How to reduce dependence on hormonal drugs. Hormonal drugs (contraceptives): action, effect on the body, consequences of taking

Since the mid-twentieth century, hormonal contraception has been the main method of family planning in developed countries of Europe and America.

Every second woman uses hormonal contraceptives to prevent pregnancy. There are more than two dozen drugs, which allows you to choose the most suitable one for a given woman.

There are two types of drugs: tablets and parenteral. The most common forms of contraceptives are birth control pills. They are divided into means for planned contraception (mini-pills) and drugs emergency action. All contraceptives are based on inhibition of the production of female sex hormones, but each drug has its own characteristics.

It should also be remembered that birth control pills have an ambiguous effect on a woman’s body. Everyone is familiar with such phenomena as weight gain or increased hair growth in unwanted areas of the body.

The harm and benefits of hormonal contraceptives are individual and depend on the current state of health of the woman.

Hormonal contraceptives: how do they work?

Contraceptives contain synthetic hormones estrogen and progesterone, which prevent the egg from maturing and releasing into the uterine cavity. On the other hand, contraceptives do everything to prevent sperm from settling in the uterus: they thicken the mucus in the vagina and change the structure of the endometrium. The effectiveness of hormonal contraception very high - 98%. But in 2 cases out of 100, pregnancy can still occur.

It is believed that women can take birth control pills continuously, if needed, without harm to their health. Is it so?

Harm of oral contraceptives

Many people believe, hormonal contraceptives do not harm the body, since the dosage of hormones is negligible. But you should carefully read the instructions for the drugs to see possible side effects. These include, for example, the following phenomena:

  1. Milk production, soreness and engorgement of the mammary glands.
  2. Menstrual irregularities, bleeding between periods.
  3. Change in natural sexual desire.
  4. Dryness in the vagina.
  5. Migraine.
  6. Depression, irritability.
  7. Vomit.
  8. Skin pigmentation, allergies.

Any of these side effects can seriously ruin a woman's life.

The list of contraindications to taking hormonal contraceptives also raises serious concerns about their safety:

  1. Increased clotting blood, as life-threatening thromboses occur.
  2. Increased blood pressure.
  3. Condition after surgery.

Also, taking hormonal contraceptives is not compatible with smoking.

In addition, not every woman is aware of the existence of blood clots in the vessels, which cannot always be detected even with a special examination. Therefore, before taking hormonal contraceptives, you should definitely visit a doctor and take the tests recommended by him. This will help you choose the right one suitable drug, and avoid a threat to life. Moreover, you should not take hormonal contraceptives on your own if a specialist does not recommend it.

The benefits of oral contraceptives

Among women's diseases, pathologies associated with disorders hormonal regulation: irregular periods, ovarian cysts, polyps, etc. There are others gynecological problems, in which they may prescribe hormonal contraceptives. Acne brings a lot of “grief” to girls, which for many is associated with an excess of male sex hormones, androgens.

As a rule, in the case of using hormonal contraceptives in the treatment of any diseases, they are taken for a short time, in a course. Within a month from the start of treatment, acne disappears and pores are cleaned. The menstrual cycle also normalizes within about 1-3 months.

The effect of birth control pills on the body

The hormonal system is part of the endocrine system. Its work is controlled by the brain (pituitary gland and hypothalamus). But as a result of taking birth control pills, the functioning of the endocrine system changes. The connection between the brain centers and the ovaries becomes less clear. This leads to changes in the functioning of one’s own organs, which are associated with female sex hormones. In particular, the production of your own estrogen and progesterone decreases. Therefore, after stopping hormonal pills, the body needs at least 3 months to restore the functioning of the reproductive system.

What is the danger?

The hormones used for contraception are different from those naturally produced by female body. However, when they are taken, the brain receives a signal that the hormones are there and there is no need to synthesize them anymore. The work of the centers that are responsible for regulating the production of estrogen begins to “calm down.” The ovaries also seem to fall asleep. Their nutrition is disrupted, which leads to tissue degeneration and reduction in size. The structure of the endometrium is disrupted, a predisposition to oncological diseases. At long-term use A woman cannot take hormonal contraceptives even after discontinuation. long time to get pregnant, sometimes you have to resort to methods artificial insemination. In addition, hormonal contraceptives affect blood viscosity (it becomes more prone to blood clots) and the condition of blood vessels (the conductivity of small capillaries worsens). Synthetic hormonal contraceptives can cause breast cancer.

