Pills with female hormones for beauty. Female sex hormones in tablets

There are many myths and speculations about the benefits and harms of hormones. Let's talk about how hormones in tablets that you buy at the pharmacy affect the human body.

Effects on the body of injections, creams and gels with estrogens

It is similar to the effect that is obtained from applying a patch. That is, estrogens from creams, gels, injections do not pass through gastrointestinal tract, which means they do not reach the liver, being absorbed into the blood immediately. Because of this, their effect on the body is different, softer.

True, a significant disadvantage of these methods is that the level of estrogen in the body fluctuates. When taking oral hormones it is more permanent. This is explained by the fact that they are absorbed into the blood faster than when administered orally. But they are also eliminated from the body faster. This means that they have a weaker effect on organ functions than oral medications with estrogens.

The effect on the body of non-oral drugs with estrogens has this feature. They first sharply increase the concentration of estrogen in the blood, then their effect fades, and then the estrogen is eliminated from the body. That is, the level of estrogen in the body with this intake is unstable.

Especially compared to oral medications, which provide relatively stable levels of estrogen in the body. In order to influence the estrogen level in the body correctly, the endocrinologist must not only correctly calculate the dosage of drugs, but can also prescribe a combined method of obtaining estrogens. That is, use oral medications with estrogens, as well as creams, gels, patches, injections - of your choice.

When progesterone is not desirable

Such an appointment is unnecessary and even dangerous when a woman is overweight or has no uterus due to surgical removal. Moreover, the form of release of the hormone is not important - you should not use either oral preparations with progesterones, or creams, injections or hormonal patches with this hormone.

If an overweight woman does this, her appetite will increase even more, the body's resistance to insulin will increase and the production of growth hormone will slow down.

If a woman is overweight by more than 10 kg, it is better for her to take estrogens without the participation of progesterone, which will stimulate the accumulation of fat.

Progestin and progesterone are found in hormonal medications that your doctor prescribes after menopause. This allows a woman to maintain the function of the body's reproductive system.

Crinone and pometrium contain optimal doses of natural progesterone

Progesterone of androgenic origin is found in aygestin, micronor, as well as contraceptive drugs nekon and ovkon, as well as modicone.

Progesterone of gastagene origin is found in cycrin, provera, amen; ortho-cept, desogen, myrcet; ortho-cyclene.

When taking estrogen after menopause, it is important to supplement its effects with progesterone. In this way, a woman can avoid deposits on the inner fundus of the uterus due to the effects of estrogen. These layers can be dangerous because tumors, benign or malignant, can develop in their place.

Progestin in birth control pills helps a woman of reproductive age avoid unplanned pregnancy. Progestin (or progesterone) prevents ovulation from occurring, which means pregnancy will not occur. With the help of progestin, the uterus (its outer layer) becomes much thinner, impenetrable mucus forms on its cervix, and sperm cannot penetrate through it.

Progestin and excess weight

Progestin or progesterone can be used to normalize weight. These hormones can help control (reduce) appetite, and the woman does not gain weight as quickly, and the process of fat deposition is inhibited.

Before using progestin preparations for this spruce, consult your doctor regarding dosages. The form of release of drugs with progestins (patch, tablets, cream, injection), the concentration and type of hormones, as well as whether the complex contains estrogen supplements is important.

Does progestin have side effects?

Yes, and he is not alone. If progestin is not secreted by the body, but enters the body from the outside, especially after menopause, it can be dangerous for a woman. Its side effects may be as follows.

• A strong and constant desire to eat
• Swelling of the legs
• Increased irritability and mood swings
• Headaches that alternate with abdominal pain
• Weakness
• Excessive fullness
• Strong sensitivity of the breast, especially the nipples, pain at the slightest touch
• Decreased sensitivity in other parts of the body

If you have already taken progestins carelessly and experienced their negative effects, it is worth checking your body for hormonal balance. To neutralize the effects of progestins on organs and systems, you need to check what kind of drugs you are taking and coordinate their doses.

Progestin and estrogen must be balanced, as well as progestin and androgens. An endocrinologist will help you calculate their doses and ratios.

