How hormone pills work on the body. Birth control pills: advantages and disadvantages. What is Hormone Replacement Therapy

09.08.2021

Content

Medicines, which include natural or artificial hormones, have to be taken for various reasons, and women are more likely to take this. 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? Let's look at the 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, and the 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. With the help of hormonal pills, you can restore the balance in the systems.

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 to make the cycle in the female body more regular, and the periods themselves often become less unpleasant. Drugs also help in eliminating acne, which is often a sign of hormonal imbalance.

Indications and contraindications

Hormones are prescribed in 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 the menstrual cycle, stop dysfunctional bleeding from the uterus, promote ovulation, bring the body to the hormonal balance required for conception).
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 blood clotting.
Cardiovascular diseases.
Excess weight.
Liver and kidney failure.
Migraines with focal neurological symptoms.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Increased risk of 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 birth control, they can range from unpleasant discharge and swelling of the mammary glands to allergic reactions, you can still gain weight dramatically. Discontinuing 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.

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 used if it produces them in small quantities or, conversely, too much.
sexual, which include androgens, estrogens, gestagens.
anabolic drugs.
pituitary, such as oxytocin and human 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 surest 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 levels of 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". Birth control pills are an effective tool in the fight against acne, oily skin, as 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, which are monophasic combined contraceptives, 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 of 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. Estrogens include:

"Dermestril". Contains estradiol and is used in menopause, eliminating hot flashes, postmenopausal osteoporosis, urogenital atrophy, sleep and mood problems.
"Divigel". It has estradiol as the active substance. This drug is distinguished by its favorable effect on the development of specific female organs, such as the fallopian tubes, ducts of the 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, it 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. Do not forget and skip the 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, with its 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 to the normal function of the 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 preparations containing hormones will prevent excessive production of 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 to simultaneously use 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, contraceptives, such as Jess, are often prescribed: 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 the necessary tests, examinations of the body, can 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 hormonal contraceptives act 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 also explains the benefits of the intrauterine ring and IUD for treating certain gynecological diseases, such as endometriosis.

From previous publications, we know about the abortive effect of hormonal contraceptives (GC, OK). Recently, in the media, you can find reviews of affected women from the side effects of OK, we will give a couple of them at the end of the article. To highlight this issue, we turned to the doctor, who prepared this information for the ABC of Health, and also translated for us fragments of articles with foreign studies. side effects GK.

Side effects of hormonal contraceptives.

The actions of hormonal contraceptives, like those of other drugs, are determined by the properties of their constituent substances. Most contraceptive pills prescribed for planned contraception contain 2 types of hormones: one gestagen and one estrogen.

Gestagens

Gestagens = progestogens = progestins- hormones that are produced by the corpus luteum of the ovaries (a formation on the surface of the ovaries that appears after ovulation - the release of the egg), in a small amount - by the adrenal cortex, and during pregnancy - by the placenta. The main progestogen is progesterone.

The name of the hormones reflects their main function - "pro gestation" = "to [preserve] pregnancy" by restructuring the uterine endothelium into a state necessary for the development of a fertilized egg. The physiological effects of gestagens are combined into three main groups.

vegetative effect. It is expressed in the suppression of the proliferation of the endometrium, caused by the action of estrogens, and its secretory transformation, which is very important for a normal menstrual cycle. When pregnancy occurs, gestagens suppress ovulation, lower the tone of the uterus, reducing its excitability and contractility ("protector" of pregnancy). Progestins are responsible for the "maturation" of the mammary glands.
generative action. In small doses, progestins increase the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which is responsible for the maturation of ovarian follicles and ovulation. In large doses, gestagens block both FSH and LH (luteinizing hormone, which is involved in the synthesis of androgens, and together with FSH provides ovulation and progesterone synthesis). Gestagens affect the center of thermoregulation, which is manifested by an increase in temperature.
General action. Under the influence of gestagens, amine nitrogen in the blood plasma decreases, the excretion of amino acids increases, the separation of gastric juice increases, and the separation of bile slows down.

The composition of oral contraceptives includes various gestagens. For a while it was believed that there was no difference between progestins, but now it is known for sure that the difference in molecular structure provides a variety of effects. In other words, progestogens differ in spectrum and in severity. additional properties, but the 3 groups of physiological effects described above are inherent in all of them. The characteristics of modern progestins are shown in the table.

Pronounced or very pronounced gestagenic effect common to all progestogens. The gestagenic effect refers to those main groups of properties that were mentioned earlier.

Androgenic activity is not characteristic of many drugs, its result is a decrease in the amount of "good" cholesterol (HDL cholesterol) and an increase in the concentration of "bad" cholesterol (LDL cholesterol). As a result, the risk of atherosclerosis increases. In addition, there are symptoms of virilization (male secondary sexual characteristics).

Explicit antiandrogenic effect available for only three drugs. This effect has positive value– improvement of the skin condition (cosmetic side of the issue).