Another disadvantage of taking hormonal contraceptives is obesity. This is a common side effect hormonal drugs. Birth control pills increase blood glucose levels, which leads to overproduction of insulin and metabolic disorders.

Birth control pills: to take or not to take?

Each woman chooses those methods of contraception that are most suitable for her, consistent with her lifestyle and health status.

It is clear that modern hormonal contraceptives are much safer than those used twenty years ago. But they also have contraindications and serious side effects. Therefore, before taking contraceptives, you should visit a gynecologist, take tests recommended by your doctor, and honestly talk about chronic diseases. Only after this can your doctor tell you whether you are allowed to take hormonal pills or whether you should use other means of contraception.

It is important to remember that hormonal contraceptives only protect against conception, but do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. It is worth thinking about this aspect of contraception when deciding whether or not to take hormonal pills.

And, of course, when taking hormonal contraceptives, care should be taken to minimize their side effects. In particular, taking antioxidants will help level out Negative influence hormonal tablets for blood viscosity and blood vessels.

Thank you

general information

Hormones are active substances that are involved in all physiological processes. They are produced by glands internal secretion and coordinate various processes: growth, reproduction, metabolism and so on.

Hormone therapy in children

This type of treatment requires special qualifications from doctors, since the use of even the “lightest” hormonal agent necessarily reduces the activity of the gland that secretes it. It should be understood that the endocrine glands finally develop only at the age of twenty-five. Therefore, inappropriate use of hormones can disrupt natural process formation of the endocrine system.

Children are prescribed hormonal drugs only for special occasions and those that are quickly destroyed in the body ( prednisolone, hydrocortisone). It is better to give medicine containing hormones to your baby during ( or before) breakfast.
Children are very carefully prescribed insulin medications. The presence of glucose in the urine does not necessarily indicate diabetes. There are many diseases that are similar in their manifestations to diabetes, but not all of them are associated with a lack of insulin. Usually, when treating such diseases, hospitals do not use hormonal drugs.

After infectious diseases and in case of malfunction endocrine glands in some cases, children are prescribed anabolic steroids, but they should absolutely not be used for illnesses of an infectious-allergic nature ( for example, collagenosis, glomerulonephritis).
Any hormonal drugs can be given to babies only after consulting an endocrinologist and in strict accordance with the prescribed dosage.
During the course of treatment, you need to carefully monitor the baby’s condition, his body weight, work digestive system.
If prednisolone is prescribed, you need to periodically check the amount of calcium and sugar in the blood, make sure that the child does not increase hairline on the body, the pressure did not rise, and signs of decreased adrenal function did not appear.

Replacement therapy for menopause

During menopause, a woman’s body produces not only less of the female sex hormone - estrogen, but also its weaker form - estrone. Thanks to the introduction replacement therapy, the level of female sex hormone in the body is normalized, which has a beneficial effect on the condition of the body.

Pros:

  • The work of the brain is activated,
  • Sleep is normalized
  • Blood pressure normalizes,
  • Heart rate normalizes
  • Strengthening collagen fibers in blood vessels, cartilage, skin,
  • Atherosclerosis is prevented ( the amount of lipoproteins increases high density– good cholesterol),
  • The likelihood of a heart attack and heart attacks is reduced, the likelihood of death from coronary diseases is reduced by half,
  • Reduces the risk of stroke by 50%,
  • The likelihood of fractures due to osteoporosis is reduced by 50%,
  • Symptoms of menopause such as vaginal dryness, vulvar itching, atrophy of the vaginal mucosa, difficulty urinating,
  • Work is regulated thyroid gland,
  • Body weight does not increase under the influence of testosterones.
Contraindications:
  • Severe forms of diabetes mellitus,
  • Liver dysfunction,
  • Unexplained vaginal bleeding.
A large selection of drugs for replacement therapy, as well as modern diagnostic methods make it possible to select an individual course of treatment for each representative of the fair sex. These drugs contain very few hormones, which reduces the likelihood of side effects.

Before prescribing medications, the doctor will order an examination to identify general diseases, the course of which may worsen when taking hormones. You will need to go to a gynecologist and have ultrasound examination pelvic organs, take an oncocytology test, examine the condition of the breast, check blood pressure, body weight, donate blood for cholesterol and a general analysis, for sugar, as well as a urine test.
During the course of replacement therapy, you need to undergo annual examinations with a doctor and ultrasound monitoring.

