Side effects of hormonal drugs in women. What are the consequences of taking contraceptives?

State of the art modern medicine helps prevent unwanted pregnancy. Competent use contraceptives guarantees a woman the right to have a child when she is ready for it.

Type of contraception	pros	Minuses
Hormonal	Effective protection against unwanted pregnancy, reducing the risk of ectopic pregnancy, malignant neoplasms in the organs of the reproductive system, normalization of the cycle, improvement of the skin condition, prevention of infertility, can be taken constantly	Side effects, contraindications, does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, requires organization - medication should not be skipped
	Reliability, single use	High concentration of hormones, a limited number of doses, the likelihood of complications and side effects
Emergency non-hormonal	Ease of use, low cost	Insufficient efficiency

For nulliparous women correctly selected contraceptive is not dangerous. Analyze harm and benefit birth control pills necessary, taking into account the characteristics of a particular drug. These medicines are accepted only after consulting a gynecologist-endocrinologist.

Action

Oral contraceptives (OCs) contain the main hormones that regulate the uterine cycle and a woman's ability to conceive a child. The composition is:

combined (COC) - based on estradiol and progesterone;
mini-pill - based on progesterone.

According to the concentration of hormones combined preparations there are:

microdosed;
low-dose;
medium dosed;
highly dosed.

Depending on the content of hormones, OK is divided into:

on monophasic (the content of estradiol and progesterone in all tablets is the same);
biphasic (tablets contain a constant amount of estradiol and a varying amount of progesterone depending on the day of the cycle);
three-phase (the amount of estradiol and progesterone in tablets corresponds to the day of the menstrual cycle).

The advantages of modern drugs in the absence of side effects (weight gain, neoplasms, body hair growth), which were observed with the first oral contraceptives. These drugs appeared in 1960 and contained a large number of female hormones.

latest generation hormonal tablets "mini-drank" are recommended for women after 35 years of age, who are contraindicated in estrogens. Their reception is allowed even to smoking patients. Bleeding between periods is not an indication for contraceptive withdrawal.

Not large doses hormones contained in OK, have a therapeutic and preventive action:

prevent development malignant tumors organs of the reproductive system, infertility;
regulate the uterine cycle;
relieve premenstrual syndrome;
filmed pain during menstruation;
improve skin condition.

Contraceptive hormonal pills are prescribed to a woman in special conditions:

in mini-pills;
KOC are included in therapeutic measures after artificial termination of pregnancy or miscarriage;
OK for violations uterine cycle, for the prevention of endometriosis (growth of the inner layer of the uterine wall), in the treatment of mastopathy.

What are the consequences of canceling

Earlier hormonal agents contraception suggested a mandatory break of several months every 3 years of admission. Modern OK can be taken for a long time, their cancellation affects the body in different ways.

Positive

Already in the first months after the cancellation of OK, a woman has the opportunity to become pregnant. During the reception hormonal drugs created in the body favorable conditions to conceive a child: the ovaries are rested, the uterus is prepared for bearing the fetus. Birth control pills do not pose a threat to the life of the unborn child. But if pregnancy occurs while taking a contraceptive, it must be immediately canceled.

Negative

In some episodes, with the abolition of hormonal pills, women cannot become pregnant. In this case, gynecologists recommend that the patient undergo an examination to exclude the presence of inflammation. infectious diseases, malignant neoplasms in the uterus. In the absence of pathologies, a woman can plan a pregnancy.

Sometimes, after the abolition of OK, women begin to have skin problems, mood swings, depression occur, and the uterine cycle fails. They associate these phenomena with the development of dependence on the intake of steroid hormones. Negative reactions develop only in the case of an incorrectly selected contraceptive, so the doctor makes his choice and regularly monitors the patient's condition. Dependence in the course of taking OK does not develop.

Contraindications

The benefits and harms of birth control pills can only be determined by a specialist. The doctor will choose best condition health, regularity of sexual life and other factors. Definitely OK will harm when the following pathologies:

diseases of the liver, kidneys;
hypertension;
diabetes;
thrombosis;
ischemia of the heart;
arthritis;
lupus erythematosus.

At depressive disorders, migraines, varicose veins, PMS birth control pills can be taken under medical supervision.

Oral hormonal contraceptives are reliable and safe method. They should be selected only by the attending physician. This will help to avoid negative consequences and provide reliable protection from unwanted pregnancy. OK are used as therapeutic and prophylactic agents.

The term "hormones" evokes in most modern women negative associations with full mustachioed victims of the use of these substances. Hormone therapy has a powerful effect on human body And this influence can be both positive and negative. But for many people, hormonal drugs can significantly improve the quality of life and prolong it. This applies to patients diabetes, bronchial asthma, diseases thyroid gland.

Are hormone pills harmful?

The effect of different hormones on the body is not the same, so the effect of different hormonal drugs, both positive and negative, will be different. positive or bad influence on the body after application hormone therapy depends on the type of hormone in the composition of the drug, its dosage, duration and frequency of use.

Hormonal drugs, like almost any drug, have a certain Negative influence on the body. But usually this negative effect much less than brought positive result in the treatment of a particular disease. There are a number of diseases for which hormone therapy is the only treatment.

Why are hormonal drugs harmful?

With the development of medicine and the pharmaceutical industry, modern hormonal preparations differ significantly from those produced in the last century. If hormone therapy 20 years ago caused a lot of side effects in the form of swelling, cellulite, excessive hair growth, excess weight, then similar effect from modern drugs is minimized. Side effects of hormonal drugs will be minimal only if they are selected correctly, based on individual features the patient's body.

