What are hormonal drugs harm and benefit. Adverse reactions of hormonal drugs

Medical preparations, which include natural or artificial hormones, you have to drink according to different reasons and women are more likely to do so. We drink them when we are afraid of getting pregnant or vice versa, we really want to conceive a child, and hormones also help to cope with menopause, acne and even cancer. However, many ladies are still afraid of this terrible word, depriving themselves of many opportunities. When are hormonal pills appropriate? Consider important points.

The effect of hormonal pills

The vast majority of the processes occurring in the body in one way or another involve hormones produced by the glands and are responsible both for metabolism in general and for many individual functions such as growth, reproduction, processing of substances. The human body constantly monitors the presence of hormones in the blood and, if they are deficient, tries to increase production, which means a change in the function of the gland. By using hormonal pills systems can be rebalanced.

Contraceptive drugs have an effect on the body as a whole. Long term use of such pills reduces the risk of cancer by about 50 percent. In addition, hormones help make more regular cycle in the female body, and the periods themselves often become less unpleasant. Drugs also help in eliminating acne, which is often a sign hormonal imbalance.

Indications and contraindications

Prescribe hormones for different situations but the main points are:

Endocrine diseases.
Deficiency in the production of hormones by the body (drugs are used for stimulating effects to restore the previous hormonal balance, often this is done to normalize the menstrual cycle in the body and return the opportunity to conceive a child).
Problems with the female reproductive system (hormonal substances normalize menstrual cycle, stop dysfunctional bleeding from the uterus, promote ovulation, bring the body to the required level for conception hormonal balance).
Mastopathy or fibroids (to reduce the rate of cell division in the mammary glands and uterus).
Contraception.
Acne, pimples.
Menopause (to restore balance in the body and prevent the occurrence of arterial hypertension, osteoporosis and other problems).

General contraindications are also available, here they are:

Smoking.
Increased clotting blood.
Cardiovascular diseases.
Excess weight.
Liver and kidney failure.
Migraines with focal neurological symptoms.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Increased Risk thrombosis.
Hormone dependent diseases.
Oncology.
vaginal bleeding.
Diabetes.
Pancreatitis.

Side effects

Hormones can cause side effects in the body that include unwanted hair growth, skin problems, and more. When taking contraceptives, they can vary from unpleasant discharge and swelling of the mammary glands to allergic reactions, you can still drastically gain weight. Stopping the drug immediately often does not have the desired effect, since the effect of hormones can be prolonged, it will take the body some time to return to normal. normal condition.

Types of hormonal pills

Drugs are divided into groups of hormones:

glands of the adrenal cortex, which include glucocorticosteroids, used to combat allergies and inflammation, and also as painkillers.
thyroid gland, are applied if it produces them in small quantities or, conversely, too much.
sexual, which include androgens, estrogens, gestagens.
anabolic drugs.
pituitary gland, such as oxytocin and chorionic gonadotropin.
pancreas, one of which is insulin.

The use of hormonal drugs

Hormonal preparations are used in cases where the human body is not able to independently provide itself with the necessary amount of hormones. Such therapy is called substitution therapy, since the patient is forced to resort to it for a long time, which can often be extended to all the remaining years. Medicines containing glucocorticoids are used to combat allergies.

Contraceptive

Contraceptives are one of the most right ways to avoid unwanted pregnancy. The method of their action is the influence of female hormones on the reproductive system in order to prevent ovulation and conception. The choice of the drug should be carried out by a gynecologist, when using an incorrectly selected contraceptive, many health problems may occur, up to liver diseases and vein thrombosis. Let's look at which birth control pills are the most popular:

"Diana 35". This is an oral contraceptive, characterized by a low content of hormones. In addition to direct contraception, it is used to treat seborrhea, problems with high level male hormones in the female body, acne and polycystic ovary syndrome. The drug affects ovulation, protecting against unwanted pregnancy. After stopping the hormonal agent, the girl can become pregnant again.
Lindinet 20. Modern remedy latest generation contraceptives. These pills contain completely insignificant hormonal doses, which negates the side effects. Already with a three-month intake of the drug, the normalization of the cycle is noted, menstruation becomes less unpleasant. Reduces the likelihood of endometriosis, cancer of the uterus or ovaries, mastopathy.
"Jess". Contraceptive pills are effective tool in the fight against acne, oily skin face, because it counteracts male sex hormones. Often, gynecologists prescribe Jess contraceptive pills to girls from the age of 14 in order to combat acne and eliminate especially painful menstruation. A feature of the hormonal drug is that it cannot affect weight in any way.
"Regulon". The composition of this drug includes gestagen and ethinyl estradiol, which act jointly on the pituitary gland, hormones make cervical mucus denser and more difficult to ovulate, which prevents sperm from entering the uterus and fertilization.
"Janine". Tablets that are monophasic combined contraceptive, contain gestagen and ethinylestradiol, which thicken the cervical mucus, affect ovulation, preventing spermatozoa from fertilizing.
"Midian". It is an oral contraceptive based on drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol, which affect the endometrium. Suppresses ovulation and prevents the fertilization of the egg.