Replacement therapy in gynecology

Indications:
  • Menopause,
  • Previous ovarian failure
  • Hypogonadotropic amenorrhea,
  • Gonadal dysgenesis,
  • Normalization of the endometrium after surgery or during chronic form endometritis,
  • Medical menopause.
When treating women with infertility, hormone therapy is prescribed during stimulation of ovulation, during in vitro fertilization, and when using donor oocytes.

Steroid hormones are used in treatment because they affect many internal organs. Their lack negatively affects the condition of fatty tissue, liver, dermis, bones, digestive system, reproductive organs, blood vessels, and brain.

Hormonal drugs of the latest generations, almost one to one, imitate natural ones, their concentration in the blood. The treatment uses small dosages of sex hormones that do not disrupt ovulation and do not have a contraceptive effect.
The use of hormones in the treatment of infertility comes down to the fact that when there is a natural lack of hormones in the patient’s body, with the help of their artificial analogues, conditions are created that are as close to normal as possible. Thanks to this, fertilization and gestation of the fetus takes place. When prescribing dosages of drugs with one of the most important indicators is the condition of the endometrium.

For amenorrhea and early menopause, hormonal medications are taken in cycles. Treatment continues until the age of normal menopause. If a woman wants children, hormone intake is not interrupted, as it helps normalize the condition of the endometrium.

Tumors are divided into three groups:

  • Hormone active,
  • Hormone-dependent
  • Hormone dependent.
Hormone-dependent are called neoplasms that appear as a result of disruption of the endocrine system. One such tumor is breast cancer, which develops when the function of the ovaries or thyroid gland is impaired.
The appearance of such a tumor does not in all cases indicate the advisability of hormonal treatment.

Hormone active - These are tumors that secrete hormones. Such neoplasms have a double destructive effect on the body. These include cancer of the adrenal gland or pituitary gland, pancreas, and thyroid gland. They can also appear on other organs that, in a healthy state, do not produce hormones ( for example, intestines or lungs).

Hormone dependent – these are neoplasms, the existence of which is impossible without the presence of certain hormones. A change in the hormonal background of the body, stopping the production of a hormone necessary for a tumor, leads to inhibition of tumor development. This category includes some tumors of the breast, testicles, ovaries, prostate gland, kidneys, thyroid gland, uterus. Hormone therapy is needed to treat such tumors.

Hormone therapy is usually used for metastasis ( emergence secondary tumors ). The effect depends on how sensitive the tumor is to hormones. Sometimes this method assigned to early stages in combination with other methods.
The most significant results have been achieved in the treatment of breast and prostate cancer with hormones.

Therapy for breast cancer

The female sex hormone estrogen in many cases activates the appearance of malignant breast tumors. Estrogens interact with proteins in upper layers neoplasms and accelerate the division of malignant cells.

The use of hormones for breast cancer leads to:

  • Reducing the amount of estrogen produced by the ovaries,
  • Inhibition of the activity of mammary gland receptors for progesterone and estrogen,
  • Reducing the production of estrogen by the adrenal glands,
  • Inhibiting the activity of the hormone itself by increasing the level of male sex hormones.
Hormonal treatment is often combined with chemotherapy. It is easier to tolerate and has less impact on the functioning of the body as a whole.
If the tumor is sensitive to this species therapy, it can eliminate itself completely along with metastases. Often, thanks to this type of treatment, patients live several decades longer.

Therapy after spay removal

After removal of the ovaries, young patients begin to experience sensations that are observed in women menopause. Already after 15–20 days, symptoms of malaise appear, which begin to seriously annoy 8–12 weeks after surgery. This is due to the fact that the remaining estrogen is gradually removed from the body and early menopause develops.
The woman begins to experience fever, increased work sweat glands, tachycardia, her blood pressure and mood are unstable, she often has a headache, bad dream and no interest in the opposite sex.
After some time, these unpleasant signs will disappear, but other, more dangerous ones will take their place: dysfunction of blood vessels, urinary organs, and external genitalia.

