Types and uses of female sex hormones in tablets. The Newest Birth Control Pills: Freedom of Choice

Female hormones play an extremely important role in the body of the fair sex. Unfortunately, today hormonal imbalance in women is a fairly pressing topic. Very often, the answer to typical questions about how to regulate - increase or decrease the content of hormones - is the thoughtless intake of hormonal medications, among which female sex hormones in tablets stand out.

Hormones have the greatest impact on a woman's health. Estrogen can be called the main sex hormone that is produced in a woman’s ovaries. This hormone is responsible for women's health from the onset of puberty until menopause. Estrogen contributes to the formation of a female figure and soft character. In a word, it makes a woman out of a woman. Estrogen deficiency leads to rapid aging of the body, and increased levels lead to the appearance of various diseases, ranging from excess weight to benign tumors.

Progesterone is also necessary for every healthy woman. This hormone is produced by the corpus luteum of the ovaries and the placenta. It is involved in the distribution of adipose tissue, the development of the genital organs, mammary glands, and determines normal implantation and development of the embryo.

Quite often, female hormones in tablets are used to restore hormonal imbalances in a woman’s body. Hormonal imbalance often leads to serious consequences, expressed in menstrual irregularities, sudden jumps in blood pressure, chronic fatigue, deterioration in the functioning of the digestive system, headaches, and swelling. External changes are also characteristic: flaking of the skin, blackheads, acne, excessive oiliness of the hair on the head, increased hair growth in places atypical for women.

But first of all, it has become widely used, being an integral part of solving the problem of unwanted pregnancy. Due to their ease of use and reliable results, such drugs have been extremely popular for many years.

There are two types of hormonal drugs in tablet form - combined and progestin contraceptives. Combined hormonal drugs (Mersilon, Diane-35, Rigevidon and others) contain a total of analogues of the two main female hormones - estrogen and progesterone. The main mechanism of action of this type of drug is based on a powerful suppression of the ovulation process, a change in the epithelial tissue of the uterus, leading to the impossibility of attachment of a fertilized egg to it. These factors are an extremely effective way to prevent pregnancy. In addition to reliable use as contraception, combined hormonal drugs are recommended for women with painful menstruation who have had an ectopic pregnancy. Interestingly, after completing a course of taking these drugs, some causes of infertility are often eliminated, which helps to increase the likelihood of pregnancy.

Progestin contraceptives (Femulen, Microlut, Continuin and others) contain synthetic analogues of the hormone progesterone. The principle of counteracting unwanted pregnancy is almost similar to the use of combined hormonal drugs. In addition to protecting against unwanted conception, progestin medications are often prescribed to older women to prevent the risk of developing hypertension and thrombosis. Also, after a woman reaches 50 years of age, her ovaries stop working and female sex hormones stop being released. This state of affairs contributes to bone fragility and the leaching of calcium from the female body. A woman’s skin becomes dry, wrinkled, and rashes often occur. Progestin medications are recommended to eliminate the above problems.

To normalize hormonal balance, non-hormonal agents are also used. For example, the domestic drug Mamoclam has proven effectiveness, confirmed in clinical studies. It helps balance hormonal levels, including the thyroid gland. Taking Mamoklam has a positive effect on the regulation of the menstrual cycle, stimulates the regression of cysts and other lumps in the mammary gland, and reduces pain during menstruation. The drug is based on a balanced complex, which contains iodine, chlorophyll and Omega-3 fatty acids.

It should be noted that attempts to independently correct hormonal imbalances and counteract unwanted pregnancy can seriously harm the female body. Female sex hormones in tablets should be taken only as prescribed by a gynecologist or endocrinologist. Correct, dosed intake of medications intended to restore or maintain hormonal balance will significantly improve a woman’s well-being and mood. Be healthy!

Hormonal pills are a group of medications containing hormones or their synthetic analogues. With their help, hormone therapy is carried out.

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Principles of classification

In medicine, hormonal drugs are classified as follows:

preparations of natural hormones (made from the glands of livestock, blood and urine of animals, humans);
synthetic medicines;
derivatives of hormonal substances.

Synthetic analogues differ in their structure from natural hormones, but have similar physiological effects. In the human body, hormones are produced to control vital functions.

Each gland produces certain substances:

the pituitary gland produces gonadotropin, oxytocin;
pancreas - insulin;
adrenal glands - glucocorticosteroids (strong anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, analgesic substances), sex hormones, anabolics.

There is a false belief that hormonal drugs are harmful. Doctors say that drugs of this pharmacological group are an important and necessary addition to complex therapy. Often, medications provide a decent quality of life for severe patients (with chronic pathologies). In some cases, hormonal pills can save the patient's life.