Which possible harm can cause hormonal drugs? This information is contained in the instructions for use of a particular drug. A separate section "Side Effects" contains the entire list of side effects that are possible, but not required. Of these, the most common are metabolic disorders, excessive hair growth, weight gain, skin reactions, violations in the digestive tract.

The harm and benefits of hormonal contraceptives

For hormone therapy in women, as a rule, are used oral contraceptives, which provide contraceptive effect, a therapeutic effect is a positive side effect. Disputes and the harm and benefits of hormones have been going on for as long as these drugs exist.

There are representatives of medicine, traditional and non-traditional directions, who categorically do not approve of the use of hormonal drugs because of the irreparable harm they cause to a woman's body. The drugs suppress natural function ovaries, violate the natural hormonal background and have dangerous side effects.

Studies in the field of the use of hormonal agents suggest that all of the above does not apply to modern drugs. They do not contain such high concentrations hormones, as drugs of the first generations, which could cause serious harm to the body and have a mild effect on the hormonal background due to microdoses of the hormone and high-quality purification of the drug.

Acceptance of OK additionally has the following effect:

The risk of developing inflammatory and neoplastic lesions of the mammary glands and uterus is significantly reduced;

Improve the condition of hair, skin;

Reduces the likelihood of mastopathy and diseases of the heart and blood vessels;

The manifestations of PMS are facilitated, the duration of menstruation decreases and they become less painful;

The positive effect in the appointment of hormonal contraceptives is much higher than the negative effect.

If a woman has no contraindications to taking hormonal drugs, an accurate diagnosis and the appointment of an individually selected dosage, the harm of hormonal drugs is practically reduced to zero.

In the first three months of taking the drug, when the body gets used to it, side effects such as headache, nausea, dizziness, headache, breast engorgement, abrupt shifts mood, decreased sexual desire.

For treatment a wide range diseases, various hormonal preparations are very often used, which, in addition to high efficiency have a number of side effects.

If used incorrectly, they can be very dangerous, and can also aggravate the patient's condition.

Harm of hormonal drugs: truth or myth ^

Hormones are products of internal secretion that are produced by special glands or individual cells, released into the blood and carried throughout the body, causing a certain biological effect.

In a healthy person, hormones are continuously produced by the endocrine glands. If the body fails, synthetic or natural analogues come to the rescue.

Why you shouldn't be afraid of hormones: benefits and harms

Treatment with hormones has been used in medicine for more than a century, but people still treat it with fear and distrust. Despite the fact that the use of drugs containing hormones can reverse the course of a serious illness and even save a life, many consider them harmful and dangerous.

Patients of endocrinologists are often terrified of the word "hormones" and unreasonably refuse to take hormonal drugs, fearing the appearance of side effects, such as weight gain and hair growth on the face and body. Such side effects, indeed, took place during the treatment with first-generation drugs, since they were of poor quality and contained too large doses of hormones.

But all these problems have long been in the past - pharmacological production does not stand still and is constantly developing and improving. Modern medicines are getting better and safer.

Endocrinologists, in accordance with the results of the tests, select the optimal dose and regimen for taking a hormonal drug that mimics the function of the gland as in a healthy person. This allows you to achieve compensation for the disease, avoid complications and ensure good health patient.

Today, hormonal preparations are produced, both natural (having a structure similar to natural hormones) and synthetic (having an artificial origin, but similar impact). Depending on the origin, they are divided into several types:

Animals (obtained from their glands);
vegetable;
Synthetic (composition similar to natural);
Synthesized (not similar to natural).

Hormonal therapy has three directions:

Stimulating - is prescribed to activate the work of the glands. Such treatment is always strictly limited in time or applied in intermittent courses.
Blocking - necessary when too active work glands or when unwanted neoplasms are detected. Most often used in conjunction with radiation or surgery.
Substitution - is required for diseases that inhibit the production of hormones. This type treatment is often prescribed for life, as it does not affect the cause of the disease.

The most common misconceptions about hormone therapy

Truths and myths about the dangers of hormones

Myth 1: Hormonal drugs are prescribed only as contraceptives

In fact, these drugs effectively fight many pathologies: diabetes, hypothyroidism, skin diseases, infertility, oncological neoplasms and other ailments.

Myth 2: When your health improves, you can stop taking hormones.

This misconception often undermines long work doctors and provokes a rapid return of the disease. Any changes in the schedule of admission must be agreed with the attending physician.

Myth 3: Hormone therapy is prescribed as a last resort in the treatment of severe ailments.

In modern pharmacology, there are many drugs of a similar composition for getting rid of diseases that do not pose a threat to the patient's life, for example, acne in adolescents or erectile dysfunction in men.

Myth 4: It is contraindicated to take any hormones during pregnancy.

In fact, expectant mothers are prescribed such drugs quite often, and self-refusal of them can lead to serious consequences. For example, when carrying out tocolytic measures or with hypofunction of the thyroid gland ( replacement therapy).

Myth-5: Hormones accumulate in tissues during replacement therapy

This opinion is also wrong. Correctly calculated dosage does not allow excess of these substances in the body. But in any case, they are easily destroyed and cannot remain in the blood for a long time.

Myth-6: Hormones can be replaced with other drugs

If a deficiency of a certain hormone is diagnosed, then it is he who must be taken to restore health. Some plant extracts have a similar effect, but they cannot fully replace endocrinological drugs. In addition, their long-term exposure is undesirable due to the risk of allergic reactions.

Myth 7: Hormones make you fat

Excessive fullness does not arise from hormones, but from hormonal imbalance and metabolic disorders resulting in nutrients begin to be absorbed by the body incorrectly.