Estrogens

The level of estrogen hormones is significantly higher in women. There are three types:

estrone produced during menopause;
estradiol, produced by all women reproductive age;
estriol produced by the placenta during pregnancy.

But sometimes the level of estrogen does not correspond to the norm, this happens due to bleeding, problems with bearing a child, infertility, the presence of tumors in the reproductive system and breasts. The estrogens are the following drugs:

"Dermestril". Contains estradiol and is used in menopause, eliminating hot flashes, postmenopausal osteoporosis, urogenital atrophy, sleep and mood problems.
"Divigel". Has as active substance estradiol. This drug is distinguished by its favorable influence for the development of specific female organs, such as the fallopian tubes ducts of mammary glands. It has a positive effect on the development of female secondary sexual characteristics, normalizes menstruation. IN large doses the hormone is able to reduce lactation, produce endometrial hyperplasia.

Thyroid gland

Levothyroxine sodium and triiodothyronine are thyroid hormones. If their level in the body decreases, this leads to such consequences as atherosclerosis, cognitive decline, a set excess weight, anemia. In the absence of diagnosis, treatment, problems with the thyroid gland can occur even in young people and result in dysfunction of other organs, apathy, loss of strength.

Thyroxine is a synthetic thyroid hormone. After passing through the kidneys and liver, it affects the growth, development of tissues in the body, as well as metabolism in general. Thyroxine affects the metabolism of fats and proteins, increases oxygen consumption, improves the functioning of the cardiovascular and nervous systems. At higher doses and long-term use affects the work of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland.

How to drink hormonal pills

If the doctor has decided to prescribe hormones, do not argue, but listen. He will prescribe a course of examinations to make sure that the hormonal drug can be drunk and there will be no harm to the body, and then determine the dosage. If you are going to drink birth control, then consult a gynecologist. After making an analysis for hormones and finding out what is missing, the doctor will be able to prescribe a remedy. The gynecologist also examines the breast for the presence of oncology, since hormonal preparations for tumors are not prescribed.

How to take contraceptives? In a certain order, once a day, to facilitate the blister, the days of the week are indicated, it will be difficult to make a mistake, miss a dose. The first tablet should be taken on the 1st day of menstruation or on the 5th, if it was not possible earlier. Later, this should not be done, because there will be a risk of becoming pregnant. Don't forget and miss daily intake. One blister is designed for a month, there are tablets with the expectation of continuous intake, there are for 21 days (with a break of a week).

For breast augmentation

It is considered undeniable that the shape and size of the female mammary glands depend on genetic factors. At the same time, one should not forget that the female breast influenced by the female hormone estrogen. Some hormonal pills affect its production, resulting in changes in size. This effect is exerted by prolactin, which acts on estrogen receptors in the breast, and progesterone, which promotes the growth of breast tissue.

Taking hormonal drugs requires a careful approach, only the doctor will tell you what dosage you need. So, there are hormones that you can drink 4 times a day with an interval of 4 hours. It is worth noting that it will not be superfluous to use a special cream to increase the bust, in addition, taking such drugs requires careful attention to the diet. In order not to lead to the production of testosterone, you should forget about sweet, starchy foods, reduce protein intake.

For pregnancy

To determine the hormones that can help in the conception of a child, you will have to take urine and blood tests that will allow you to understand the state of the body. The ovaries produce estradiol, which is involved in the preparation of the uterus for conception, as well as testosterone, progesterone, a follicle-stimulating hormone responsible for eggs. male testosterone at his elevated level in the female body makes it difficult to conceive, interfering with the normal course of pregnancy.