Some hormones are produced by the adrenal glands. However, their work is not enough. Therefore, women are prescribed hormone replacement therapy. Hormonal agents you can drink for the rest of your life, which will prevent the development of early menopause and allow a woman for a long time feel good.
In the event that the removal of ovaries was due to malignant tumor, hormonal treatment usually prohibited. Then homeopathic remedies are prescribed instead.

For psoriatic arthritis

IN severe cases joint lesions with psoriasis are prescribed the following drugs containing glucocorticoids:
  • Kenalog ,
  • Flosteron ,
  • Diprospan ,
  • Hydrocortisone ,
  • Metipred .
Positive effect of treatment:
The patient's condition improves quite quickly: pain in the affected joints is relieved, their mobility increases, fever and lethargy disappear.

Negative effect of treatment:

  • The immune system is suppressed, which provokes ulcers on the body,
  • The drugs are addictive
  • Side effects: hypertension, obesity, diabetes, edema,
  • The drugs must not be used continuously and for a long time,
  • May contribute to the development of stomach ulcers,
  • The drug should not be discontinued immediately, as the patient’s condition will sharply worsen.

Anti acne

Hormonal treatment can sometimes help those who suffer from acne on the face and body. The use of hormonal drugs reduces sebum production skin glands, so the skin is actually cleansed.
But many people notice that after stopping taking the drug, acne appears again. In order for the effect to last, hormones should be combined with skin treatment with special antibacterial agents. Funds should be selected based on natural ingredients, free of antibiotics and chemicals.

Side effects observed when taking hormonal drugs to clear the skin of acne:

  • Headache,
  • Increase in body weight,
  • Depressed mood
  • Edema,
  • Individual intolerance to the drug.
You should not experiment with medications on your own. It is better to get advice from doctors: a dermatologist and an endocrinologist.

Transsexuals and hormone therapy

To suppress testosterone production and give the body feminine traits estrogen preparations are used. In addition, progestogens are used, under the influence of which the mammary glands enlarge.
Antiandrogens suppress the production of male sex hormones. The use of these hormones makes it possible to reduce the dosage of estrogen drugs and reduce sensitivity internal organs to the action of testosterone.
Testosterone medications are taken to suppress the production of estrogen.

Hormone therapy When changing gender, it is divided into two phases:
1. The first months of treatment ( six months) hormonal drugs are taken in large dosages, which allows you to achieve the desired result in less time short time. Once the desired result is obtained or if the maximum dosage of hormonal drugs is taken, the doses should be slowly reduced. 20–30 days before surgery, hormonal medications should be completely discontinued to reduce the likelihood of developing blood clots. This phase of treatment suppresses the functioning of the sex glands and helps the appearance of signs of the desired sex. Also, treatment helps prevent a serious complication of the operation - post-castration syndrome, characterized by lethargy, weakness and a desire to sleep.

2. The second phase begins after surgery. After removal of the testes, antiandrogens are stopped. After removal of the uterus and ovaries, the dosage of drugs to suppress the production of female sex hormones is reduced. However, in order to hormonal background corresponds to the chosen gender, therapy is carried out throughout life.

Taking hormonal therapy allows you to change the appearance of a transsexual to the desired gender type.
Most often, hormones are taken orally in tablet form. But there are drugs in the form of patches, gels, and liquid injections.
Since the use of hormonal therapy increases blood thickness, as side effect Thrombosis, stroke, or heart attack may develop. The likelihood of developing heart and vascular diseases and cancer increases mammary gland, osteoporosis and Alzheimer's disease.
To minimize the likelihood of developing side effects, you need to give up nicotine, balance your menu, lead a healthy lifestyle and carry out general diagnostics from time to time. Under no circumstances should you discontinue or prescribe hormonal medications on your own.

It should be understood that the effect of taking hormonal drugs occurs gradually and quite slowly. Only 24 months after the start of treatment can the maximum result be achieved.
The effect of drugs may be stronger or less depending on age and genetic characteristics. The strongest effect is observed in individuals aged 18 to 21 years. But if the patient is over 30 years old, the magic will not happen.

But there are indicators that even hormones cannot influence.
This:

  • Facial hair growth. The hair will not be as coarse, but it will not disappear completely,
  • The breasts may increase quite a bit,
  • Shoulder width, height and size of legs and arms will not change,
  • The voice will not change either.