Hormones are prescribed in the following cases:

contraception;
replacement therapy for menopause;
combating testosterone deficiency;
treatment of inflammation, allergies;
combating hormonal deficiency in hypothyroidism, type 1 diabetes, Addison's disease;
oncology therapy.

Oral contraception

This type of therapy is considered the most common way to use hormonal pills. Scientists have proven that high doses of sex hormones inhibit the ovulation process. This releases toxins. Then scientists synthesized hormonoids (substances with high efficiency and excellent tolerability). The resulting product is reliable protection against pregnancy without harming your figure. Extra pounds do not bother you, there is no shock concentration of the substance.

The effectiveness of all contraceptives is assessed using the Pearl index (determines the probability of pregnancy during the year with regular use of medications). The average value of the indicator is up to 3%. Typically, with regular use of contraceptives, the probability of pregnancy rarely exceeds 1%.

Doctors distinguish the following groups of hormonal pills:

1. Combined.
2. Non-combined (mini-pills).
3. Female emergency contraception.

Combined medications

Combination drugs (COCs) are effective means for preventing pregnancy. They contain 2 main components: estrogen and gestagen. Ethinyl estradiol acts as an estrogen, and levonorgestrel, norgestrel, and other synthetic hormones act as a gestagen. The concentration of hormones is minimal, which ensures their safety. Undesirable reactions rarely occur when consumed: excess weight, breast tenderness, anorexia.

Monophasic medications include a constant concentration of hormones in all tablets. Despite the cyclical hormonal changes in the body, monophasic drugs are a strict dose of the hormone that is delivered daily. Doctors believe that these drugs are the best choice for active women under 35 years of age. Logest is the name of an effective drug in this group.

Logest is a hormonal drug produced in Germany. Contains 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol and 75 mcg gestodene. Ideal for young women as it is easy to use and transport.

Lindinet is a complete analogue of Logest. It differs in its dosage (it contains 30 mcg of estrogen). This is a Hungarian drug with excellent tolerability. Janine is a hormonal drug consisting of ethinyl estradiol and gestagen. The Pearl index when using the medication is 1%. It has some differences from other drugs: it has active androgenic activity (thanks to dienogest). Therefore, the medication is primarily prescribed for elevated levels of male sex hormones. New studies have proven that the drug has a strong hypocholesterolemic effect.

Effective drugs

Yarina is considered the most popular contraceptive pill. This German drug contains ethinyl estradiol (30 mcg) and drospirenone (3 mg). The product reduces the concentration of cholesterol and has an antiadrogenic effect. Yarina is an excellent remedy for teenage acne; it is often prescribed for acne due to its ability to slow down the production of sebum and reduce the signs of the disease.

Diane-35 has a pronounced antiandrogenic effect, therefore it is widely used to combat acne and seborrhea. In addition, the drug is recommended for contraception in women with signs of hirsutism (excessive hair growth).

Jess is an effective remedy with antiandrogenic activity. Due to gestagens, all side effects of the drug are neutralized. Therefore, the drug is well tolerated. Jess alleviates the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, having a beneficial effect on cholesterol levels. Low-dose COCs include Rigeviron, Femoden, Novinet, Miniziston, Regulon.

Biphasic medications

Biphasic drugs are complex hormonal tablets, the main difference of which is a higher concentration of gestagen. In this way they support the physiological cycle in the female body.

Three-phase COCs are presented in the form of groups of tablets. The concentration of estrogen is maximum, and the content of gestagen increases from phase 1 to phase 3. These drugs are more modern and act physiologically. Experts advise buying monophasic contraceptives. When the concentration of hormones changes, the dose of active substances increases. This most often provokes the appearance of side effects (especially in biphasic ones). Representatives of two-phase drugs: Anteovin, Bi-Novum. Three-phase drugs are represented by such medications as Triziston, Tri-regol, Trister.

The main action is to prevent the onset of unwanted pregnancy. This action, regardless of the composition and dosage of the medication, is based on blocking sex hormones responsible for ovulatory functions. The ovaries go into “sleep mode” and decrease in size. In a similar way, ovulation is suppressed and the properties of cervical mucus change.

For maximum effect and protection against pregnancy, it is important to use the drugs regularly throughout the entire course of therapy (21 or 28 days). They are taken once a day. What to do when you miss your next pill? It must be drunk as soon as you remember it. Then the drug is taken according to the old regimen, even if you have to take 2 tablets.

For effective and reliable protection, it is important to estimate the duration of the period during which the drugs were not used. Being up to 12 hours late does not require any additional action - protection against pregnancy remains close to 100%. A longer absence of contraception requires the use of additional protection (barrier, spermicidal contraception).