Antimineralocorticoid activity associated with increased diuresis, sodium excretion, decreased blood pressure.

Glucocorticoid effect affects metabolism: there is a decrease in the body's sensitivity to insulin (risk of diabetes), increased synthesis of fatty acids and triglycerides (risk of obesity).

Estrogens

The other ingredient in birth control pills is estrogen.

Estrogens- female sex hormones, which are produced by the ovarian follicles and the adrenal cortex (and in men also by the testicles). There are three main estrogens: estradiol, estriol, and estrone.

Physiological effects of estrogens:

- proliferation (growth) of the endometrium and myometrium according to the type of their hyperplasia and hypertrophy;

- development of genital organs and secondary sexual characteristics (feminization);

- suppression of lactation;

- inhibition of resorption (destruction, resorption) of bone tissue;

- procoagulant action (increased blood clotting);

- an increase in the content of HDL ("good" cholesterol) and triglycerides, a decrease in the amount of LDL ("bad" cholesterol);

- retention of sodium and water in the body (and, as a result, an increase in blood pressure);

- ensuring the acidic environment of the vagina (normally pH 3.8-4.5) and the growth of lactobacilli;

- increased production of antibodies and activity of phagocytes, increased resistance of the body to infections.

Estrogens in oral contraceptives are needed to control the menstrual cycle, they do not take part in protection against unwanted pregnancy. Most often, the composition of the tablets includes ethinylestradiol (EE).

Mechanisms of action of oral contraceptives

So, given the basic properties of gestagens and estrogens, the following mechanisms of action of oral contraceptives can be distinguished:

1) inhibition of the secretion of gonadotropic hormones (due to gestagens);

2) a change in the pH of the vagina to a more acidic side (the effect of estrogens);

3) increased viscosity of cervical mucus (gestagens);

4) the phrase “ovum implantation” used in instructions and manuals, which hides the abortive effect of HA from women.

Gynecologist's commentary on the abortive mechanism of action of hormonal contraceptives

When implanted in the wall of the uterus, the embryo is a multicellular organism (blastocyst). An egg (even a fertilized one) is never implanted. Implantation occurs 5-7 days after fertilization. Therefore, what is called an egg in the instructions is actually not an egg at all, but an embryo.

Unwanted estrogen...

In the course of a thorough study of hormonal contraceptives and their effects on the body, it was concluded: unwanted effects associated with the influence of estrogens. Therefore, the smaller the amount of estrogens in a tablet, the fewer side effects, but it is not possible to completely eliminate them. It was these conclusions that prompted scientists to invent new, more advanced drugs, and oral contraceptives, in which the amount of the estrogen component was measured in milligrams, were replaced by tablets containing estrogen in micrograms ( 1 milligram [ mg] = 1000 micrograms [ mcg]). There are currently 3 generations of birth control pills. The division into generations is due to both a change in the amount of estrogen in the preparations and the introduction of newer progesterone analogues into the composition of the tablets.

The first generation of contraceptives include "Enovid", "Infekundin", "Bisekurin". These drugs have been widely used since their discovery, but later their androgenic effect was noticed, manifested in the coarsening of the voice, the growth of facial hair (virilization).

The second generation drugs include Microgenon, Rigevidon, Triregol, Triziston and others.

The most commonly used and widespread are the third generation drugs: Logest, Merisilon, Regulon, Novinet, Diane-35, Zhanin, Yarina and others. A significant advantage of these drugs is their antiandrogenic activity, which is most pronounced in Diane-35.

The study of the properties of estrogens and the conclusion that they are the main source of side effects from the use of hormonal contraceptives led scientists to the idea of creating drugs with an optimal reduction in the dose of estrogen in them. It is impossible to completely remove estrogens from the composition, since they play an important role in maintaining a normal menstrual cycle.

In this regard, the division of hormonal contraceptives into high-, low- and microdosed drugs has appeared.

High-dose (EE = 40-50 mcg per tablet).

"Non-ovlon"
Ovidon and others
Not used for contraception.

Low-dose (EE = 30-35 mcg per tablet).

"Marvelon"
"Janine"
"Yarina"
"Femoden"
"Diana-35" and others

Microdosed (EE = 20 mcg per tablet)

"Logest"
Mercilon
"Novinet"
"Minisiston 20 Fem" "Jess" and others

Side effects of hormonal contraceptives

Side effects from the use of oral contraceptives are always detailed in the instructions for use.

Since the side effects from the use of various contraceptive pills are approximately the same, it makes sense to consider them, highlighting the main (severe) and less severe ones.

Some manufacturers list conditions that should stop taking immediately. These states include the following:

Arterial hypertension.
Hemolytic-uremic syndrome, manifested by a triad of signs: acute renal failure, hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia (decrease in the number of platelets).
Porphyria is a disease in which the synthesis of hemoglobin is impaired.
Hearing loss due to otosclerosis (fixation of the auditory ossicles, which should normally be mobile).