Consequences of therapy in men

Hormone therapy with female sex hormones causes:
  • Reduced attraction to the opposite sex,
  • Flushing in the cheeks and upper body,
  • Osteoporosis and bone fractures,
  • Enlargement and tension of the mammary glands,
  • Decrease in the level of red blood cells in the blood,
  • Decreased memory function
  • Decreased muscle mass, increased body weight due to fat,
  • Lethargy and fatigue
  • An increase in the amount of cholesterol in the blood,
  • Depressed mood.
In men taking similar treatment, the risk of diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease increases.
Before use, you should consult a specialist.

There are hormonal drugs containing natural hormones and synthetic ones, which have the same pharmacological action. Hormones influence metabolism by affecting the endocrine system.

Hormonal drugs are used in combination with other therapeutic agents and help in the treatment of many diseases.

Anabolic steroids stimulate protein synthesis in the body. Often prescribed for skin diseases to normalize fat and carbon metabolism. Side effects of long-term use of such drugs can be: liver dysfunction, nausea, menstrual irregularities, deepening of the voice, increased hair growth.

Anabolic drugs are prohibited for women during pregnancy and lactation, and for liver disease and prostate pathology.

Hormonal preparations of the pituitary gland and adrenal cortex have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body and regulate metabolism.

Adrenonorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is strong remedy in the treatment of psoriasis. Has anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects. This hormone has many side effects: increased swelling, tachycardia, insomnia, depression, diabetes mellitus and increased blood pressure.

Corticosteroids – synthetic analogues hormones of the adrenal cortex, have anti-inflammatory, anti-shock and anti-toxic properties.

Corticosteroid drugs provide only a temporary effect, and in some cases can even cause an exacerbation of the current disease.

Side effects of using hormonal drugs

The biggest disadvantage of hormones is the development of immunity to other medications. It turns out that hormonal treatment ultimately becomes permanent.

Neuropsychic changes, insomnia, heartburn and other symptoms are also noted, even with short courses.

Consequences of long-term use of hormones in large doses can be catastrophic: obesity, steroid diabetes,

Content

Contraception – actual question for many married couples and women who are active sex life. Highest degree protection from unwanted pregnancy give hormonal oral contraceptives. The harm of birth control pills is still being studied by many laboratories, as well as the benefits of their use.

Pros and cons of hormonal contraceptives

Modern oral contraceptives contain a minimal dose of synthetic hormones similar to those produced by a woman’s endocrine glands. They first appeared in the United States and over several decades have become one of the most popular and reliable methods of protection against unplanned pregnancy. They contain analogues of estrogen and gestagen.

It is difficult to assess the pros and cons of contraceptives in each individual case. But as a result of numerous studies conducted by dozens of independent laboratories, the most common consequences of their prolonged use were identified.

Without a doubt, the main advantage of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) is their 98% reliability and effectiveness. The chance of getting pregnant is minimal. In addition, they are easy to use; just take a tablet with water. Everything is painless, without hassle, and at first glance, does not cause harm to health.

The disadvantages include big list contraindications, a sharp decline effectiveness in case of missing a dose of medication. More details about everything.

The benefits of birth control pills

The female body works under control hormonal system. First of all, for your well-being, appearance and the ability to give birth to a child is influenced by reproductive and endocrine system. Any failure in their work leads to frustration reproductive function, unstable emotional background, development of pathologies. The latter include cysts, fibroids, and tumors.

If the balance of hormones in the body is disturbed, oral contraceptives will not cause harm, but only benefit. They are able to correct the balance of hormones and thereby prevent the appearance of cysts on the ovaries and mammary glands. In addition, according to some studies by American scientists, the use of tablets lies in the prevention benign formations in the uterine cavity.

Sometimes it is enough to take 3 courses of birth control pills to stabilize your periods, make them less heavy, and eliminate PMS symptoms and increase the likelihood of future pregnancy.

But that's not all. Many girls with elevated levels of the male hormone (testosterone) suffer from acne, pimples and oily hair. Birth control pills are also effective here. Their short-term use will not harm the body.

It is believed that the benefits hormonal contraception Another thing is that during the period of using the pills the ovaries rest, and this is good. Different doctors look at the situation differently. Some consider this to be a truly positive effect, for others it is harmful.

If you look in more detail, it turns out that ovarian rest is useful for mature women after 35 years of age who have already had 1 or more pregnancies and are no longer planning children. For young girls who have not given birth, rest is not necessary. There is evidence that it is difficult to restore full ovarian function later. These are the dual consequences of taking birth control pills.