Myth 8: In the spring, the level of sex hormones increases.

Human endocrine functions are subject to both seasonal and daily cycles. Some hormones are activated at night, others - during the day, some - in the cold season, others - in the warm.

According to scientists, the level of human sex hormones does not have seasonal fluctuations, however, with an increase daylight hours in the body, the production of gonadoliberin, a hormone that has an antidepressant effect, increases. It is he who can cause a feeling of love and euphoria.

Myth-9: Hormonal disbalance young people are not threatened

Violation hormonal balance in the body can occur at any age. The reasons are various: stress and excessive loads, past diseases, unhealthy lifestyle, taking the wrong drugs, genetic problems and much more.

Myth-10: Adrenaline is a “good” hormone, its sharp release benefits a person

Hormones cannot be good or bad - each is useful in its own time. The release of adrenaline really stimulates the body, allowing it to cope with stressful situation. However, the feeling of a surge of energy is replaced by a state of nervous exhaustion and weaknesses, because adrenaline directly affects nervous system, bringing her abruptly into combat readiness, which necessarily causes a “rollback” later.

Suffering and the cardiovascular system: rising arterial pressure, the pulse quickens, there is a risk of vascular overload. That's why frequent stress, accompanied by an increase in adrenaline in the blood, can lead to a stroke or cardiac arrest.

What are hormonal drugs

According to the method of exposure, hormonal drugs are divided into:

Steroid: act on sex hormones and substances produced by the adrenal glands;
Amine: and adrenaline;
Peptide: insulin and oxytocin.

The most widespread in pharmacology are steroid medications: They are used to treat severe illnesses and HIV infections. They are also popular with bodybuilders: for example, Oxandrolone and Oxymethalone are most often used to give the body relief and burn subcutaneous fat, while Stanozolol and Methane are used to gain muscle mass.

In both cases healthy people drugs cause irreparable harm, therefore, without indications, they are not recommended to be taken. AAS is based on the hormone testosterone, and for women they are the most dangerous: with prolonged use, they may develop primary male sexual characteristics (virilization), and the most common side effect is infertility.

What are the side effects of taking hormones?

Most often, side effects of hormonal drugs appear in the first two weeks after the start of taking in the form of the following ailments:

dizziness and nausea;
sweating;
Shortness of breath, shortness of breath;
Tides;
Candidiasis;
Drowsiness;
Deterioration of the composition of the blood;
Virilization (when women take steroids);
Hypertension;
Intestinal dysfunction.

In very rare cases long-term use of "hormones" or their abuse can cause the development of oncology. To avoid this, it is necessary to periodically take tests and do liver tests to monitor your health.

Side effects of hormonal drugs in women: what to be afraid of ^

Side effects of hormonal contraceptives

When choosing a hormonal method of contraception, it is important to take into account all the features of the hormonal status of a woman. Find out which hormone levels in the body predominate: estrogen or progesterone, whether there is hyperandrogenism (increased levels of male sex hormones), which ones accompanying illnesses etc..

This method of contraception is used by women quite often, because. considered one of the most effective. In most cases negative reactions does not occur, however, there are side effects of birth control pills, which can be with prolonged or wrong reception in violation of the instructions:

Arterial hypertension;
Anemia;
Acute renal failure;
Porfiria;
hearing loss;
Thromboembolism.

The most popular birth control pills are: Qlaira, Regulon, Jess, Tri-regol. For the treatment of infertility, on the contrary, Duphaston is most often used.

microdosed hormone pills

Side effects of hormonal ointments

Most often, such ointments are used to treat skin diseases: dermatitis, vitiligo, psoriasis, lichen, as well as allergies with manifestation external signs. What side effects can occur due to ointments:

Stretch marks, acne;
Atrophy of the treated skin;
Expansion of blood vessels;
The appearance of spider veins;
Skin discoloration (temporary).

The safest and most effective is Prednisolone, which is available in the form of tablets or ointments.

Hormonal drugs for menopause

Hormone therapy for menopause helps to improve lipid metabolism, soften hot flashes, reduce anxiety, increase libido and prevent the development of atherosclerosis, but should only be done under medical supervision. What kind negative impacts may occur with self-treatment:

A sharp increase in weight;
Fluid retention in the body, the appearance of edema;
Breast engorgement;
Severe headaches;
Stagnation of bile.

Hormonal drugs for bronchial asthma

Treatment this disease hormones are prescribed in very rare cases for several reasons:

May appear hormonal addiction and withdrawal syndrome upon discontinuation of therapy;
Significantly reduced immunity;
Increased bone fragility;
The production of insulin and glucose is destabilized, which is fraught with the development of diabetes;
Worried about hair loss;
Weaken muscles;
Increased intraocular pressure;
Fat metabolism is disturbed.

Of course, such a side effect does not always occur, but in order to avoid it, it is best to start treatment with weaker drugs.

It is worth noting that almost all hormonal agents affect the hormones of the thyroid gland or adrenal glands, so their use should be agreed with a specialist. In general, if the regimen is followed, side effects occur very rarely, however, such drugs are not prescribed unless absolutely necessary.

For many of us, the term "hormonal drugs" sounds threatening. In the concept of most people who are not related to medicine and pharmaceuticals, hormones are pills of monstrous power that bring a lot of the same monstrous side effects.

What are these fears based on? And if hormones are so harmful, why are they so widely used? Let's try to figure out together what hormonal pills actually are.