Progesterone, sometimes called the maternal hormone, is essential for the development of a baby in the womb. Conception is due normal function thyroid gland and pituitary gland. The latter is responsible for prolactin, which stimulates lactation and ovulation, and for luteotropin, which controls the production of estrogen in the female body. If conception does not occur for a long time, women are sometimes prescribed Femoston: it contains estradiol and dydrogesterone, which normalize and maintain the required hormonal level. This drug is a mixture of estrogen and progesterone.

For weight gain

Taking hormonal drugs can lead to weight gain. This is used by athletes who want to build muscle by using steroids, which include corticosteroids and sex hormones. In Russia, they are banned, which forced them to look for other ways, one of which turned out to be somatostatin, a growth hormone that can increase muscle mass.

However, you should be careful: hormones for weight gain should not be used without medical supervision. The doctor prescribes them to people with anorexia, emaciated, excessively thin. The drug "Duphaston" is very common: it was created for ladies who want to get pregnant, but for those who want to gain weight, it fits perfectly. Hormonal agents are prescribed after consulting an endocrinologist, he determines the dosage of the drug.

For acne

Hormone therapy is effective for acne. The use of drugs containing hormones will prevent excessive production sebum. However, you need to be on the lookout, because they can lead to a deterioration in mood, weight gain and headaches as a side effect. At the end of the course, acne may return, and to prevent this from happening, it is necessary simultaneous application antibacterial drugs, and preferably not antibiotics, but natural substances.

Subcutaneous fat is formed with the participation of androgens, which are most actively produced by the female body during menstruation. This leads to the appearance of acne on the skin on such days. It is possible to eliminate this phenomenon by means of hormonal tablets containing progesterone and estrogen, which will help the body maintain a balance of androgens. For this purpose, it is often prescribed birth control pills, such as "Jess": they drink them in a course, one tablet a day.

What drugs to choose

It is not uncommon for women to base their decision on choosing one of the hormonal contraceptives based on advertisements or what their girlfriends say. Such a situation is unacceptable, because only a gynecologist after all necessary analyzes, examination of the body may recommend any of the remedies. If you decide to choose a hormonal drug on your own, then it may not only not have the desired effect, but harm your health, even death.

Video

In the plot of the TV show, the obstetrician-gynecologist will tell you how and at what moment they act hormonal contraceptives on the body, why you should not be afraid to drink the drug. The doctor explains why birth control pills are good for acne, how they prevent uterine and ovarian cancer, and explains the benefits of the intrauterine ring and IUD for treating some gynecological diseases such as endometriosis.

Contraceptives for acne

This group medicines used for hormone therapy. The effect of such drugs on the body has been studied well enough so that it does not cause concern.

Such a broad group as hormonal drugs includes the following categories of drugs:

Contraceptives.
Therapeutic (drugs whose action is aimed at curing a disease caused by a lack of a hormone).
Regulatory (for example, to normalize the menstrual cycle).
Maintenance (insulin for diabetics).

All drugs affect the body and women in different ways. It all depends on the general condition of the body, the presence of serious diseases and the state of the immune system.

Medications

This group is used for hormone therapy and is available in the form of tablets and ointments. Pills treat serious illness caused by deviations in hormonal sphere, and ointments have a local effect.

In girls who lack hormone production, the skin suffers from cracks and wounds in winter period because the synthesis of new cells is disrupted. To deal with such an annoyance. The doctor prescribes creams, ointments and lotions containing hormones. Usually corticosteroids are included in the ointment, which are absorbed into the blood after a few hours.

Such drugs can seriously affect the body. Therefore, it is important to maintain the dosage and, when prescribing, immediately determine the duration of the course, since one wrong step can lead to complications of existing problems.

Regulatory drugs

Due to lifestyle modern woman, deteriorating nutrition and polluted ecology, many of the fair sex are faced with menstrual irregularities. This can affect not only the genital area of the body, but also general condition organism. Hormonal disorders may lead to the development oncological diseases breasts, as well as infertility. The action of hormonal drugs can help solve problems.

However, before admission, it is necessary to conduct examinations and tests. First, a blood test is performed for certain substances. He will be able to identify either their excess. Such tests are quite expensive, but in order to solve problems, it is necessary to start treatment in a timely manner. After detecting a deficiency or excess of hormones, regulation of their content begins. For this, courses of injections or tablets are prescribed. Properly selected oral contraceptives will help normalize the cycle without harm to health.

Any remedy containing hormones requires scrupulousness in determining the dosage, as to cross the line required dose simple enough. For example, exceeding the norm can lead to hair loss, swelling and pain in the mammary glands.