Why are birth control pills dangerous?

Despite the low doses of hormones contained in contraceptives, their harm to the body is noticeable. The worst thing that these drugs can provoke is cancerous tumors ovaries, uterus and mammary glands. In every special case everything is individual. The harm from birth control pills has been scientifically confirmed by several laboratories.

This mainly applies to women who have been taking pills for a long time. The danger lies in the decline of the body's ability to reproduce, decreased libido, and the risk of developing thrombophlebitis and diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Is it harmful to take birth control pills?

During scientific research which were carried out with the participation of thousands of women, the percentage was found negative consequences from taking COCs. Thus, in subjects who took the pills for more than 8 years, the risk of developing cancer increased by 23%. This applies not only to the reproductive system, but to the entire body.

The harm of oral contraceptives is that the incidence of cervical cancer doubles with long-term use of birth control pills. That is, than longer woman uses this method of protection against pregnancy, the more susceptible she is to terrible diagnosis. Therefore, taking pills for longer than 3 years without breaks is potentially harmful.

In the United States, studies have been conducted to study the connection between breast cancer and COCs. It was found that drugs with high content estrogen increases the risk of disease by 44%. This is not all the information confirming the harm of hormonal contraception. Briefly about them in the list:

  • gradual decline of sexual desire;
  • development of polycystic ovary syndrome;
  • swelling;
  • weight gain;
  • long and difficult adaptation to drugs;
  • increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

The harm of contraceptives is most often felt by young girls who started taking them before their first pregnancy, and by mature women after 35-40 years.

Indications and contraindications for use

First of all, the list of indications includes contraception. Instructions for use often indicate the possibility of using the product for the treatment of acne and pronounced PMS. In addition, doctors prescribe COCs to stabilize hormonal levels.

Here is a list of contraindications for birth control pills:

  • phlebeurysm;
  • thrombophlebitis;
  • history of stroke or heart attack;
  • the presence of benign or malignant tumors;
  • diabetes;
  • renal failure;
  • pancreatitis;
  • migraine;
  • individual intolerance to the components of the drug.

Attention! Harm from birth control pills is likely during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

How do birth control pills affect a woman's body?

These contraceptives work according to a single scheme. Hormones block ovulation and the release of an egg. In fact, the ovaries cease to perform their function, decrease in size, and with long-term use of contraceptives are difficult to restore. In addition, the structure of the endometrium of the uterus changes. It becomes thinner and it is very difficult for the fertilized egg, if fertilization does occur, to attach to the walls of the uterus.

The effect of the tablets can be expressed in the release of colostrum from the mammary glands, bloody discharge in the middle of the cycle, change emotional state. COCs also often provoke the development of edema and weight gain.

Do hormonal contraceptives affect the thyroid gland?

The hormonal system is closely related to the endocrine system, at the center of which is thyroid. If hormones enter the body from the outside, their synthesis by the body’s own glands decreases or stops. With the thyroid gland everything is more complicated. Studies have shown that taking birth control pills is harmful if you have low thyroid function and are taking thyroxine. They provoke an increase in the hormone TSH, and TSH level and T4 remains virtually unchanged.

If a woman has a healthy thyroid gland, there will be no significant changes in its functioning, but if there is a goiter, cysts and nodes, as well as unstable hormone levels, contraception can harm the entire endocrine system.

Side effects after birth control pills

The severity of the consequences of taking hormonal contraceptives depends on many factors. If a change in well-being is observed within 1-3 months, this is the norm. During this period, the woman’s body adapts to the influx of hormones and adjusts to a new operating mode. The most commonly observed side effects are:

  • nausea;
  • swelling;
  • pain in the lower abdomen;
  • arterial hypertension.

Nausea while taking birth control pills

This condition is provoked by estrogen in COCs. It does not develop immediately, but towards the end of using the first package. A woman experiences bouts of nausea soon after taking the pill. To make this side effect less noticeable, doctors recommend taking the pills in the evening before bed, after dinner.

Swelling when taking birth control pills

In some women, the use of birth control pills causes fluid retention in the body. This is why many people confuse swelling with a set of excess weight. If at the end of the adaptation period the swelling does not go away, the drug should be replaced with another one. Especially if the swelling is very strong and, in addition to it, cellulite develops.