Almost all manufacturers designate thromboembolism as rare or very rare side effects. But this grave condition deserves special attention.

Thromboembolism is the blockage of a blood vessel by a thrombus. This is an acute condition that requires qualified assistance. Thromboembolism cannot occur out of the blue, it needs special “conditions” - risk factors or existing vascular diseases.

Risk factors for thrombosis (formation of blood clots inside the vessels - thrombi - interfering with the free, laminar blood flow):

- age over 35 years;

- smoking (!);

- high levels of estrogen in the blood (which occurs when taking oral contraceptives);

- increased blood clotting, which is observed with a deficiency of antithrombin III, proteins C and S, dysfibrinogenemia, Marchiafava-Michelli disease;

- trauma and extensive operations in the past;

- venous congestion with a sedentary lifestyle;

- obesity;

- varicose veins of the legs;

- damage to the valvular apparatus of the heart;

- atrial fibrillation, angina pectoris;

- diseases of the cerebral vessels (including transient ischemic attack) or coronary vessels;

- arterial hypertension of moderate or severe degree;

- connective tissue diseases (collagenoses), and primarily systemic lupus erythematosus;

- hereditary predisposition to thrombosis (thrombosis, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident in the closest blood relatives).

If these risk factors are present, a woman taking hormonal contraceptive pills has a significantly increased risk of developing thromboembolism. The risk of thromboembolism increases with thrombosis of any localization, both present and past; with myocardial infarction and stroke.

Thromboembolism, whatever its localization, is a severe complication.

	… coronary vessels →	myocardial infarction
	… brain vessels →	stroke
	… deep leg veins →	trophic ulcers and gangrene
	... pulmonary artery (PE) or its branches →	from pulmonary infarction to shock
Thromboembolism…	... hepatic vessels →	liver dysfunction, Budd-Chiari syndrome
	… mesenteric vessels →	ischemic bowel disease, intestinal gangrene
	... renal vessels
	... retinal vessels (retinal vessels)

In addition to thromboembolism, there are other, less severe, but still uncomfortable side effects. For example, candidiasis (thrush). Hormonal contraceptives increase the acidity of the vagina, and in an acidic environment, fungi multiply well, in particular Candidaalbicans, which is an opportunistic pathogen.

A significant side effect is the retention of sodium, and with it water, in the body. This may lead to edema and weight gain. Decreased tolerance to carbohydrates, as a side effect of the use of hormonal pills, increases the risk of diabetes mellitus.

Other side effects, such as: mood swings, mood swings, increased appetite, nausea, stool disorders, satiety, swelling and soreness of the mammary glands, and some others - although they are not severe, however, affect the quality of life of a woman.

In the instructions for the use of hormonal contraceptives, in addition to side effects, contraindications are listed.

Contraceptives without estrogen

Exist gestagen-containing contraceptives ("mini-drank"). In their composition, judging by the name, only gestagen. But this group of drugs has its indications:

- contraception for lactating women (they should not be prescribed estrogen-progestin drugs, because estrogen suppresses lactation);

- prescribed for women who have given birth (because the main mechanism of action of "mini-drank" is the suppression of ovulation, which is undesirable for nulliparous women);

- in late reproductive age;

- in the presence of contraindications to the use of estrogen.

In addition, these drugs also have side effects and contraindications.

Particular attention should be paid to emergency contraception". The composition of such drugs includes either a progestogen (levonorgestrel) or an antiprogestin (mifepristone) in a large dose. The main mechanisms of action of these drugs are inhibition of ovulation, thickening of cervical mucus, acceleration of desquamation (desquamation) of the functional layer of the endometrium in order to prevent the attachment of a fertilized egg. And Mifepristone has an additional effect - an increase in the tone of the uterus. Therefore, a single use of a large dose of these drugs has a very strong simultaneous effect on the ovaries, after taking emergency contraceptive pills, there can be serious and prolonged menstrual irregularities. Women who regularly use these drugs are at great risk to their health.

Foreign studies of side effects of GC

Interesting studies on the side effects of hormonal contraceptives have been carried out in foreign countries. Below are excerpts from several reviews (translation by the author of the article of fragments of foreign articles)

Oral contraceptives and the risk of venous thrombosis

May, 2001

CONCLUSIONS

Hormonal contraception is used by more than 100 million women worldwide. The number of deaths from cardiovascular diseases (venous and arterial) among young, low-risk patients - non-smoking women from 20 to 24 years old - is observed worldwide in the range of 2 to 6 per year per million, depending on the region of residence, the estimated cardiovascular - vascular risk and the volume of screening studies that were carried out before the appointment of contraceptives. While the risk of venous thrombosis is more important in younger patients, the risk of arterial thrombosis is more relevant in older patients. Among older women who smoke and use oral contraceptives, the number of deaths is from 100 to just over 200 per million every year.

