstrual syndrome.

However, experts say that it is likely to be five years or more before the new pill reaches the market.

by Wendy Anne Prosser, a freelance writer and editor.