Pros and cons of using COCs

The medications in question have the following advantages:

fight against menstrual disorders, PMS (normalize the cycle, reduce blood loss, minimize signs of PMS);
treatment of acne, seborrhea, acne pathology (for this, COCs with antiandrogenic effects are used);
prevention of benign breast formations;
prevention of the development of ovarian cancer, endometrial carcinoma (protection from pathologies lasts up to 15 years after discontinuation of COCs).

Negative effects from taking combined hormonal drugs:

the likelihood of side effects;
need for daily use.

Contraindications to the use of combination drugs:

thrombotic diseases of deep veins;
diabetes;
oncology;
vaginal bleeding;
liver diseases;
age after 35 years;
alcohol abuse;
drug use;
Many drugs are strictly forbidden to use if the kidneys or adrenal glands are damaged.

What is a "mini-pill"?

By “mini-pill” we mean contraceptives with one component - gestagen. The dose of the substance is minimal. Such medications are prescribed to persons over 35 years of age and to women with a history of diabetes mellitus. Breastfeeding is not a contraindication to their use.

But mini-pills have a lower Pearl index. The use of such drugs provokes intermenstrual bleeding, the occurrence of ovarian cysts, and ectopic pregnancy. The contraceptive effect of the mini-pill decreases significantly if you take them at different times. The most common representatives of the group are Linestrenol and Levonorgestrel.

Urgent contraception is an ambulance in unforeseen situations. They contain high doses of hormones. Known emergency contraceptives:

Postinor;
Escapelle.

Menopause period

Menopause is another reason to use hormones. During this period, the following symptoms appear:

irregular periods;
hot flashes;
sweating;
tachycardia;
vaginal dryness;
osteoporosis.

The reason for such a bright clinical picture of the disease is estrogen deficiency. But the body can be successfully deceived by consuming estrogens. Medicines with a contraceptive effect are ideal.

For this purpose use:

pure estrogen medications;
estrogen-progesterone drugs;
estrogen-progesterone-androgen combinations.

Most often, drugs of the first group are prescribed. They contain a conjugated hormone of animal origin (from the urine of mares). The most popular drugs: Estrofeminal, Premarin, Hormoplex. They should be taken daily at the same time of day for 3 weeks, then a week off.

Representatives of complex two-phase drugs:

1. Divina is a Finnish remedy containing estradiol and gestagen.
2. Klimonorm is a German drug from Bayer. Contains estradiol and levonorgestrel.
3. Clymene includes estradiol and cyproterone.

Three-phase medications are used constantly (Trisiquens, Trisequens forte.)

Replacement therapy: contraindications

There are conditions in which hormonal therapy is strictly prohibited:

breast cancer;
endometrial oncology;
liver damage;
uterine fibroids.

Side effects:

mood swings;
intermenstrual bleeding.

Before prescribing such therapy, a complete examination of patients is carried out. Hormonal treatment is the main way to fight cancer. Similar therapy is used to combat hormonally sensitive tumors. Hormones inhibit the growth of cancer cells, improving the well-being of patients.

Hormonal drugs have become an integral part of the life of modern man. With the help of these drugs, people not only control fertility and treat infertility, but also many other diseases, including those related to the thyroid gland.

Effect on weight

Hormonal pills for gaining weight, or more precisely, muscle mass, exist. Perhaps all athletes know this. And many people believe that any hormonal drugs will have a similar effect. Yet this is not so. Moreover, there are even hormonal diet pills, these are drugs for the treatment of hypothyroidism - a pathology of the thyroid gland when it produces insufficient amounts of hormones. This disease greatly affects a person’s appearance and leads to weight gain, even if nutrition and physical activity remain the same.

Well, hormonal birth control pills sometimes lead to gaining a few extra pounds. However, in the case of new generation drugs, such side effects occur less and less often. The solution is to change hormonal contraceptives, at least the drug, or even find another way to protect against unwanted pregnancy.

Impact on appearance

It is known that modern oral contraceptives may or may not have an antiandrogenic effect. In simple terms, reduce or not reduce the level of “male” hormones in a woman’s body. With a high testosterone content, a woman begins to grow facial hair, acne appears, and her skin becomes oily. Hormonal acne pills can be used. But not all of them. For medicinal purposes, Diana-35 (it must be taken into account that the estrogen content in it is the highest), Yarina and Zhanine are prescribed. The same drugs are recommended for PCOS to normalize the cycle.

Are there hormonal drugs for breast enlargement or is this a myth? What woman doesn't dream of an attractive bust? Indeed, there is evidence that contraceptives can cause visual enlargement of the mammary glands. True, this occurs due to slight tissue swelling and is temporary. It is not observed in all women taking the pill.