Reducing the dose of estrogen reduced the risk of venous thrombosis. Third-generation progestins in combined oral contraceptives have increased the incidence of adverse hemolytic changes and the risk of thrombosis, so they should not be given as first choice in hormonal contraceptive beginners.

Reasonable use of hormonal contraceptives, including avoidance of their use by women who have risk factors, is absent in most cases. In New Zealand, a series of deaths from PE were investigated, and often the cause was an unaccounted for risk by doctors.

Reasonable prescription can prevent arterial thrombosis. Almost all women who had a myocardial infarction while using oral contraceptives were either of an older age group, or smoked, or had other risk factors for arterial disease - in particular, arterial hypertension. Avoiding the use of oral contraceptives in such women may lead to a reduction in the incidence of arterial thrombosis, as reported by recent studies in industrialized countries. The beneficial effect that third-generation oral contraceptives have on the lipid profile and their role in reducing the number of heart attacks and strokes has not yet been confirmed by control studies.

To avoid venous thrombosis, the doctor asks if the patient has ever had a venous thrombosis in the past, to determine if there are contraindications to prescribing oral contraceptives, and what is the risk of thrombosis while taking hormonal drugs.

Nixodosed progestogen oral contraceptives (first or second generation) caused a lower risk of venous thrombosis than combination drugs; however, the risk in women with a history of thrombosis is not known.

Obesity is considered a risk factor for venous thrombosis, but it is not known whether this risk is increased with oral contraceptive use; thrombosis is uncommon among obese people. Obesity, however, is not considered a contraindication to oral contraceptive use. Superficial varicose veins are not a consequence of pre-existing venous thrombosis or a risk factor for deep venous thrombosis.

Heredity may play a role in the development of venous thrombosis, but its tangibility as a high risk factor remains unclear. Superficial thrombophlebitis in history can also be considered as a risk factor for thrombosis, especially if it is combined with aggravated heredity.

Venous thromboembolism and hormonal contraception

Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, UK

July, 2010

Do combined hormonal contraceptive methods (pills, patch, vaginal ring) increase the risk of venous thromboembolism?

The relative risk of venous thromboembolism increases with the use of any combined hormonal contraceptive (pills, patch and vaginal ring). However, the rarity of venous thromboembolism in women of reproductive age means that the absolute risk remains low.

The relative risk of venous thromboembolism increases in the first few months after starting combined hormonal contraception. As the duration of taking hormonal contraceptives increases, the risk decreases, but as a background it remains until the cessation of the use of hormonal drugs.

In this table, the researchers compared the incidence of venous thromboembolism per year in different groups of women (in terms of 100,000 women). From the table it is clear that in non-pregnant and non-using hormonal contraceptives women (non-pregnantnon-users) an average of 44 (with a range of 24 to 73) cases of thromboembolism per 100,000 women are registered per year.

Drospirenone-containingCOCusers - users of drospirenone-containing COCs.

Levonorgestrel-containingCOCusers - using levonorgestrel-containing COCs.

Other COCs not specified - other COCs.

Pregnantnon-users are pregnant women.

Strokes and heart attacks while using hormonal contraception

"New England Journal of Medicine"

Medical Society of Massachusetts, USA

June, 2012

CONCLUSIONS

Although the absolute risks of stroke and heart attack associated with hormonal contraceptives are low, the risk was increased from 0.9 to 1.7 with drugs containing ethinylestradiol at a dose of 20 mcg and from 1.2 to 2.3 with the use of drugs containing ethinyl estradiol at a dose of 30-40 mcg, with a relatively small risk difference depending on the type of gestagen included.

Risk of thrombosis of oral contraception

WoltersKluwerHealth is a leading provider of qualified health information.

HenneloreRott - German doctor

August, 2012

CONCLUSIONS

Different combined oral contraceptives (COCs) are characterized by a different risk of venous thromboembolism, but the same unsafe use.

COCs with levonorgestrel or norethisterone (the so-called second generation) should be the drugs of choice, as recommended by national contraceptive guidelines in the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Norway and the UK. Other European countries do not have such guidelines, but they are essential.

In women with a history of venous thromboembolism and/or known coagulation defects, the use of COCs and other contraceptives containing ethinyl estradiol is contraindicated. On the other hand, the risk of venous thromboembolism during pregnancy and the postpartum period is much higher. For this reason, such women should be offered adequate contraception.

There is no reason to abstain from hormonal contraception in young patients with thrombophilia. Progesterone-only preparations are safe in relation to the risk of venous thromboembolism.

Risk of venous thromboembolism among users of drospirenone-containing oral contraceptives

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

November 2012

CONCLUSIONS
The risk of venous thromboembolism is increased among users of oral contraceptives (3-9/10,000 women per year) compared with non-pregnant and non-users of these drugs (1-5/10,000 women per year). There is evidence that drospirenone-containing oral contraceptives have a higher risk (10.22/10,000) than drugs containing other progestins. However, the risk is still low and much lower than during pregnancy (approximately 5–20/10,000 women per year) and postpartum (40–65/10,000 women per year) (see table).