Stomach hurts when taking birth control pills

This is the so-called estrogen-dependent epigastric pain. Many women experience this in the first 1-3 months of taking COCs. The problem can be solved by taking pills in the evening or replacing the drug with another one with a lower dose of estrogen. The drug is replaced after 1-3 months or immediately in case of severe pain. If your lower abdomen hurts when taking birth control pills and your periods come quickly, there is no reason to worry. There is no harm to the body - these are echoes of PMS.

According to recent studies, the majority pathological changes in the functioning of the female genital organs occur due to the fault of estrogen. It follows that the additional influx of this hormone in the tablets increases the risk of cancer. Of course, studies definitely do not provide such information, much less provide statistics, but it is better to use COCs for a short time. This way the harm will be minimal.

Conclusion

Not every woman experiences harm from birth control pills. It all depends on the duration of use, age, health status and individual sensitivity of the body. However, you need to know the side effects and disadvantages of use in order to assess their impact on your own body and decide on the duration of use.

Medicines containing natural or artificial hormones, you have to drink various reasons, and more often women do this. We drink them when we are afraid of getting pregnant or, on the contrary, we really want to conceive a child, and the hormones also help cope with menopause, acne and even cancer. However, many ladies are still afraid of this terrible word, depriving yourself of many opportunities. When are hormonal pills appropriate? Let's consider important points.

Effect of hormonal pills

The vast majority of processes occurring in the body in one way or another involve hormones produced by glands and responsible for both metabolism in general and 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 there is a lack of them, tries to increase production, which means a change in the function of the gland. With the help of hormonal pills, you can restore balance in the functioning of the systems.

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

Indications and contraindications

Hormones are prescribed different situations, but the main points are:

  1. Endocrine diseases.
  2. 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 restore the ability to conceive a child).
  3. Problems with the female reproductive system (hormonal substances normalize menstrual cycle, stop dysfunctional bleeding from the uterus, promote ovulation, bring the body to the level required for conception hormonal balance).
  4. Mastopathy or fibroids (to reduce the rate of cell division in the mammary glands and uterus).
  5. Contraception.
  6. Acne, pimples.
  7. Menopause (to restore balance in the body and prevent the occurrence of arterial hypertension, osteoporosis and other problems).

Contraindications general plan also available, here they are:

  1. Smoking.
  2. Increased blood clotting.
  3. Cardiovascular diseases.
  4. Excess weight.
  5. Liver and kidney failure.
  6. Migraines with focal neurological symptoms.
  7. Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
  8. Increased risk thrombosis.
  9. Hormone-dependent diseases.
  10. Oncology.
  11. Vaginal bleeding.
  12. Diabetes.
  13. 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. Immediate withdrawal of the drug often does not have the desired effect, since the effects of hormones can be prolonged and the body will need some time to return to normal. normal condition.

Types of hormonal pills

The 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.
  • The thyroid gland is used if it produces them in small quantities or, conversely, too much.
  • sexual, which include androgens, estrogens, gestagens.
  • anabolic drugs.
  • pituitary gland, such as oxytocin and human chorionic gonadotropin.
  • pancreas, one of which is insulin.

Use of hormonal drugs

Hormonal drugs are used in cases where the human body is not able to independently provide itself with the required amount of hormones. This therapy is called replacement therapy, since the patient is forced to resort to it for a long time, which can often extend throughout the remaining years. Medicines containing glucocorticoids are used to combat allergies.

Contraceptives

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

  • "Diana is 35." This is an oral contraceptive with a low hormone content. In addition to direct contraception, it is used to treat seborrhea, problems with high level male hormones in the female body, acne and polycystic ovary syndrome. The drug affects ovulation, protecting against unwanted pregnancy. After stopping taking the hormonal drug, the girl can become pregnant again.
  • "Lindynet 20". Modern remedy latest generation contraceptives. These tablets contain completely insignificant hormonal doses, which reduces the side effects to nothing. Already after three months of taking the drug, normalization of the cycle is noted, menstruation becomes less unpleasant. The likelihood of endometriosis, uterine or ovarian cancer, and mastopathy is reduced.
  • "Jess." Birth control pills are effective means in the fight against acne, oily skin face, because it counteracts male sex hormones. Gynecologists often prescribe Jess contraceptive pills to girls over 14 years of age in order to combat acne and eliminate especially painful menstruation. The peculiarity of the hormonal drug is that it cannot affect weight in any way.
  • "Regulon". This drug contains gestagen and ethinyl estradiol, which jointly act on the pituitary gland; the hormones make cervical mucus thicker and ovulation more difficult, which prevents sperm from entering the uterus and fertilization.
  • "Janine." Tablets that are monophasic combined contraceptive, contain gestagen and ethinyl estradiol, which thicken cervical mucus and affect ovulation, preventing sperm from fertilization.
  • "Midiana". Is oral contraceptive, which is based on drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol, which affect the endometrium. Suppresses ovulation and prevents egg fertilization.