Impact on women's health and pregnancy

Often, hormonal contraceptive pills for women are also prescribed to improve a woman’s quality of life and prevent iron deficiency anemia. This is necessary for heavy menstruation. For the same reason, hormonal pills for endometriosis are very often recommended. After all, this disease is most often the cause of large blood loss. You can take any low-dose combined oral contraceptives for endometriosis. But “Janine” is usually prescribed, since the manufacturer of this product assures that it is effective in this particular area. If “Janine” is not suitable for some reason, price, or simply provokes side effects for more than three cycles of use, then you can ask your doctor for the name of hormonal pills that may suit you specifically better than him.

Drugs are often prescribed to treat infertility. If it has an unknown cause, then doctors suggest trying the so-called rebound effect. This is when hormonal drugs are taken for 3-6 months, and after stopping the drug, the woman is actively trying to get pregnant and has unprotected sex life. After all, after stopping contraceptives, the ovaries almost always begin to actively work, and full ovulation occurs.

Usually, menstruation becomes regular when taking hormonal pills, but taking them for a long time can lead to a negative phenomenon in the ovaries; they stop working fully. Once you stop taking it, ovulation does not occur. Due to the very low level of progesterone, there are no periods after hormonal pills, however, this phenomenon is temporary in most cases and does not require treatment. But nevertheless, if there are no real problems, and there is a desire to conceive a child, there is no point in taking contraceptives. The time period when you can become pregnant after taking birth control pills varies greatly, and it is impossible to predict how your body will react to taking and stopping the drug.

In case of infertility, progesterone preparations rather than oral contraceptives are often used. Especially if laboratory studies have repeatedly proven a lack of progesterone in the second phase of the menstrual cycle. The doctor will tell you what hormonal pills to take in this case. Usually "Duphaston" or "Utrozhestan" is prescribed. Moreover, it is advisable to start taking them only after ovulation, so that they do not interfere with its onset. And take for 10 days. If pregnancy has not occurred, which is proven by a pregnancy test, or better yet, a blood test for hCG, then the drug is discontinued and menstruation begins. If pregnancy occurs, then taking the progesterone drug should be continued.

What harm can hormonal pills cause? Everything is described in the instructions. But one of the most common is the growth of uterine fibroids, if it is progesterone-dependent. Modern doctors advise women who have this gynecological disease to be very careful with such drugs and not take them for prophylactic purposes.

Only one question remains open - these are hormonal pills for menopause for women after 45 years. The so-called hormone replacement therapy when a woman reaches menopause is a means to preserve beauty and health for a long time. But unfortunately, HRT has many contraindications and side effects.

Hormonal drugs are a group of drugs used for hormone therapy and containing hormones or their synthesized analogues.

The effect of hormonal drugs on the body has been studied quite well, and most studies are freely available to a wide range of readers.

There are hormonal products containing hormones of natural origin (they are made from the glands of slaughter cattle, urine and blood of various animals and humans), including plant ones, and synthetic hormones and their analogues, which, naturally, differ from natural ones in their chemical composition , however, produce the same physiological effect on the body.

Hormonal agents are prepared in the form of oil and water formulations for intramuscular or subcutaneous administration, as well as in the form of tablets and ointments (creams).

Effect

Traditional medicine uses hormonal drugs for diseases that are associated with insufficient production of certain hormones by the human body, for example, deficiency of insulin in diabetes, sex hormones in decreased ovarian function, triiodothyronine in myxedema. This therapy is called replacement therapy and is carried out over a very long period of the patient’s life, and sometimes throughout his entire life. Also, hormonal drugs, in particular those containing glucocorticoids, are prescribed as antiallergic or anti-inflammatory drugs, and mineralocorticoids are prescribed for myasthenia gravis.

Important female hormones

A very large number of hormones “work” in the female body. Their coordinated work allows a woman to feel like a woman.

Estrogens

These are “female” hormones that stimulate the growth and function of the female genital organs and the growth of the mammary glands. In addition, they are responsible for the appearance of female secondary sexual characteristics, i.e., breast enlargement, fat deposition and the formation of female-type muscles. In addition, these hormones are responsible for the cyclicity of menstruation. They are produced by the ovaries in women, the testes in men, and the adrenal cortex in both sexes. These hormones affect bone growth and water-salt balance. After menopause, women have less estrogen. This can lead to hot flashes, sleep disturbances and atrophy of the genitourinary system. Also, a lack of estrogen can be a cause of osteoporosis that develops in postmenopause.