Classification

Hormonal medicines contain hormones or substances that have properties similar to hormones (hormonoids). Hormones are produced in endocrine glands a person and spread with the bloodstream to various organs and systems, regulating vital important features organism.

Hormonal drugs can be conditionally divided into hormone preparations:

pituitary.
These include chorionic gonadotropin and known, probably, to every woman oxytocin;

thyroid gland.
These funds are used to treat insufficient production of their own hormones (for example, with hypothyroidism) and the opposite condition - excessive production of hormones;

pancreas.
Most known means this group - insulin preparations;

parathyroid glands;

adrenal cortex.
This group includes glucocorticosteroids, which are widely used in many branches of medicine as anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and analgesic agents;

sex hormones: estrogens, gestagens, androgens;

anabolic agents.

What is treated with hormonal pills?

Despite the very wary attitude towards hormonal drugs on the part of patients, we can safely say that these drugs are extremely necessary and important. Often only hormonal drugs are able to provide a chronically ill person with a decent quality of life, and sometimes save life itself.

Therapy with hormonal pills is necessary for:

- oral contraception;

- hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women and in older men suffering from a lack of testosterone;

- treatment of inflammation and allergic diseases;

- treatment of hormonal deficiency.
These pathologies include hypothyroidism, type 1 diabetes mellitus, Addison's disease, and other diseases;

- treatment of many oncological diseases.

Oral contraception. Achievements of modern medicine

The first studies that initiated the development of hormonal contraceptives were carried out as early as 1921. Ten years later, scientists have already accurately figured out the structure of steroid hormones and found that high doses of sex hormones inhibit, that is, block ovulation.

First combined hormonal contraceptive released in 1960 by American pharmacists. It contained really high doses of hormones, and therefore had not only a contraceptive, but also a lot of side effects.

Over time, the situation has changed dramatically. In the 90s of the last century, hormoneoids were synthesized, which, along with high activity have excellent tolerance. Therefore, modern women may not worry about the extra pounds gained as a result of taking hormonal birth control pills. This side effect is a thing of the past along with shock doses active ingredients contained in the first contraceptives.

The effectiveness of all contraceptives is assessed using the Pearl Index, which determines the likelihood of pregnancy within one year when constant use drugs. On average, the Pearl Index of hormonal contraceptives ranges from 0.3% to 2-3%. The maximum value of this indicator reaches 8%.

If a woman is of average fertility and does not get pregnant from her husband's toothbrushes, the chance of pregnancy rarely exceeds 1%. Of course, subject to the daily use of tablets.

But let's get back to classifications. Modern hormonal contraceptives can be:

1. combined;

2. non-combined (mini-drank);

3. pills for emergency contraception.

Let's try to figure out how these groups differ.

1. Combined hormonal contraceptives: COC

Behind the funny abbreviation COC are very serious drugs that are the most popular modern contraceptives. All COCs include two active ingredients - estrogen and progestogen. Ethinyl estradiol is used as an estrogen, and levonorgestrel, norgestrel, desogestrel and other synthetic hormones can act as a progestogen.

The dose of ethinylestradiol in modern COCs is much lower than in the first "killer" pills. Because of this, when taking new drugs, the side effects of estrogen are rarely developed: weight gain, breast tenderness, and nausea.

Monophasic COCs have a constant dose of estrogen and progestin in each of the tablets. Despite the fact that during the menstrual cycle, the concentration of hormones in a woman's body is not constant, monophasic contraceptives are a strictly defined dose that comes daily.

Biphasic contraceptives contain two types of pills in one package. The main difference between tablets of the second type is increased content gestogen, characteristic of the physiological cycle.

However, three-phase COCs are traditionally considered the most adapted to the menstrual cycle. They include three groups of tablets. The concentration of active substances in each group approaches the content of estrogens and progestogens in a certain phase of the menstrual cycle. The first group of tablets mimics the follicular phase, which lasts 5 days, the second - the periovulatory phase, which lasts 6 days, and the last - the luteal, the longest 10-day phase. At the same time, the concentration of estrogen in three-phase COCs, as well as in the menstrual cycle, is maximum, and the level of progestogen increases from the first phase to the third.

Pharmacology: how do hormonal birth control pills work?

The contraceptive effect of all hormonal contraceptive pills, regardless of composition and dosage, is based on blocking the release of hormones responsible for ovulation and implantation. The ovaries practically “fall asleep”, decreasing in size. Ultimately hormonal pills:

suppress ovulation;
change the properties of cervical mucus. As a result of this effect cervical canal becomes a real barrier for nimble sperm;
change the state of the endometrium, as a result of which the "lining" of the inner surface of the uterus does not allow the implantation of the egg, if fertilization does occur.

How to take hormonal birth control pills?

The answer to the question of how to take hormonal pills that protect against pregnancy can be expressed in one single word: regularly. Depending on the period for which the course is designed - 21 or 28 days - the tablets should be used once a day during the entire period of treatment, and preferably at the same time.

An important question that worries most women taking COCs is what to do if the patient forgot to take the pill on time. First, don't panic. The situation is solvable and, in general, very commonplace.

Secondly, the missed pill should be taken immediately after memory recovery. next pill- drink according to the schedule, even if you have to take two tablets at the same time.

Thirdly, it is necessary to evaluate the period during which a woman forgot about the need to protect herself. The following actions depend on the statute of limitations.

If the delay is no more than 12 hours, you can calm down - the effectiveness of contraception will remain the same, that is, close to 100%. If this period lasted more than 12 hours, you will have to use additional methods protection, such as barrier or spermicidal.