Tab. risk of thromboembolism.

The modern pace of life dictates its own conditions, medicine has long stepped forward on contraception. Millions of women choose such remedies, protecting themselves from certain diseases and unwanted pregnancies, getting the opportunity to be more liberated in the sexual sphere. Such contraceptives have a lot of positive qualities, but despite this, the side effects of birth control pills make it difficult to live a full life. How to make the right choice and protect your body from stress?

Contraceptive drugs

Contraceptive pills are a group of drugs of hormonal origin, designed to prevent a possible pregnancy. They include components such as female sex hormones, which, with prolonged use, change the functioning of the ovaries.

As for combination drugs, they include the following hormones: progestin and estrogen. The first is a derivative of progesterone, or one might say a male hormone, and the second is a pure female hormone secreted by the ovaries. At the time of ovulation, the body releases a large amount of estrogen, but birth control pills equalize its concentration, thereby preventing pregnancy.

There are two main groups of these substances, the selection of which directly depends on age, number of births and hormonal disorders:

Combined - these pills contain synthetic hormones, they do not change the level of hormonal components during ovulation, but there are some that change throughout the cycle of menstruation.
Mini-pills - do not contain the female hormone estrogen, suitable for women who are breastfeeding, or in case of undesirable use of them. Due to the constituent substances, such pills do not change the level of hormones during ovulation, but produce more cervical mucus, which inhibits the passage of sperm.

Only a gynecologist-endocrinologist can help with the choice of the necessary and more suitable pills for your body.

Consequences of admission

Before you start taking the drug, you should know where it can lead you and your body. Almost every medical drug has side effects, and dealing with the consequences of “treatment” can be not easy.

We list the main negative manifestations of taking contraceptive contraceptives:

Nausea and vomiting. Estrogen can cause a gag reflex in the first month of taking the pills, so you should be patient until the body gets used to it or switch to a weaker concentration of active substances. To make it easier to carry - take the pill at night, preferably not on an empty stomach.
Discharges with an admixture of blood. Such a defect, unfortunately, is present in any case when getting used to the active substance. Discharge can be dangerous only in case of heavy bleeding. Also, a strong discharge of blood may indicate an incorrect or untimely intake of the pill, which should be paid attention to.
Enlargement and soreness of the mammary glands. The effect is as frequent as nausea, it lasts about six months, it all depends on the female body. It is not required to treat such a manifestation; in rare cases, the doctor may prescribe a special gel to lubricate the nipples and the gland itself.
Frequent mood swings. The development of such a condition is also likely during the body's getting used to the active components and can last up to three months. There may be a desire to cry or, conversely, strong aggressive emotions. If after the expiration of this period these manifestations have not passed, then you should consult a doctor with a request to change the drug. In cases of unwanted interruption of the intake, in order to obtain a positive effect, it is recommended to additionally take vitamin B6, which will help balance the emotional state. In some cases, the development of depression could begin long before taking contraceptives, and they only exacerbate the mental conditions present. This should be taken into account when you start taking the pills.

Hair loss in small amounts. This process begins due to hormonal instability, so if the fallout is not strong, you should not worry. It is not recommended to abruptly stop taking birth control, and if you are still worried about hair loss, you can consult a trichologist to rule out other causes, for example, lack of iron or zinc.
Frequent migraines. This side effect is the result of taking hormonal drugs and can last up to four months. You need to worry only if the headaches only get worse, and do not go away with time. In this case, the doctor must replace the contraceptives with another effective composition.
Oily skin and acne breakouts. Such manifestations are also characteristic during the use of birth control pills, and you just need to be patient, wait until the body learns to work properly.
Muscular pain in the legs. When initially taking such drugs, a woman may experience muscle pain and this is normal with a temporary change in metabolism. To alleviate the condition, you can try to carry out a daily warming massage of the calf muscles.

Menstruation may be absent. Due to the composition of the tablets, the endometrium in the uterus grows slowly and menstruation may either not occur at all or will be very scarce. Such a reaction of the body is normal in this case, especially in the seven-day break between packs.
Body weight gain. Since these are hormonal drugs, unfortunately, they can lead a woman from a slender beauty to a full lady. But do not despair, because in our time of modern technology, scientists invent substances with a low content of estrogen, because it is the excess of its amount that leads to changes in metabolism.
Decreased libido. Hormones can affect a woman's desire for sexual intercourse, but this happens in rare cases and is not always caused by taking contraceptives. If, however, you notice the presence of such a side effect, consult a doctor for advice, you may need to change the drug you are taking.

It is not always possible for a gynecologist to choose the right contraceptive for you the first time, only by the presence and severity of side effects can you say whether it is suitable or not.