Androgens

Produced by the ovaries in women, the testes in men, and the adrenal cortex in both sexes. These hormones can be called “male” hormones. In certain concentrations, they cause women to develop male secondary sexual characteristics (deepening of the voice, growth of facial hair, baldness, growth of muscle mass “in the wrong places”). Androgens increase libido in both sexes.

A large amount of androgens in the female body can lead to partial atrophy of the mammary glands, uterus and ovaries and infertility. During pregnancy, under the influence of excess amounts of these substances, a miscarriage may occur. Androgens can reduce the secretion of vaginal lubrication, making sexual intercourse painful for the woman.

Progesterone

Progesterone is called the “pregnancy” hormone. It is produced by the corpus luteum of the ovaries, and during pregnancy also by the placenta. Progesterone helps maintain pregnancy, stimulates the development of the mammary glands and “prepares” the uterus for bearing a fetus. During pregnancy, its level increases 15 times. This hormone helps us get the most nutrients from what we eat and increases our appetite. During pregnancy, these are very useful qualities, but if its formation increases at other times, this contributes to the appearance of extra pounds.

Luteinizing hormone

Produced by the pituitary gland. It regulates the secretion of estrogen by the ovaries in women, and is also responsible for ovulation and the development of the corpus luteum.

Follicle-stimulating hubbub

Synthesized by the pituitary gland. Stimulates the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles, estrogen secretion and ovulation. Gonadotropic hormones (FSH - follicle-stimulating hormone, LH - luteinizing hormone and prolactin), produced in the adenohypophysis, determine the sequence of maturation of follicles in the ovary, ovulation (the release of the egg), the development and functioning of the corpus luteum."

Prolactin

This hormone is also produced by the pituitary gland. In addition, the mammary gland, placenta, central nervous system and immune system are involved in its secretion. Prolactin stimulates the growth and development of the mammary glands and is involved in the formation of maternal instinct. It is necessary for lactation, increases milk secretion and converts colostrum into milk.

This hormone prevents the occurrence of a new pregnancy while breastfeeding the baby. It is also involved in providing orgasm and has an analgesic effect. Prolactin is called a stress hormone. Its production increases under stressful conditions, anxiety, depression, severe pain, psychosis, and the influence of unfavorable external factors.

All these hormones are very important for the proper functioning of a woman’s body. They allow the female body to function normally.

Features of hormonal drugs

Such a broad concept as “hormonal drugs” includes various medications:

Contraceptives.
Treatments (drugs that cure diseases, for example, somatotropin in childhood treats dwarfism caused by its deficiency).
Regulating (various tablets for normalizing the menstrual cycle or hormonal levels).
Supportive (insulin for diabetics).

They all have different effects on a woman’s body.

Contraceptives

Without contraceptives, it is difficult to avoid unwanted pregnancy, and constantly using condoms or other mechanical methods of protection can be inconvenient. Therefore, many drugs have been developed for the fairer sex, which do not cause pregnancy.

Most often, the effect of contraceptives is that they prevent the egg from attaching to the walls of the uterus, so the development of the fetus becomes impossible. The use of contraceptives in the form of pills is popular today, but along with the positive qualities, there are also negative consequences for the woman’s body:

menstrual irregularities (due to incorrect selection of the drug);
swelling and weight gain (due to the body not taking medications);
hair loss, brittle nails and dry skin (due to improper selection);
lethargy, poor health, decreased libido.

But all these qualities in 90% of cases manifest themselves due to incorrect or independent selection of contraceptives. Only a gynecologist can select such serious medications, because for this it is necessary to analyze the woman’s hormonal data. Under no circumstances prescribe oral contraceptives on your own, because just because some contraceptives didn’t make one girl feel bad, this doesn’t mean that they will suit others.

But not everyone can use this method of protection.

There are several contraindications for the use of hormonal contraceptives:

presence of problems with the background;
taking antibiotics;
pregnancy;
problems with the cardiovascular system;
age less than 17 years;
excess weight and allergic reactions.

During the period of such protection, chronic diseases may worsen. Discuss all the details with your doctor or gynecologist before you start taking contraceptives.

Side effects

Instructions for hormonal contraceptives sometimes list mental disorders as side effects. These are usually depression and anxiety disorders. Fear attacks or panic attacks are not always indicated separately because they are often reduced simply to anxiety disorders. Although they deserve special attention and can greatly ruin the life of a woman who uses contraceptives. According to research conducted by the Royal Society of General Practitioners, women taking hormonal contraception have an increased risk of mental illness, neurotic depression (10-40%), the development of psychosis, and suicide. Aggression increases, and changes in mood and behavior are noted. It is possible that this factor has a significant impact on the life of the family and society.