Hormonal preparations can be made on the basis of hormones natural origin or it is a synthetically produced substance. With a course of hormonal therapy aimed at normalization hormonal background and normalization of metabolic processes. Depending on the functional state of one or another gland, hormone therapy is conditionally divided into replacement, stimulating and blocking.

Negative effects of hormones

For the body of both men and women, the use of hormonal drugs can cause such backfire, How:

osteoporosis and mucosal ulcers duodenum and the stomach itself when taking glucocorticoids;
weight loss and cardiac arrhythmia when taking thyroid hormone preparations;
too much a sharp decline blood sugar while taking insulin.

The effect of hormonal ointments on the body

Preparations containing hormones for external use can vary greatly in the degree of impact on the body. Ointments and creams are considered the most powerful, gels and lotions contain lower concentrations. Hormonal ointments are used to treat skin diseases and allergic manifestations. Their action is aimed at eliminating the causes of inflammation and irritation on the skin.

However, if we compare ointments with tablets or injections, then their harm is minimal, since absorption into the blood occurs in small doses. In some cases, the use of ointments can lead to a decrease in the productivity of the adrenal glands, but after the end of the course of treatment, their functionality is restored on their own.

The effect of hormonal contraceptives on the body of a woman

Features of the influence of hormonal drugs on the human body are that many factors are perceived purely individually. The use of such drugs is not only an interference with natural physiological processes, but also the impact on the functioning of body systems during the day. Therefore, the decision to prescribe hormonal drugs can only be taken by experienced doctor based on results comprehensive examination and analyses.

Hormonal contraceptives can be made in various forms and dosages:

combined;
mini-drank;
injections;
plasters;
subcutaneous implants;
postcoidal drugs;
hormone rings.

Combination preparations contain substances similar to female hormones produced by the ovaries. To be able to choose the optimal medicine, all groups of drugs can be monophasic, biphasic and triphasic. They differ in the proportions of hormones.

Knowing about the properties of gestagens and estrogens, certain mechanisms of action can be distinguished oral contraceptives:

decrease in the secretion of gonadotropic hormones due to the effects of progestogen;
increased acidity of the vagina due to the influence of estrogens;
increased viscosity of cervical mucus;
in each instruction there is the phrase "implantation of the egg", which is a veiled abortive action drugs.

In the time that has passed since the appearance of the first oral contraceptives, the debate about the safety of the use of drugs does not subside, and research in this area continues.

What hormones are in contraceptives

Typically, hormonal contraceptives use progestogens, which are also called progestins and progestogens. These are hormones that are produced corpus luteum ovaries, in small amounts by the adrenal cortex and during pregnancy by the placenta. The main gestagen is progesterone, which helps prepare the uterus in a state favorable for the development of a fertilized egg.

Another component of oral contraceptives is. Estrogens are produced by the ovarian follicles and the adrenal cortex. Estrogens include three main hormones: estriol and estrogen. These hormones are needed in contraceptives to normalize the menstrual cycle, but not to protect against unwanted conception.

Side effects of hormonal drugs

Each drug has a number of side effects that can occur when a decision is made to immediately stop the drug.

The most frequently recorded cases of side effects of hormonal drugs:

Hemolytic-uremic syndrome. It is manifested by such disorders as anemia, thrombocytopenia and acute renal failure.
Porphyria, which is a violation of the synthesis of hemoglobin.
Hearing loss due to otosclerosis.

All manufacturers of hormonal drugs indicate thromboembolism as a side effect, which is extremely rare. This condition is a blockage of the vessel by a thrombus. If the side effects outweigh the benefits of the medication, it should be discontinued.

Side effects of oral contraceptives are:

(lack of menstrual flow);
headache;
blurred vision;
change in blood pressure;
depression;
weight gain;
soreness in the mammary glands.

Studies on the side effects of oral contraceptives

IN foreign countries Studies are constantly being conducted on the side effects of hormonal drugs on a woman's body, which revealed the following facts:

Hormonal contraceptives are used by more than 100 million women in different countries.
The number of deaths from venous and arterial diseases fixed from 2 to 6 per year per million.
Risk venous thrombosis important for young women
Arterial thrombosis is relevant for older women.
Among smoking women accepting OK, number deaths is about 100 per million per year.

The effect of hormones on the male body

The male body is also seriously dependent on hormones. The male body also contains female hormones. Violation of the optimal balance of hormones leads to various diseases.

Either estrogen leads to decreased testosterone production. This can cause problems:

in the cardiovascular system;
with memory;
age;
decrease in immunity.