Monophasic COCs: effectiveness and popularity

The most popular and common hormonal contraceptives are monophasic drugs. Many gynecologists believe that these are the best hormonal pills for women under the age of 35, and patient reviews confirm this.

Monophasic contraceptives contain pills of the same color. Despite the fact that a strict scheme for the use of tablets can be applied to the package (usually in a queue), this does not carry a special semantic load. And if you manage to drink at the very beginning of the cycle a pill intended for use, say, on day 25, absolutely nothing bad will happen - after all, all pills have the same composition.

Most of the COCs with which the Russian pharmaceutical market, are monophasic. The choice of drugs is so great that even experienced gynecologists sometimes hesitate before prescribing the drug to patients. Therefore, we will consider only those hormonal pills that can be classified as "new", modern means.

The German drug Logest, which is produced by the well-known company SCHERING, S.A., contains 20 micrograms of ethinyl estradiol and 75 micrograms of gestodene. The product is available in a pack of 21 tablets. Logest is an excellent drug for young women.

Lindinet

Hormonal pills Lindinet 20 are complete analogue German Logest. The drugs have the same composition, and the only difference can be considered color - Lindinet tablets have a pale yellow shell. The manufacturer of Lindinet is the Hungarian company GEDEON RICHTER.

Lindinet 30 differs from its counterpart only in the dosage of estrogen (30 mcg).

Hormonal tablets Janine manufactured by SCHERING contain 30 μg of ethinyl estradiol and 2 mg of progestogen (dienogest). The Pearl Index with regular intake of Jeanine does not exceed 1%.

The main difference between Zhanin and other COCs is the antiandrogenic activity that dienogest has. Therefore, Janine is prescribed to patients with increased level male sex hormones. In addition, hypocholesterolemic, that is, the cholesterol-lowering effect of dienogest, has been proven.

The German drug Yarina is one of the most popular monophasic hormonal contraceptive pills. The medicine contains 30 micrograms of ethinylestradiol and 3 mg of drospirenone.

The properties of Yarina and Zhanin are very similar. Yarina helps to reduce the level of lipoproteins high density and has antiandrogenic activity. Thanks to this quality, Yarina is also considered a remedy for acne: hormonal tablets are prescribed as part of complex therapy acne. The drug helps to reduce the production sebum and reduce symptoms of the disease.

Among the very famous hormonal contraceptives in tablets is Diane-35, which is produced by SCHERING. The drug contains 35 micrograms of ethinylestradiol and 2 mg of the antiandrogenic progestogen cyproterone acetate.

Diana has a pronounced antiandrogenic activity, which makes it possible to prescribe it for the treatment of acne and seborrhea. In addition, Diane-35 is the drug of choice for contraception in women who have mild manifestations of hirsutism - excessive hair growth.

Among the tablets with antiandrogenic activity, the popular hormonal contraceptive Jess occupies a special place. It contains 20 micrograms of ethinylestradiol and 3 mg of drospirenone. The gestagen, which is part of Jess, eliminates the side effects of estrogen. In this regard, the remedy is very well tolerated, and swelling and weight gain are practically excluded.

In addition, drospirenone alleviates the manifestations premenstrual syndrome, including the pronounced one. To all positive properties Jess can be added favorable influence on the level of cholesterol, which manifests itself in an increase in the concentration of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). But it is HDL that removes excess cholesterol from the body.

Among the COCs containing drospirenone is also the Hungarian hormonal Midian tablets. They differ from Jess only more high content ethinylestradiol, the dose of which is 30 mcg.

Among low-dose COCs, it is also worth noting the hormonal tablets Rigevidon, Femoden, Novinet, Minisiston, Microgynon, Regulon.

The list of monophasic contraceptives registered in Russia is far from exhausted. However, they are used much less often, so we will immediately move on to the next categories of COCs.

Table "Monophasic COCs":

Preparations	Manufacturer, country	Compound
Logest, analogue - Lindinet 20		Ethinylestradiol 20 mcg Gestodene 75 mcg
Femoden, analogue - Lindinet 30	Schering, Germany (Gedeon Richter, Hungary)	Ethinylestradiol 30 mcg Gestodene 75 mcg
minisiston	Jenafarm, Germany	Ethinylestradiol 30 mcg Levonorgestrel 125 mcg
Mercilon, analogue - Novinet		Ethinylestradiol 20 mcg Desogestrel 150 mcg
Microgynon	Schering, Germany	Ethinylestradiol 30 mcg Levonorgestrel 150 mcg
Marvelon, analogue - Regulon	Organon, Netherlands (Gedeon Richter, Hungary)	Ethinylestradiol 30 mcg Desogestrel 150 mcg
Silest	Cilag, Belgium-Switzerland	Ethinylestradiol 35 mcg Norgestimate 250 mcg
Diana-35	Schering, Germany	Ethinylestradiol 35mcg Cyproterone acetate 2mg
Janine, analogue -Silhouette	Schering, Germany (Gedeon Richter, Hungary)	Ethinylestradiol 30 mcg Dienogest 2 mg
Regividon	Gedeon Richter, Hungary	Ethinylestradio 30 mcg Levonorgestrel 150 mcg
Jess, analogue -Dimia	Bayer, Germany (Gedeon Richter, Hungary)	Ethinylestradiol 20 mcg Drospirenone 3 mg
Yarina	Schering, Germany	Ethinylestradiol 30mcg Drospirenone 2mg
Midian	Gedeon Richter, Hungary	Ethinestradio 30 mcg Drospirenone 3 mg

Two-phase and three-phase COC: time-tested

As we have already said, two- and three-phase hormonal contraceptives act more physiologically. Nevertheless, most often doctors prefer to use the first group of drugs. What caused it?