If we consider that the mood of women is influenced even by the normally observed fluctuations in the levels of endogenous hormones during the menstrual cycle (for example, according to data from France and England, 85% of crimes committed by women occur in their premenstrual period), it becomes clear why when taking GC aggression and depression increase by 10-40%.

Under the influence of contraception, the level of the hormone testosterone, which is responsible for sexuality, is significantly reduced. Women taking hormonal contraceptives often complain of a lack of desire, lack of sexual desire, and difficulty achieving orgasm. It is known that with long-term use of hormonal contraceptives, irreversible changes in the area of sexuality and libido can occur. Due to the blocking of testosterone, very young girls using contraceptives experience sexual coldness, often anorgasmia.

When taking hormonal contraceptives, special attention should be paid to the following recommendations:

pills intended to protect against unwanted pregnancy do not protect the female body from sexually transmitted diseases;
women over 35 years of age should stop smoking when taking combined contraceptive pills, as in this case the risk of vascular blockage increases significantly;
During breastfeeding, it is undesirable to use tablets of a combined composition, since the estrogen in their composition affects the quality and composition of milk. In this case, tablets containing only the corpus luteum hormone are prescribed;
if nausea, dizziness, or stomach upset occur, you should consult a specialist;
if you are prescribed medications, you must inform your doctor that you are taking hormonal contraceptives;
if there is a miss in taking pills, then there is a need to use additional contraceptives, for example, condoms;
For women with severe forms of endocrine diseases, for example, diabetes mellitus, as well as those with pathology of the heart and blood vessels, neoplasms, taking oral contraceptives is undesirable.

Treating

This group treats the body from diseases and disorders. Such hormonal preparations can be in the form of tablets or external use. The former are used to treat serious diseases caused by hormonal imbalances. The latter affect more locally, at the places of use.

Often, girls synthesize few hormones responsible for the synthesis of new cells, so cracks or bleeding wounds appear on the skin, especially in winter, and do not heal. To treat them, a dermatologist may prescribe a cream, ointment, or lotion with certain hormones.

Often, ointments contain corticosteroids, which, when applied to the skin, are absorbed into the blood within a few hours and begin to act. How does this group affect the body? This issue should be taken seriously, because the medications that are used most require attention when prescribing, determining the dosage and duration of the course, because the wrong step will cause complications of existing disorders.

Regulatory

Due to the crazy pace of life, daily poor nutrition, bad habits, sedentary lifestyle and new-fangled diets, women often suffer from menstrual irregularities. This negatively affects the development of the reproductive system, the general condition of the body, increases the risk of developing breast cancer, and can also cause infertility. But there is a solution to this problem, because most often the cycle goes wrong due to changes in hormonal levels.

Therefore, a detailed blood test is taken for these substances. Such procedures are not cheap, because working with hormones is very difficult, but remember: treating the consequences of disorders will cost much more, so take care of your body in a timely manner.

After identifying specific hormones that are deficient or in excess, a course of medications is prescribed to regulate their levels. These could be pills or injections. Often, gynecologists prescribe oral contraceptives to normalize the menstrual cycle. Don't be afraid, they are not trying to deceive or make things worse. Depending on the test results, some hormonal remedies actually improve menstruation without causing negative consequences. The influence of regulatory agents depends on the correctness of their selection and dosage, because the body requires active substances in the smallest doses, so it is very easy to cross the line of the norm. For example, if you overdo it with progesterone injections when there is a lack of it, you may experience swelling, nausea, hair loss and pain in the mammary glands.

Supporters

These pills or injections keep the body normal if diseases or disorders can no longer be cured. This may be due to chronic diseases, constant malfunctions, poor functioning of endocrine organs, and others. For example, without insulin injections, a diabetic can die within a few days, even if he does not eat sweets.

Thyroxine tablets can stop the development of myxedema in people with thyroid dysfunction.

These drugs can often cause harm:

loading the gastrointestinal tract;
irritating the mucous membranes of the stomach or intestines;
causing hair loss or other unpleasant symptoms.

But it is impossible to refuse them, because these are the drugs that keep the patient alive.

Hormonal drugs have a profound effect on a woman’s body, especially if they are oral contraceptives or regulating agents. Therefore, remember that only a specialist can prescribe them after detailed tests. Tablets, injections, ointments and other medications with hormones often disrupt the functioning of the digestive system, excretory system, and can cause weakness, so consult your doctor if such symptoms occur.