If the balance of hormones is disturbed, a course of hormone therapy is necessary, which will help to avoid further deterioration in health.

Progesterone has a calming effect on the male nervous system and helps men suffering from premature ejaculation, solve sexual problems.

Normal levels of estrogen in male body has a number of useful properties:

maintaining optimal levels of "good cholesterol";
pronounced muscle growth;
regulation of the nervous system;
libido improvement.

When noted:

inhibition of testosterone production;
body fat according to the female type;
gynecomastia.
Erectile dysfunction;
decreased libido;
depression.

Any of the symptoms is extremely unpleasant, so do not hesitate to visit the doctor. A competent specialist will be able to full examination and prescribe a course of drugs that will significantly improve the condition of the body.

Bibliography

Sudakov K.V., Normal Physiology. - M.: LLC "Medical Information Agency", 2006. - 920 p.;
Kolman Ya., Rem K. - G., Visual biochemistry // Hormones. Hormonal system. - 2000. - pp. 358-359, 368-375.
Berezov T.T., Korovkin B.F., Biological chemistry // Nomenclature and classification of hormones. - 1998. - pp. 250-251, 271-272.
Grebenshchikov Yu.B., Moshkovsky Yu.Sh., Bioorganic chemistry // Physicochemical characteristics, structure and functional activity insulin. - 1986. - p.296.
Orlov R. S., Normal physiology: textbook, 2nd ed., corrected. and additional - M.: GEOTAR-Media, 2010. - 832 p.;
Tepperman J., Tepperman H., Physiology of metabolism and endocrine system. Introductory course. - Per. from English. - M.: Mir, 1989. - 656 p.; Physiology.

Oral contraception is considered the most effective methodology preventing unwanted pregnancy. Every year, new contraceptive drugs are developed that have virtually no side effects. But many women, knowing the consequences of taking birth control pills prefer other methods of contraception. They explain this choice by the unwillingness to get health problems and interfere with natural hormonal processes organism.

A gynecologist will help you choose a method of contraception on an individual basis.

The effectiveness of taking oral contraceptives in terms of preventing unwanted conception is indisputable. Therefore, before categorically rejecting such a method of protection, it is necessary to carefully weigh the pros and cons. Modern oral contraceptive pills differ minimally possible list adverse reactions, so the effectiveness of them is much higher and more significant than the unpleasant consequences. As a rule, COCs correct the hormonal status of patients, however, such changes almost always benefit women.

The mechanism of action of tablets is realized at the cellular level, because gestagens and estrogens block receptor functions in the reproductive structures of a woman. As a result of this influence, ovulation is inhibited. Due to a decrease in the production of pituitary hormones (FSH and LH), the maturation and development of female germ cells is suppressed.
Also, contraceptives also affect the uterine body, more precisely, on its inner endometrial layer, in which a kind of atrophy occurs. Therefore, if it happens that the female cell nevertheless matures, leaves the ovary and is fertilized, then in uterine endometrium She won't be able to implant.
In addition, oral contraceptive pills change the properties cervical mucus increasing its viscosity. Due to such changes, the uterine cavity is protected from the penetration of spermatozoa into it.
COCs also affect the fallopian tubes, reducing their contractile capabilities, which significantly complicates the movement through these channels of the germ cell, making it almost impossible.

Most clearly, the effect of oral contraception is expressed in ovulatory inhibition. These drugs lead to the creation of a new, artificial monthly cycle in the female body, and they suppress the normal, natural one. Actually reproductive system operates according to the mechanism feedback, When pituitary hormones are produced as a result of a decrease in estrogen-gestagen production. That is, if it enters the body from the outside enough gestagenic and estrogen hormones, then the pituitary gland stops producing tropic hormonal substances. As a result, the growth and development of female germ cells stops.

You can not take any drugs on your own, it can cause irreparable harm to health

It is impossible to say for sure how much the patient's hormonal background will change while taking oral contraception, since the body is individual. The degree of change depends on the amount of adipose tissue and weight, as well as on the content of SSH (sex-binding globulin) in the blood, which is responsible for the binding and transport of estradiol and testosterone. It is inappropriate to conduct studies of estrogens and progesterone hormones when taking oral contraceptives. When taking high-dose contraceptives, the patient's hormonal background acquires "pregnant" indicators, but if low-dose drugs were taken, then these indicators will still be above the norm, but lower than when carrying a child.