The fact is that changes in the concentration of hormones are associated with an inevitable increase in the dose of active substances. As a result, the side effects of biphasic and triphasic drugs are more pronounced than low-dose monophasic drugs.

Biphasic COCs are among the rarely used drugs. Among them there are remedies whose names are often unusual even for a pharmacist, not to mention the patients - Anteovin, Nuvelle, Orfo-Novum, Bi-Novum.

Three-phase contraceptives are more famous and popular. However, the disadvantages in the form of standard side effects are no less pronounced than in biphasic drugs. Three-phase COCs are easy to "calculate" by the name, which, as a rule, begins with "three": Triziston, Triquilar, Tri-merci, Tri-regol, Trister.

Tablets of two- and three-phase hormonal contraceptives are painted in different colors depending on the composition: in two-phase preparations - in two colors, and in three-phase preparations - in three. It is necessary to take such medicines strictly according to the scheme. Usually, the KOC consignment is full of various arrows and other bright marks designed to help a woman deal with the peculiarities of using multi-colored pills. After all, if you inadvertently confuse the color of the pills, the contraceptive effect is reduced.

Useful contraceptives? Benefits of COC

Oral contraceptives are designed not only to carry out direct, contraceptive action. They have many others, often no less important indications, among which:

- treatment of menstrual irregularities and PMS.
The use of COC helps to normalize the cycle, reduce blood loss during menstruation, as well as reduce premenstrual syndrome;

– treatment of acne, seborrhea and acne.
The complex therapy of dermatological diseases in women often includes COCs with an antiandrogenic effect. Hormonal tablets significantly reduce the synthesis of sebum, helping to reduce the manifestations of acne. In patients suffering from seborrhea who take COCs, the level of sebum is normalized and hair loss is noticeably reduced;

– prevention benign diseases breast and pelvic organs.
COCs inhibit ovarian stimulation by follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones. Therefore, regular use of hormonal contraceptive pills significantly reduces the risk of developing functional cysts and benign nodes in the mammary glands;

- prevention of ovarian cancer and endometrial carcinoma.
When taken regularly oral contraceptives the risk of ovarian cancer is reduced by as much as 40%. This protection lasts even 15 years after the end of taking hormonal pills. The longer you take a COC, the longer it takes for the anti-cancer effect to show.

And that is not all. The chance of developing endometrial adenocarcinoma (uterine cancer) in women treated with hormonal birth control pills is reduced by 50%. The protective effect persists for 15 years after stopping the use of COCs.

Negative aspects of combined hormones

We are being disingenuous if we say that COCs are exceptionally healthy drugs. In the process of treatment with hormonal contraceptive pills, sometimes adverse effects cannot be avoided. To negative aspects COCs include:

- the likelihood of developing side effects, including nausea, breakthrough bleeding, increased sensitivity and breast enlargement. However, some ladies use hormonal pills just to increase the bust, so sometimes this effect can be attributed to positive qualities COOK;

- the need for regular daily use;

- probability of delay ovulatory cycles after the abolition of COC.

When are hormonal contraceptives banned?

There are several conditions in which the use of any hormonal contraceptive pills is excluded. These pathologies include:

cardiovascular diseases;
deep vein thrombosis;
diabetes mellitus with vascular complications;
oncological diseases;
abnormal vaginal bleeding;
liver disease;
age over 35;
smoking.

Drugs containing drospirenone - Jess, Angelik and others - are also contraindicated in patients with diseases of the kidneys, adrenal glands or liver. This is due to the fact that drospirenone has an antimineralocorticoid effect.

Hormonal contraceptives and venous insufficiency: incompatibility #1

Many women know that hormonal pills are not recommended for varicose veins veins and are categorically contraindicated in thrombophlebitis. But the answer to the question of what such a ban is connected with is unknown to most patients.

It turns out that the constant component of all hormonal birth control pills - estrogen - activates the mechanism of blood clotting, resulting in an increased risk of blood clots. It is known that modern drugs with low estrogen levels are associated with a low risk of thromboembolism, while high-dose hormonal pills are the opposite.

In addition, the likelihood of thrombus formation is significantly increased in smoking women, patients with high cholesterol blood, severe diabetes, hypertension or obesity.

2. Mini-pill: special hormonal contraceptives

Under the affectionate and usually little-understood name "mini-drank" are hormonal contraceptive pills containing only one component - progestogen. Moreover, the dose of the active substance in the mini-pill is really minimal.

Mini-pill hormonal tablets can be prescribed to patients over 35 years of age, including after 40, as well as to women with diabetes. Even breastfeeding is not an obstacle to the use of these drugs. However, mini-pills have a lower Pearl Index compared to COCs. In addition, drugs in this group can cause intermenstrual bleeding, the appearance of cysts in the ovaries, and even ectopic pregnancy.

Note that the contraceptive effect of mini-pill is reduced if taken in different time days. This shortcoming often finally tips the scales in the direction of combined hormonal pills.

Among the mini-drinks, we will name several drugs registered in Russia: Norgestrel, Levonorgestrel, Linestrenol.

3. Urgent contraception: when you can not wait

Hormonal preparations of emergency contraception are a kind of emergency pills in case of unforeseen circumstances. They hurried, forgot, broke, did not find, and other verbs in the past tense can briefly describe the standard reasons why women begin to rush about in search of miracle cures for all problems.

And, of course, there are such drugs. They contain high doses of hormones that either prevent ovulation if trouble occurs in the first half of the cycle, or change the state of the endometrium if fertilization does occur.