Estrogens

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

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

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

  • "Dermestril." Contains estradiol and is used during menopause, eliminating hot flashes, postmenopausal osteoporosis, urogenital atrophy, problems with sleep and mood.
  • "Divigel". Has as active substance estradiol This drug is distinguished by its beneficial 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 and normalizes menstruation. In large doses, the hormone can reduce lactation and produce endometrial hyperplasia.

Thyroid gland

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

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

How to take hormonal pills correctly

If the doctor decides to prescribe hormones, do not argue, but listen. He will prescribe a course of examinations to make sure that the hormonal drug can be taken and there will be no harm to the body, and then he will determine the dosage. If you are going to take birth control, then consult a gynecologist. Having done a hormone test and found out which one is missing, the doctor will be able to prescribe a remedy. The gynecologist also examines the breasts for the presence of cancer, since hormonal drugs are not prescribed for tumors.

How to take contraceptives? In a certain order, once a day, for relief, the days of the week are indicated on the blister; it will be difficult to make a mistake or 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. You shouldn’t do this later, as there will be a risk of getting pregnant. Don't forget or skip your daily intake. One blister is designed for a month, there are tablets for continuous use, and there are tablets for 21 days (with a break of a week).

For breast enlargement

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

Taking hormonal medications requires a careful approach; only your doctor will tell you what dosage you need. So, there are hormones that you can take 4 times a day with an interval of 4 hours. It is worth noting that it would not be superfluous to use a special cream to enlarge 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 sweets and starchy foods, and reduce your protein intake.

For pregnancy

To determine the hormones that can help in conceiving a child, you will have to take urine and blood tests, which will allow you to understand the state of the body. The ovaries produce estradiol, which is involved in preparing the uterus for conception, as well as testosterone, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, responsible for the production of eggs. Male testosterone with him 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 the 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 necessary hormonal levels. This drug is a mixture of estrogen and progesterone.

For weight gain

Taking hormonal medications can lead to weight gain. This is used by athletes who want to increase muscle mass, using steroids, which include corticosteroids and sex hormones. They are banned in Russia, which forced them to look for other methods, 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 for people with anorexia, exhaustion, and excessively thin. The drug “Duphaston” is very common: it was created for women who want to get pregnant, but for those who want to gain weight, it is perfect. Hormonal drugs are prescribed after consultation with an endocrinologist, who determines the dosage of the drug.

For acne

Hormone therapy is effective for acne. Taking hormone-containing medications will prevent excessive sebum production. However, you need to be careful because they can lead to worsening mood, weight gain and headaches as a side effect. At the end of the course, acne may return, and to prevent this from happening, the simultaneous use of antibacterial drugs is necessary, 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. This phenomenon can be eliminated by using hormonal pills containing progesterone and estrogen, which will help the body maintain the balance of androgens. For this purpose, it is often prescribed birth control contraceptives, such as “Jess”: take them in a course, one tablet a day.

Which drugs to choose

Often, women make decisions about choosing a hormonal contraceptive based on advertising or what their friends say. Similar situation unacceptable, because only a gynecologist after all necessary tests, examination of the body may recommend any of the remedies. If you decide to choose a hormonal drug yourself, then it may not only not have the desired effect, but also cause harm to your health, even fatal outcome.

Video

In the TV show, the obstetrician-gynecologist will tell you how and at what point hormonal contraceptives act on the body, and why you should not be afraid to take the drug. The doctor tells why contraceptives good in the fight against acne, how to prevent cancer of the uterus and ovaries, and also explains the benefits of the intrauterine ring and IUD for the treatment of some gynecological diseases, for example, endometriosis.

Contraceptives for acne



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