Consider if there are any side effects you should change the pills:

Frequent breakthrough discharge with blood after three months of addiction, in this case it is necessary to consult a doctor.

Severe persistent headaches that require pain medication.
Immediately after the start of taking the tablets, thrush appeared, the symptoms of which do not stop even after antifungal treatment.
The presence of severe edema, poor excretion of fluid from the body.
Insufficient amount of lubrication in the vagina, a sharp decrease in sexual desire.
Sudden and profuse hair loss.

In what cases it is necessary to urgently stop taking contraceptives:

Severe sharp pains in the sternum and shortness of breath, there may be frequent shortness of breath.
A state close to fainting, causeless headaches.
Strong increase in pressure.
Sudden disturbances in speech, hearing and vision.
Persistent severe depression.
Allergic manifestations in the form of itching and rashes on the skin.

Side effects of birth control pills are very real and many women suffer from them. This may mean that the products are not suitable and need to be replaced with another active substance.

Contraceptives without side effects

The development of modern medicine has stepped far forward in the invention of drugs that protect a woman from unwanted pregnancy and do not harm her health. Side effects are present in almost every medicine and, as many experts say, the more of them, the more effective the drug.

Synthetically female hormones are considered the safest both for health and for further childbearing, pills based on them help maintain normal hormonal levels and, after giving them up, if you want to quickly become pregnant.

The contraceptive helps not only to protect yourself from pregnancy, but also normalizes hormonal levels, improves the structure of nails, hair and skin. Therefore, with the correct and appropriate selection, the drug has a positive effect on the entire body.

The most interesting thing is that modern contraceptives are designed not only to inhibit ovulation, but also to create negative impact on the development of the embryo, that is, if fertilization nevertheless occurred, then the fetus will not be able to normally go through the stages of maturation in the uterus.

Remedies for women under 35 without side effects

When choosing contraceptives without side effects, be careful not to buy advertised and popular products that you will be offered at the pharmacy or that you heard about on TV.

Before making a purchase, consult a gynecologist, because in such a choice everything should be taken into account to the smallest detail: age, frequency of sexual intercourse, whether a woman gave birth or not. The most effective are medicines with a minimum amount of hormones - microdose birth control pills.

These funds include:

Jeanine is a very gentle drug, the principle of which is aimed at curbing the onset of ovulation. It differs from others in the presence of synthetic analogues and a new hormone - dienogest. It is prescribed by doctors in the treatment of endometriosis, or a strong growth of the endometrium in the uterus.
Yarina - among buyers is considered the best tool, both in price and quality. It not only protects the body from pregnancy, but also removes male hormones that produce the appearance of acne and acne. Thus, Yarina is also prescribed for acne.
Regulon is a widespread substance that is prescribed not only to protect against conception, but also to correct the menstrual cycle, with bleeding in the uterus and to eliminate pain during menstruation. Reception is contraindicated in breastfeeding and during the period of gestation.
Logest is good because it reduces the amount of discharge during menstruation, this action prevents the development of iron deficiency anemia. Long-term use of these contraceptive pills reduces the risk of developing cancer of the uterus, ovaries, breast diseases and inflammatory processes in the organs of reproduction.

Any unauthorized approach of contraceptives, even without side effects, can harm the body, so it is advisable to consult a gynecologist in advance.

Remedies for women after 35 without side effects

Women who have gone through childbirth, breastfeeding and with the presence of a constant sexual life need more concentrated doses of hormones - medium. They will provide the maximum level of protection and will keep the menstrual cycle under control.

Fixed assets in this case:

Trikvilar - is available in the form of pills, which is what differs from many other contraceptives. The package contains a monthly set with instructions for use, each subsequent pill differs in the number of active ingredients, as it corresponds to the day of the menstrual cycle. The first two weeks of admission should be careful, since the main effect of them has not yet come, it is better to use condoms.
Femulen is the safest contraceptive for a nursing mother, it does not harm either the woman or the baby. If you want to maintain lactation, it would be advisable to take Femulen, but as a contraceptive, it is not highly effective. Also recommended for women over 40.
Marvelon is a good medication used by both the older group and young women who have not yet given birth. And all because of the low content of hormones, but the effective composition of substances. With frequent sexual contact provides 98% protection, which is very convenient.

Do not forget that the drugs act most effectively, it is important to take them daily according to the scheme that is in the instructions.

Correct selection

To choose the right contraceptive, you should first of all seek help from a gynecologist, and not listen, for example, to the advice of friends. After all, what is perfect for one body can harm another.

Contraceptives are also drugs, and in order to make the right choice, you need to pass some tests:

Examination by a gynecologist.
Conducting ultrasound diagnostics to identify possible neoplasms.
Delivery of a general blood and urine test.
Female smear.
Palpation and other methods of examination of the breast.
Check for the presence of chronic or other diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

The doctor also looks at the age of the woman, the amount of sugar in the blood and weight, all this plays a big role in the selection of the necessary medication.