The best known emergency contraceptives include Postinor, Microlute and Escapelle. These pills should be used as little as possible - after all, the hormonal surge that occurs after taking the drugs is akin to a blow. And not a single organism can stand if it is beaten high doses hormones regularly.

Down with self-activity!

All hormonal contraceptives, including pills, are exclusively prescription drugs. And it is no coincidence. After all, an incorrectly selected medicine can easily cause menstrual irregularities and other gynecological troubles.

Therefore, if you decide to take a hormonal remedy, the first person who should know about it is an obstetrician-gynecologist. Remember: the right to choose a hormonal contraceptive should be given not to a neighbor, not to a friend on the forum, and not even to a pharmacist, but to a doctor.

Menopause: if there is little estrogen

Unfortunately, menopause brings with it a host of clinical symptoms that are hard to miss. The classic symptoms of menopause are characterized by irregular or no menstrual cycles. In 60% of women sharp drop estrogen levels lead to vascular disorders, which are manifested by hot flashes, sweating and increased heart rate.

Other, no less vivid symptoms are possible. After all, it is estrogens that provide sufficient hydration of the vagina and regulate urination. Until the woman's body adapts to the new hormonal background, are inevitable and neurological manifestations menopause: depression, insomnia, mood swings.

An extremely dangerous consequence of the onset of menopause is a catastrophic decrease in bone mass. As a result, a disease associated with bone fragility, osteoporosis, develops.

If no action is taken, these manifestations can poison a woman's life for many years. However, the body can be "cheated" if such necessary estrogens are introduced from the outside. And this can be done with the help of hormonal pills, which for some reason are so afraid of some patients. Is the game worth the candle? Let's figure it out together.

Add estrogen: hormonal preparations in tablets

Hormonal pills that are used during menopause may contain:

estrogen only;
a combination of estrogen and progesterone;
combination of estrogen, progesterone and androgen.

The most popular drugs are estrogen. Hormonal pills are taken constantly, that is, daily, or in cycles of several weeks.

In most cases, these drugs contain the so-called conjugated estrogen, which is obtained from the urine of mares. Among them, we note Estrofeminal, Premarin and Hormoplex. All these drugs are used cyclically for 21 days, followed by a week break.

Biphasic products

These pills consist of two components - estrogen and gestagen.

Divina- a drug manufactured by the Finnish company Orion. The first group of tablets contains only estradiol at a dose of 2 mg, and the second - a combination of 2 mg of estradiol valeriate and 10 mg of progestogen (medroxyprogesterone).

Klimonorm- German medicine of the Bayer corporation. The main difference from Divina lies in the gestagen: 0.15 mg of levonorgestrel is used as a progesterone-containing component in Klimonorm.

Klymen contains the same 2 mg of estradiol and 1 mg of cyproterone (gestagen).

In addition, at Russian gynecologists other hormonal replacement pills are no less popular, including Cyclo-proginova, Femoston, Divitren, Angelik.

Triphasic hormonal pills

These drugs are designed for continuous use and include three groups of tablets: the first and third contain estrogens, the latter at a lower dose, and the second group includes a combination of estrogen and progestogen.

In Russia, only two three-phase drugs are registered - Trisikvens and Trisikvens forte.

Hormone replacement pills: contraindications and side effects

Hormone therapy during menopause is contraindicated in breast or endometrial cancer, serious illnesses liver, thrombophlebitis, endometriosis, myoma.

Side effects of hormone therapy include mood swings, breast engorgement, and intermenstrual bleeding.

And the last. Before prescribing hormone replacement pills, thorough examination woman, which includes a urinalysis, a blood sugar test, and lipid profile blood, ultrasound of the pelvic organs, ECG, cytological examination cervical scraping and mammography. And if replacement therapy is not contraindicated, the benefits far outweigh the risks.

Hormones to treat inflammation: why do we need glucocorticoids?

A separate group of hormonal pills is glucocorticosteroids (GC). They have three properties at the same time: anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and analgesic. This unique triad is the basis for wide application glucocorticoids in almost all areas of medicine.

Synthetic hormonal pills containing HA are constantly taken with autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

It is impossible to do without hormonal pills containing HA in the treatment of allergic diseases, including bronchial asthma. Glucocorticoids can reduce inflammatory response and resist activity immune cells who participate in pathological process. Most often, HA is administered by inhalation, but in some severe cases, hormonal preparations are used in tablets and ampoules.

Glucocorticoids are certainly included in the treatment of oncological diseases. Their main purpose is to reduce side effects chemotherapy. In addition, hormonal pills can help in the destruction cancer cells with lymphoblastic leukemia, Hodgkin's lymphoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and multiple myeloma.

Glucocorticoid tablets

Most often, several tableted glucocorticoids are used.

The drug effectively reduces inflammation by suppressing the function of leukocytes. Interestingly, the anti-inflammatory effect of Dexamethasone is 30 times higher than the activity of another HA - hydrocortisone.

Dexamethasone tablets are indicated for the hormonal treatment of Addison's disease, hypothyroidism, bronchial asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, non-specific ulcerative colitis, eczema, malignant tumors in advanced stages.

The dosage of Dexamethasone is selected individually.

The drug is an analogue of hydrocortisone. Prednisolone is able to influence all stages inflammatory process and have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect.

There are really a lot of indications for the use of Prednisolone tablets - hormonal treatment prescribed for systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, joint diseases, bronchial asthma, oncological diseases, adrenal insufficiency, allergies, autoimmune pathologies and many others.