The effect of oral contraception on the patient's body

As a rule, when any hormonal substance enters the body, the activity of the entire system fails, communications and interactions between intraorganic structures and glandular organs are disrupted. As a result, the processes of stress resistance, immune protection and self-regulation lose stability, and the immune endocrine and nervous system structures begin to function in a super-stress mode. Against the backdrop of such intense activity, a failure soon occurs.

Instead of interacting optimally and productively, internal organs And glandular structures establish artificial, coarse connections that function involuntarily. That is, the body is subjected to functional violence. If the patient takes any hormonal drugs, then the intrasecreting glands stop producing these hormones on their own. It's quite understandable why extra work if the hormone is present in the body in required quantities. If such a picture does not take place for long, then it is still fixable, but with a prolonged violation, the glandular body may dry out, its atrophy, and, accordingly, problems arise in the work of all structures that depend on this gland.

Influenced by oral medications contraceptive action normal monthly cycle woman disappears. The patient regularly has withdrawal bleeding, however, they have nothing to do with menstruation, since in fact the woman does not have a menstrual cycle. The female cycle is very sensitive to intraorganic changes, it is the cyclical processes in the body that ensure the full functioning of all systems, and not only reproductive ones.

If there is a disorder in the work of organs and systems in the body, then to maintain normal working capacity The body needs a lot of effort. As a result, all systems get used to working for wear and tear in a state of stress. When taking contraceptives for a long time and constantly, you cannot count on maintaining normal female cycle in future.

What are the consequences of canceling

ABOUT potential harm birth control pills is known to almost every woman. But today pharmaceutical companies massively promote among young girls and women drugs from the category of mini-pill. The annotation states that they contain only small doses of the progesterone hormone, so you should not be afraid of adverse reactions like a serious hormonal failure when taking them. But that's not the case at all.

Attention! Mini-pills do not guarantee the absence of adverse reactions, and their mechanism of action is practically the same as COCs. As a result of taking these "safe" contraceptives, the body receives a signal about the state of pregnancy for a long time. And constantly. But after all, the female body does not have such resources to be in a state of bearing a child for several years.

Against the background of taking a mini-pill, egg cell maturation and conception are also blocked, the production of luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones is suppressed, which negatively affects the activity of other glands internal secretion. If you look at the problem from the other side, then the use of contraceptive drugs can have both negative and positive consequences.

Positive

Properly selected pills have a beneficial effect on the female body

To effects positive at the reception contraceptive pills include the absence of ovulation. For a month, the uterine body prepares to receive the egg, but it does not mature. Normally, at the onset of menstruation, sharp drop hormonal level which is a stress factor for the body. When taking COCs, ovulation does not occur, the ovaries rest, so the uterus is not subjected to monthly stress.

Another positive moment in taking contraceptive pills is the absence of hormonal surges, which ensures the elimination of PMS, which is also closely associated with strong fluctuations in hormonal levels. Absence premenstrual syndrome provides the nervous system stability of a woman, eliminating the likelihood of conflicts that often occur against the background of PMS.

According to many gynecologists, hormonal contraception allows you to regulate your periods. Yes, when taking COCs, monthly bleeding really becomes regular, and their abundance and duration are noticeably reduced. In addition, oral contraceptives minimize the risk of developing ovarian and uterine tumor processes, reduce the frequency of inflammatory pathologies.

It cannot be denied that due to the intake of pills that prevent conception, the development of osteoporosis, which develops against the background of estrogen deficiency, is prevented. COCs contain estrogen. In addition, COCs have therapeutic effect in relation to pathologies due to androgen excess. Contraceptives suppress androgen secretion, eliminating fairly common problems like acne, alopecia, oily skin or hirsutism.

Negative

Concerning undesirable consequences the use of oral contraception, they are generally due to the estrogen effect on the female body. Taking these drugs does not cause pathologies, however, they can provoke a variety of exacerbations and complications of existing predispositions to certain hormone-dependent diseases. Although, if you lead a healthy lifestyle, limit alcohol and give up cigarettes, then Negative consequences contraceptive use will be minimal. Such consequences include:

Such reactions are not mandatory and do not occur in all patients. If some of them do occur, then they usually neutralize on their own after a couple of months, until the body gets used to the drugs taken.

Is COC addiction possible?