Common Myths

Hormonal drugs are very harmful to health and should not be used under any circumstances. This is an erroneous opinion. Hormonal drugs have a diverse systemic effect on the body, and, like any other medicine, can cause side effects. However, abortion, from which these drugs protect almost 100 percent, is much more dangerous for a woman’s health.
I will take the hormonal medications that helped my friend (sister, acquaintance). I should not self-prescribe hormones (like any other medications). These drugs are prescription drugs and should only be prescribed by a doctor after an examination, taking into account all the characteristics of your body (which, by the way, may be completely opposite to the characteristics of the body of your friend or even relative).
Hormonal drugs should not be used by nulliparous women and girls under 20 years old. This is a completely erroneous opinion. Hormonal contraceptives can be used even by adolescents, especially if it is necessary to achieve a certain therapeutic effect.
After using hormones for a long time, you don’t have to worry about getting pregnant. Not at all. Already a month after finishing taking the drugs, it becomes possible to get pregnant, and even give birth to twins or triplets, since 2-3 eggs mature in the ovary. Some forms of infertility are treated by prescribing contraceptives for 3-4 months.
After a certain time (six months, a year, etc.) you should take a break from taking hormonal drugs. This opinion is erroneous, since breaks in taking the drug do not affect either the appearance (or non-occurrence) of complications or the ability to bear children after taking medications. If there is a need and, in the opinion of the doctor, there are no contraindications to constant use, hormonal drugs can be used continuously and for as long as desired.
Nursing mothers should not take hormones. This statement is only true for some pills that affect lactation. However, there are tablets containing only a small amount of the hormone that do not affect lactation. You just need to remember that these tablets must be used strictly every 24 hours continuously. Even a minimal deviation from the hours of administration completely destroys the contraceptive effect of this drug.
Hormonal pills can make you gain a lot of weight. Hormonal pills do have an effect on appetite, but for some it increases and for others it decreases. It is impossible to predict exactly how the drug will affect you. If a woman tends to be overweight or if her body weight increases while taking it, the doctor prescribes drugs with a low content of gestagens, which are responsible for weight gain.
Hormonal drugs are created only to prevent pregnancy in women; there are no drugs of this kind for men. This is wrong. Hormonal drugs are drugs obtained synthetically and acting like natural hormones produced in our body. These kinds of drugs do not necessarily have a contraceptive effect, and can be prescribed to both women and men (depending on the type of drug) to normalize the function of the reproductive system, normalize hormonal levels, etc.
Only very severe diseases are treated with hormonal drugs. Not necessary. In the treatment of some mild diseases, hormonal drugs are also prescribed. For example, when thyroid function decreases, thyroxine or euthyrox is used.
Hormones accumulate in the body. Erroneous opinion. Once in the body, hormones almost immediately break down into chemical compounds, which are then excreted from the body. For example, a birth control pill breaks down and leaves the body within 24 hours: that is why it needs to be taken every 24 hours. After the end of taking hormonal drugs, the effect of their influence is maintained not due to the accumulation of drugs in the body, but due to the fact that hormones act on various organs (ovaries, uterus, mammary glands, parts of the brain), normalizing their functioning.
Pregnant women are not prescribed hormonal medications. If a woman had hormonal disorders before pregnancy, then during pregnancy she needs medicinal support so that the production of female and male hormones is normal and the child develops normally. Hormones (for example, adrenal hormones) are also used if the hormonal balance of a woman’s body is disrupted during pregnancy.
In any case, hormonal drugs can be replaced with other drugs. Unfortunately, this is not the case. In some situations, hormonal drugs are irreplaceable (for example, if a woman under 50 has had her ovaries removed). And sometimes hormonal treatment is prescribed by a neuropsychiatrist (for example, for depression).

Female hormones in tablets are very effective drugs, which are presented by modern pharmacology. However, not everyone understands the dangers of these medications and the consequences of their improper use. Nowadays, you can purchase any hormone that is produced by the human body, or its artificial analogue.

Hormones produced in the form of tablets are produced by the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, pituitary gland and reproductive system. Thus, a patient with hormonal imbalance has the opportunity to receive the highest quality and effective treatment for a deficiency of one or another substance. Hormonal drugs are widely used in gynecology. Sex steroids are most often used here. Treatment and prevention of some dangerous diseases of the female genitourinary system cannot be done without them. Moreover, oral contraceptives, which many representatives of the fair half of humanity love so much, are also hormonal means.

Drugs of this type are very effective. But for all their power, they can also be dangerous if taken incorrectly. Only after consulting a doctor and determining the optimal dosage and dosage regimen can you use hormonal pills.

Elements that are classified as sex hormones are produced in the body of representatives of the fair half of humanity by the corpus luteum, adrenal glands and ovaries. All hormonal drugs of this type are divided into 3 categories: estrogens, gestagens and androgens. It is interesting that the latter are masculine substances. However, they are also produced in certain quantities by representatives of the fair half of humanity. The concentration is very low. If the permissible norm is exceeded, this can cause negative consequences and the appearance of male characteristics in a woman’s body.