The drug produced by the Polish plant Polfa contains triamcinolone HA at a dose of 4 mg. The main indications of Polcortolone include diseases of the joints, allergic pathologies, which are difficult to treat, rheumatic, dermatological, hematological, oncological and other diseases.

Side effects of glucocorticoids

HAs have truly unique qualities. Therefore, glucocorticoids could be called healing drugs, if not for the side effects. because of a large number adverse effects due to treatment long-term use of these drugs can even be dangerous.

We list the most common side effects of hormonal tablets of the glucocorticoid group:

decreased immunity;
increase in blood sugar levels. At long-term treatment GC may develop diabetes mellitus;
decreased calcium absorption, which can lead to osteoporosis - dangerous disease bone tissue;
amyotrophy;
increased levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood;
mood changes, depression, memory impairment, in severe cases - psychosis;
gastritis and peptic ulcer;
violation of the menstrual cycle, decreased libido;
slow wound healing;
weight gain.

Another extremely unpleasant side of corticosteroids is the withdrawal syndrome: after stopping long-term use hormonal pills, there is a possibility of severe side effects. To avoid such a development of events, drugs should be canceled smoothly, gradually reducing the dose over a certain period of time.

Hormonal deficiency: when you can not do without pills?

The most common pathologies that require constant use of hormonal drugs include thyroid diseases.

Thyroid deficiency - hypothyroidism - a common disease in which the production of hormones is reduced. Treatment is based primarily on compensation for the lack of hormones. To do this, prescribe hormonal tablets, which include levothyroxine sodium.

Levothyroxine sodium is the levorotatory isomer of thyroxine. It is a synthetic analog of the thyroid hormone. Thyroxine is the first-line drug for hypothyroidism, euthyroid goiter, and after removal or resection of the thyroid gland.

Although thyroxine is hormonal medicine, when prescribing the correct dosage according to indications, there are practically no side effects.

Hormones in oncology: when drugs save lives

Hormone therapy in oncology, along with chemotherapy, is one of the main medical methods cancer treatment. Hormone treatment is used for several types of hormonally sensitive tumors, including breast, prostate, endometrial (uterine cancer), and adrenal cortex.

Most drugs that are used to treat hormone-dependent tumors inhibit, that is, block the release of hormones. These drugs include one of the most famous drugs for the treatment of breast cancer - Tamoxifen.

Many drugs can reduce the production of other hormones that are responsible for growth. malignancy. Often, hormonal treatment is almost the only way to fight the tumor and prolong the life of the patient.

Hormonal pills are a whole pharmaceutical world in which there is a place for efficiency, uniqueness, and side effects. And only doctors can untie this tangled tangle of complex concepts, indications and contraindications. Then a properly prescribed remedy turns out to be the right path to a fulfilling life.

Hormone therapy is used today to treat a wide range of diseases. However, for the most part, patients are apprehensive about treatment with hormonal drugs, because it is believed that excess weight can become a side effect of this therapy. However, recent studies suggest that side effects much more from taking these medications. It is necessary to understand what is the danger of hormone therapy?

Scientists divide the side effects that occur during long-term treatment with hormones into mild and severe. Moreover, the lungs are much more common. These include: nausea, headaches and chest pain. Such symptoms do not cause fundamental harm to health, but they are quite annoying.

Contrary to popular belief, recent studies show that women on long-term hormone therapy are just as likely to gain weight as women who are not taking hormones.

What are the severe side effects of these medications?

1. Venous thrombosis

Hormone therapy increases the risk of lower limb thrombosis and pulmonary embolism by about 2-3 times. True, it is worth noting that these ailments are not so common in women, and therefore, if the patient does not have a predisposition to the formation of blood clots, you can not worry about taking hormonal medications.

2. Endometrial cancer

Studies show that the use of these drugs increases the likelihood of cancer of the body of the uterus (endometrial cancer). Moreover, the risk increases precisely when women take. That is why most modern doctors prescribe combined hormone therapy with. Unlike estrogen, progesterone protects the uterus from endometrial cancer.

3. Breast cancer

After the studies, scientists agreed that long-term hormone therapy can threaten the fairer sex with the development of breast cancer. The risk group includes women who have entered the menopause period. However, you should not be afraid, because compared to women who did not take hormones, this risk is very low (more than about 20 women out of 10,000). In addition, the likelihood of malignant neoplasms increases with prolonged use of drugs in this group, that is, 5 years or more.

4. Heart disease

Although the use of hormonal agents helps to reduce LDL-cholesterol in the blood and at the same time increases HDL level, in women taking hormonal drugs for a long time, the risk of heart attacks increases. Moreover, this side effect is especially dangerous for those women who already have heart disease.

5. Abnormal vaginal bleeding

It is generally accepted that women who regularly take drugs with hormones are 4 times more likely to suffer from abnormal vaginal bleeding. The fair sex with a normal menstrual cycle in this case, complain of heavy and prolonged bleeding during menstruation. However, bleeding can occur after menstruation. With hormone therapy, they can occur in women even in the postmenstrual period. In this case, you should contact a specialist who will biopsy the endometrium, that is, take a sample of the uterine mucosa for analysis in order to exclude. If the cause of bleeding is really the use of hormones, the doctor will adjust the dose of the medication to minimize or eliminate bleeding.

6. Stroke

Researchers suggest that the regular use of hormonal drugs threatens women with the development of a stroke. Although these studies have not yet been completed, scientists say that this risk will be minimal. Therefore, in the absence of predisposition and atherosclerosis, as well as with regular physical activity, taking any hormonal drugs for your health, you can not worry. Good health to you!