With uncontrolled and long-term use of hormonal contraceptives, ovarian atrophy may develop, which will only progress over time. On the background similar complication a woman will not be able to refuse oral contraceptives, as she will become dependent on them. Hormonal substances synthetic origin are so naturally integrated into material exchange intraorganic processes that they suppress the activity of glandular organs. Therefore, when refusing hormonal contraception the body begins to experience acute deficiency hormonal substances, which is much more dangerous than taking COCs. It's just that the body, or rather, its glands have forgotten how to fully function, so the abolition of contraceptives becomes a serious problem for many girls.

As a result, women continue to take contraceptives, not so much to prevent conception (it becomes impossible due to ovarian atrophy), but to avoid the onset of rapid and early aging organism. Therefore, when deciding on the use of hormonal oral contraception, it is necessary to contact a highly qualified specialist who will correctly select the drug and determine the safe timing of its administration. Self appointment such medications can result in irreversible consequences.

Should I take birth control pills or not?

Undoubtedly, every girl / woman should decide for herself whether to take her hormonal contraceptives or not. If you have already decided to use oral contraceptives for a while, then you need to select pills only according to the recommendations of a practicing gynecologist, and not according to own will. Before taking COCs, it is necessary to undergo an examination, take a smear and blood, pass ultrasound diagnostics for possible tumor processes. Only on the basis of tests, the doctor will be able to choose the right drug.

The method of hormone therapy has been known for more than a hundred years, but some patients still do not have full confidence in it. Despite the fact that taking drugs containing hormones literally saves many lives every year, the opinion about the unsafety of such drugs continues to exist. As a rule, people who doubt the safety of hormonal drugs do not have a very clear idea of the principle of their effect on the body. Our task is to dispel these misconceptions.

Why patients are afraid to be treated with hormones

Hormones are substances designed to regulate metabolic processes in the body for normal operation all its organs and systems. Normally, they are constantly secreted by the endocrine glands (thyroid and parathyroid, pancreas, pituitary, adrenal cortex, sex glands, and some others). If the process of hormone production is disturbed, it is necessary to replenish their content in the blood with the help of synthetic substitutes.

According to experts, the fears associated with taking hormonal drugs arose at a time when drugs of this type had just begun to be produced. The first drugs intended for hormone therapy were of very low quality, and the concentration active substances they were very high. This indeed led to the development of a number of side effects. Unfortunately, the memory of these troubles turned out to be very persistent, and hormone treatment became associated not so much with getting rid of many problems, but with the harm that it can do to health.

Modern hormonal drugs are much safer than their predecessors, but the prospect of taking them often raises some concerns. Here are the most common ones:

"Hormonal drugs are used solely to prevent unwanted pregnancy." In fact, there are a lot of drugs containing hormones. They are used to optimize the functioning of organs and systems. human body in cases where the endocrine glands that secrete these substances naturally, are not functioning correctly. Hormone therapy is indicated for diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders, skin diseases, pregnancy pathologies and a number of other ailments;
“Treatment with hormones is a last resort for the most serious illnesses". This opinion is fundamentally wrong. Hormone therapy is indeed very effective, but it is also used to treat patients whose condition does not cause concern;
“It is not necessary to take hormonal drugs regularly.” An extremely harmful delusion, often nullifying the long-term efforts of physicians. The point is that the body healthy person endocrine glands produce hormones constantly, maintaining their normal concentration. If this process is disturbed, it is possible to optimize the hormonal background by adjusting the supply of the missing substances from the outside. To do this, it is necessary to take the drugs prescribed by the doctor, avoiding the slightest violation of the schedule;
“When taking products containing hormones, they accumulate in the body.” Hormones are very easily destroyed. Therefore, they are normal and produced by the body continuously. These substances cannot accumulate in the blood or tissues;
Hormone therapy is contraindicated in pregnant women. Expectant mothers are prescribed such drugs quite often, and it is extremely dangerous to neglect these appointments. Violation of the hormonal background in a pregnant woman can lead to the loss of the fetus or the development of severe pathologies in it;
“The use of hormonal drugs is fraught with numerous problems associated with their side effect». Modern means contain hormones in healthy amounts. Like any other drugs, they have side effects, but not as catastrophic as it seems to ignorant patients. For example, such consequences of taking contraceptives, like weight gain or facial hair growth, have long been a thing of the past. Today's remedies for this purpose can cause only a slight temporary swelling of the breast and weak bloody issues, and these effects are observed only in the first months of admission, and not in all women. With the use of other hormonal drugs, the situation is approximately the same;
"Hormone therapy can easily be replaced by treatment with drugs of a different origin." If the production of any hormone fails, the body needs exactly the substance that is lacking. Extracts of some plants contain components that have a hormone-like effect, but a complete transition to their intake usually does not give the necessary effect. therapeutic effect. Do not forget that drugs plant origin and can themselves cause health problems (such as allergic reactions). The situation is even more complicated in those cases when the result of a malfunction in the work of the endocrine glands is an excess of any hormone. In this situation, only the intake of a hormone that has the opposite effect can balance the disturbed background.