You should be careful in using this method of contraception, because the presence of side effects can harm the body, especially if you take the funds incorrectly.

The level of development of modern medicine makes it possible to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Proper use of 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 skin condition, prevention of infertility, can be taken continuously	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, a properly selected contraceptive is not dangerous. Analyze the harm and benefit of contraceptive pills is necessary, taking into account the characteristics of a particular drug. These drugs are taken 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 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 amount of female hormones.

The latest generation of hormonal pills "mini-pill" is recommended for women over 35 who are contraindicated in estrogen. Their reception is allowed even to smoking patients. Bleeding between periods is not an indication for contraceptive withdrawal.

Small doses of hormones contained in OK have a therapeutic and prophylactic effect:

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

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

in mini-pills;
COCs are included in therapeutic measures after artificial termination of pregnancy or miscarriage;
OK for violations of the 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 time of taking hormonal drugs in the body, favorable conditions are created for the conception of 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. Gynecologists in this case recommend that the patient undergo an examination to exclude the presence of inflammation of 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 the best state of health, regularity of sexual activity and other factors. Definitely OK will be harmful in the following pathologies:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

the effect

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

Important female hormones

In the female body, a very large number of hormones “work”. Their well-coordinated work allows a woman to feel like a woman.

Estrogens

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

Androgens

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

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

Progesterone

Progesterone is called the "pregnancy" hormone. It is produced by the corpus luteum of the ovaries, and during pregnancy also by the placenta. Progesterone helps to maintain pregnancy, stimulates the development of the mammary glands and "prepares" the uterus for bearing the fetus. During pregnancy, its level increases by 15 times. This hormone contributes to the production of the maximum amount nutrients from what we eat and increases appetite. During pregnancy, these are very useful qualities, but if its formation rises at another time, this contributes to the appearance of extra pounds.

luteinizing hormone

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

Follicle-stimulating hubbub

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

Prolactin

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

This hormone prevents a new pregnancy from occurring while the baby is breastfeeding. It is also involved in providing orgasm and has an analgesic effect. Prolactin is called the stress hormone. Its production increases with stressful conditions, anxiety, depression, severe pain, with psychosis, the action of adverse factors from the outside.

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

Features of hormonal drugs

Such a broad concept as "hormonal drugs" includes various drugs:

Contraceptives.
Treating (drugs whose action cures diseases, for example, somatotropin in childhood treats dwarfism caused by its deficiency).
Regulatory (various pills to normalize the menstrual cycle or hormonal levels).
Supportive (insulin for diabetics).

All of them have a different effect on the body of a woman.

Contraceptives

Without contraceptives, avoiding an unwanted pregnancy is difficult, and constantly using condoms or other mechanical methods of contraception can be uncomfortable. Therefore, for the representatives of the weaker sex, many drugs have been developed that, when taken, pregnancy does not occur.

Most often, the action of contraceptives is that they do not allow the egg to attach to the walls of the uterus, so the development of the fetus becomes impossible. The use of contraceptives in the form of tablets is popular today, but along with positive qualities, there are also negative consequences for a woman's body:

violation of the menstrual cycle (with the wrong selection of the drug);
swelling and weight gain (due to the body not taking medication);
hair loss, brittle nails and dry skin (due to improper selection);
lethargy, feeling unwell, decreased libido.

But all these qualities in 90% of cases are manifested in the wrong or self-selection of contraceptives. Such serious drugs can only be selected by a gynecologist, because for this it is necessary to analyze the data of the hormonal background of a woman. In no case do not prescribe oral contraceptives on your own, because if one girl did not feel bad from some contraceptives, this does not mean that they will suit others.

But not everyone can use this method of protection.

There are several contraindications for the use of hormonal contraceptives:

having problems with the background;
taking antibiotics;
pregnancy;
problems with the cardiovascular system;
age less than 17 years;
overweight and allergic reactions.

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

Side effects

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

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

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

Particular attention when taking hormonal contraceptives should be paid to the following recommendations:

birth control pills do not protect female body from sexually transmitted diseases;
women over 35 years of age when taking combined contraceptive pills should stop smoking, since in this case the risk of blockage of blood vessels increases significantly;
during feeding, it is undesirable to use tablets of a combined composition, since the estrogen in their composition affects the quality and composition of milk. In this case, tablets are prescribed containing only the hormone of the corpus luteum;
with the appearance of nausea, dizziness, indigestion, you should seek the advice of a specialist;
if you are prescribed drugs, you must inform your doctor that you are taking hormonal contraceptives;
if there was a pass in taking the pills, then there is a need to use additional contraceptives, for example, condoms;
for women with severe forms of endocrine diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, as well as those with pathology of the heart and blood vessels, neoplasms, taking oral contraceptives is undesirable.

treating

This group heals the body from diseases and disorders. Such hormonal preparations can be in the form of a tablet or topical application. The former are used to treat serious diseases caused by abnormalities in the hormonal background. The latter affect more locally, in places of use.