For the fair sex, the main hormones are estrogens and gestagens. The main amount is progesterone and estradiol. The first is produced by the corpus luteum, so at a certain period of the menstrual cycle there is quite a lot of it in the female body. Estradiol is produced directly by the ovaries. This substance plays an important role for human health. Its quantity should be optimal. Otherwise, a serious hormonal imbalance may occur, which will cause the development of dangerous diseases.

Thanks to hormones, sexual characteristics appear in the female body, the reproductive system develops, mammary glands grow, including their enlargement during pregnancy and breastfeeding, maturation and successful fertilization of the egg occurs, without which procreation is impossible. Moreover, it is hormonal changes that make it possible to maintain the endometrium in the correct state at a certain stage of the menstrual cycle. In addition, without a sufficient amount of sex hormones, a normal pregnancy is impossible. A deficiency of one or another substance will lead to spontaneous abortion or the child will develop abnormally.

Hormonal changes immediately affect a woman’s appearance. If the body does not produce enough of certain substances, it will cause skin rashes, hair loss and increased sebum production. An excess of certain elements can lead to the appearance of excess weight in the background. Getting rid of this problem can be quite difficult. In addition, you need to take into account that sex hormones are responsible for the high-quality removal of bad cholesterol. If cholesterol metabolism is not active enough, this will lead to clogging of blood vessels.

How do hormonal contraceptives work?

The most famous hormonal pills are oral contraceptives. Many women prefer just such means to protect against unwanted pregnancy. But you need to keep in mind that hormonal contraceptives are very powerful drugs, so their use should be agreed with your doctor.

The action of hormonal contraceptives is aimed at slowing down ovulation, reducing the thickness of the endometrium, which prevents the cell from gaining a foothold in the uterus and further developing, as well as increasing the viscosity of mucus in the cervix. All this becomes possible due to a sharp change in hormonal levels.

But this type of hormonal drug can be used not only to protect against unwanted pregnancy. The tablets normalize hormonal levels, which leads to an improvement in the condition of the scalp and face, a reduction in swelling and the severity of PMS and menstrual pain. Sometimes hormonal pills () are prescribed to patients in order to reduce the production of androgenic hormones.

Drugs of this type most often become the basis of therapy in the treatment of endometriosis and polycystic disease. In addition, hormonal agents should be used for frequent menstrual irregularities and heavy bleeding. But you cannot prescribe medications yourself. The correct dosage and dosage regimen should be determined by the attending physician after a thorough examination of the patient.

Types of hormonal pills

To treat and protect against unwanted pregnancy, medications based on estrogens with gestagens or consisting exclusively of gestagens are taken. Recently, drugs with a minimum number of side effects have begun to be used, but this does not mean that they can be taken without first consulting a doctor.

Female sex hormones in tablets are divided into gestagens, single-phase, biphasic and triphasic combination products. The latter are considered one of the most reliable when it comes to protection against unwanted pregnancy. Studies have shown that when using such drugs, ovulation is completely suppressed.

Single-phase drugs are most often prescribed to representatives of the fair sex who have already gone through childbirth. Two- and three-phase hormonal pills are mainly used by young girls.

Progestin agents are considered far from the most reliable. However, they are often prescribed to young mothers who are breastfeeding. Progestin contraceptives have a minimal number of contraindications.

It is impossible not to mention such a category of drugs as emergency contraception. Such remedies can prevent pregnancy if you manage to use them within 3 days after unprotected sexual intercourse. Considering the high effectiveness of such products, they are in no case recommended to be used more than 2 times a year. You should first consult your doctor.

Drugs during pregnancy

If a woman's body does not produce enough pregnancy hormone, this can lead to miscarriage or abnormal development of the child. In such situations, maintenance therapy is prescribed.

Most often, in this case, expectant mothers are prescribed drugs that can replace natural progesterone. Hormonal tablets of this type include Utrozhestan and Duphaston. They can not only support pregnancy, but also treat infertility. The medication regimen is prescribed by the gynecologist. The duration of treatment ranges from 2 weeks to several months.

Medicines for menopause

Hormone replacement therapy plays an important role during menopause. During this period, a serious hormonal imbalance occurs in a woman’s body. Therefore, it is necessary to normalize the situation with special tablets.

Depending on what symptoms the patient exhibits, the doctor may prescribe estrogens or combination drugs. Most often these are the drugs Premarin, Klimonorm and Trisequence. In cases where the symptoms of hormonal imbalance are not clearly expressed, herbal medicines, such as Remens, can be used. To normalize hormonal levels, tea made from sage, hops, oregano, licorice and linden is recommended.