Rules for taking hormonal drugs

All medicines must be used wisely, but for products containing hormones, this is especially true. Any violation of the schedule of their intake prescribed by the doctor, within a few hours, disrupts the fine-tuned balance necessary for normal functioning organism. If the patient's condition leaves much to be desired, such a failure can have sad consequences. 4 out of 5 (4 votes)

Doctor's prescriptions are checked online and are often not followed up. Hormonal drugs are especially “disliked”: “Doctor, not hormones!” How dangerous are these drugs? Let's figure it out.

case from practice

Young woman, 8 weeks pregnant. Level Up thyroid-stimulating hormone pituitary gland (TSH). I inform the patient that she has hypothyroidism - a decrease in thyroid function. I prescribe treatment, explain: a hormonal drug is needed for normal development fetus. The patient appears already before childbirth. TSH is still high. He doesn’t take the medicine - the mother-in-law forbade: “These are hormones!”.

A few years later we meet by chance on the street, she leads her son by the hand: “Hello, doctor, this is my Mitya.” Mitya has an absent look, he does not speak yet, he is noticeably behind in development from his peers. His mother has a pale, swollen face, her voice has become rough, low: it seems that hypothyroidism is progressing. The outcome could have been different. But the “iron” argument came out against the doctor’s prescriptions - “I don’t want to drink hormones!”.

Set in motion

Hormones are produced by special endocrine glands. "Hormone" is translated from Greek as "I set in motion, excite, induce." Hormones act distally, that is, at a distance from the gland where they were formed, their effects are diverse and unique.

When there are few or many

We have many different hormones, and their production is subject to strict laws. But in some diseases, the formation of hormones is disrupted.

Sometimes the work of the endocrine glands is reduced. If you do not make a correct diagnosis in time and do not start proper treatment, trouble will happen. And what is the correct treatment for deficiency certain hormone? Of course, compensation for the missing factor. Here are some examples.

Type 1 diabetes A disease in which the hormone insulin stops being produced. Without it, glucose does not enter the cells and is not formed from it. necessary for the body energy. Thanks to insulin preparations, people with diabetes live a full life.

Another example - adrenal insufficiency: weakness increases, weight loss, blood circulation is disturbed. Fortunately, there are medications similar to adrenal hormones (glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids).

Hypothyroidism- decreased thyroid function - requires compensation for the deficiency of levothyroxine, a thyroid hormone. It is inactive, but, getting into cells, it turns into active triiodothyronine, which is in charge of protein biosynthesis.

hypogonadism- insufficiency of the function of the sex glands. It occurs in both men and women. Main symptom- infertility. Treatment with drugs of sex hormones can solve the problem.

It happens the other way around: too many hormones are produced. The cause may be an adenoma of the endocrine gland or the appearance of stimulating antibodies that make the gland work in the “pot, cook!” mode.

An excess of hormones is no less dangerous than a deficiency: "a flood is no better than a drought." It is treated with drugs that block the gland or by removing the "naughty" gland.

From allergies to sclerosis

All of the above applies to diseases of the endocrine system and the principles of their treatment. However, the use of hormones in medicine is much wider. Thus, drugs similar to the hormones of the adrenal cortex (glucocorticoids) are treated autoimmune diseases: bronchial asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and others.

Glucocorticoids quickly improve the patient's condition. But they are appointed according to certain principles in order to healing effect was optimal and side effects- unexpressed.

female hormone preparations(estrogens and progestins) are used as effective and safe contraceptives and also for the treatment of perimenopausal symptoms.

Male hormone preparations, anabolic steroid are used in the treatment of dystrophic conditions. Alas, these drugs are sometimes abused by athletes to increase muscle mass forgetting about possible complications: damage to the liver, heart, sexual function.

Do not forget: any medicine, if used incorrectly, can be harmful. Drugs, including hormonal ones, are prescribed by a doctor who, when planning treatment, takes into account many factors. various factors: your gender, age, weight, accompanying illnesses, bad habits and former allergic reactions, heredity.