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

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

Regulatory

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

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

After identifying specific hormones that are not enough, or they are in excess, a course of drugs is prescribed to regulate their level. It can be tablets or injections. Often gynecologists prescribe oral contraceptives to normalize the menstrual cycle. Don't be afraid, they are not trying to cheat or make things worse. Depending on the results of the tests, some hormonal remedies actually improve menstruation without causing negative consequences. The influence of regulating agents depends on the correctness of their selection and dosage, because the active substances are required by the body in the smallest doses, so it is very easy to cross the line of the norm. For example, if you overdo it with injections of progesterone with its deficiency, then swelling, nausea, hair loss and pain in the mammary glands may appear.

Supportive

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

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

These drugs can often be harmful:

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

But it is impossible to refuse them, because it is these drugs that support the life of the patient.

Hormonal drugs fundamentally affect a woman's body, especially if they are oral contraceptives or regulatory agents. Therefore, remember that only a specialist after detailed analyzes can prescribe them. Pills, injections, ointments and other drugs with hormones often disrupt the digestive system, excretory system, and can cause weakness, so consult your doctor if you experience such symptoms.

Common myths

Hormonal drugs are very harmful to health, they should not be used in any case. An erroneous opinion. Hormonal drugs have a diverse systemic effect on the body, and, like any other medicine, they can cause side effects. However, abortion, from which these drugs protect almost 100 percent, is much more dangerous for a woman's health.
I will take those hormonal drugs that helped my friend (sister, acquaintance). You should not self-prescribe hormones (as well as any other drugs). These drugs are prescription drugs, they should be prescribed only by a doctor after an examination, taking into account all the characteristics of your body (which, by the way, may be completely opposite to the characteristics of the body of your girlfriend or even a relative).
Hormonal drugs should not be used for nulliparous and girls under 20 years old. A completely erroneous opinion. Hormonal contraceptives can be used even by adolescents, especially if you need to achieve a certain therapeutic effect.
After using hormones for a long time, you can not be afraid to get pregnant. Not at all. Already a month after the end of taking the drugs, it becomes possible to become pregnant, and even give birth to twins or triplets, since 2-3 eggs mature in the ovary. Some forms of infertility are treated by prescribing contraceptives for 3-4 months.
After a certain time (half a year, a year, etc.), you should take a break in taking hormonal drugs. This opinion is erroneous, since interruptions in taking the drug do not affect either the appearance (or not the appearance) of complications, or the ability to bear children at the end taking medications. If there is a need and, according to the doctor, there are no contraindications for continuous use, hormonal preparations can be used continuously and for as long as you like.
Nursing mothers should not take hormones. This statement is true only in relation to some pills that affect lactation. However, there are pills containing only a small amount of the hormone that do not affect lactation. It should only be remembered that these tablets must be used strictly after 24 hours in continuous mode. Even a minimal deviation from the hours of admission completely destroys the contraceptive effect of this drug.
Hormonal pills can make a big difference. Hormonal pills do have an effect on appetite, but for some it increases and for others it decreases. It is impossible to predict exactly how the drug will affect you. If a woman is inclined to be overweight or with an increase in body weight while taking it, the doctor prescribes drugs with a low content of progestogens responsible for increasing body weight.
Hormonal drugs are created only to prevent pregnancy in women, there are no drugs of this kind for men. This is not true. Hormonal drugs are synthetic drugs that act like natural hormones produced in our body. Such drugs do not necessarily have a contraceptive effect, and can be prescribed to both women and men (depending on the type of drugs) to normalize the function of the reproductive system, normalize hormonal levels, etc.
Only very severe diseases are treated with hormonal drugs. Not necessary. In the treatment of some non-severe diseases, hormonal drugs are also prescribed. For example, with a decrease in thyroid function, thyroxine or euthyrox is used.
Hormones accumulate in the body. Wrong opinion. Once in the body, hormones almost immediately break down into chemical compounds which are then excreted from the body. For example, a birth control pill breaks down and “leaves” the body during the day: that is why it needs to be taken every 24 hours. After the end of taking hormonal drugs, the effect of their effects is maintained not due to the accumulation of drugs in the body, but due to the fact that hormones act on various bodies(ovaries, uterus, mammary glands, parts of the brain), normalizing their work.
Pregnant women are not prescribed hormonal drugs. If a woman had hormonal disorders before pregnancy, then during the bearing of the fetus she needs drug support so that the production of female and male hormones is normal and the child develops normally. Also, hormones (for example, adrenal hormones) are used if during pregnancy the hormonal background of a woman's body is disturbed.
In any case, hormonal drugs can be replaced with other drugs. Unfortunately, this is not the case. In some situations, hormonal drugs are indispensable (for example, if a woman under 50 has her ovaries removed). And sometimes hormonal treatment is prescribed by a psychoneurologist (for example, for depression).