It is important to know before taking progestins that their dose in hormonal preparations can be high or low. This determines how hormonal drugs affect a woman’s body.

Hormonal drugs such as desogestrel and norgestimate contain a higher concentration of progestins and a lower concentration of androgens. That is, their use is unlikely to lead to negative reaction skin in the form of acne and redness. But high level progestins will provoke the appearance of fat deposits, especially in the waist and hips, as well as the abdomen. These drugs can also cause depression, mood swings, and increased appetite.

Hormonal medications such as Depo-Provera or Nor-Plant, or other oral contraceptives, contain progestin without any additives. This makes them more dangerous, because by taking them, a woman runs the risk of getting maximum side effects from taking progesterones without exposure to estrogens. In this case, you can ask your doctor for an additional prescription of hormones containing estrogen.

Poor tolerance to progestins

Even if a woman takes progestins in their natural form, the body may react to them with poor sensitivity. Therefore, before taking these drugs, you should consult your doctor and test your hormone tolerance. Because the side effects of poor tolerance to progestins can be headache, decreased sexual desire, intestinal dysfunction, pain in the nipples at the slightest touch, bloating.

Then, according to research, you can take estrogens instead of progestins. If a woman’s condition with progestin intolerance is accompanied by bleeding, then additional tests and a biopsy of the endometrium of the uterus need to be done. This is a good prevention of uterine cancer and reduces the likelihood of bleeding if the dose of estrogen is calculated correctly. But do not forget about endometrial biopsy and regular consultations with a gynecologist - once a month if necessary.

Can there be bleeding when taking progestin?

Yes they can. Especially if you were initially taking a progestin and then stopped taking it. After this, menstruation appears. At this time, the uterine layer (inner) is shed and leaves the body. In this way, a woman is prevented from cancer, because it is on the inner layer of the uterus (endometrium) that cancerous tumors can form.

This condition is not very convenient for those women who are in menopause, because they are already unaccustomed to tampons and bleeding, but here they come again. And then women take progestins not intermittently, like contraceptives, but constantly. Thereby eliminating the possibility of bleeding.

Currently the range of applications medicines in the form of tablets containing female hormones is very wide. If we consider it in an extremely simplified manner, then all preparations of female sex hormones and their synthetic analogues, produced in tablets, can be divided into four large groups:

• Estrogens (steroid structure).
• Estrogens (non-steroidal structure).
• Progesterone, gestagens and their analogues.
• Combined hormonal drugs.

Uncontrolled use of medications (tablets, solutions, ointments) that contain female hormones can lead to serious irreversible health consequences.

Estrogen drugs

Estrogens are natural sex hormones that are formed in the ovarian follicles and ensure normal development and functioning female body. They influence the functioning of many organs and systems. What effects should be expected after the administration of drugs with estrogen:

• Ensure endometrial growth (proliferation).
• Stimulates the growth and development of the uterus.
• Accelerates the formation of secondary sexual characteristics.
• Improve general state body and minimize disorders that are observed against the background of functional ovarian failure due to menopause or radical gynecological surgery.
• They take part in the formation and maintenance of bone strength.

In addition, the lack of estrogen in the body, observed during menopause or surgical removal ovaries, provokes osteoporosis (decreased bone density) and increases the risk of pathological fractures. Considering the effects described above, preparations of female hormones, or more precisely, estrogens in tablets, are used in the following cases:

• All types of amenorrhea (lack of menstruation) in girls and women of childbearing age.
• Insufficient development of the genital organs.
• Absence or insufficient expression of secondary sexual characteristics.
• Various disorders during menopause and after surgery to remove the ovaries.
• Infertility.
• Insufficient labor activity.
• Prolonged pregnancy that exceeds 42 weeks.
• Prevention and therapy of osteoporosis during menopause.

Today, synthetic hormonal drugs are mainly used. In addition, some medicines natural origin, called conjugated estrogens. The names of the most common preparations of female sex hormones (estrogens) used in the form of tablets:

• Premarin.
• Estroferm.
• Climacterin.
• Sinestrol.
• Szigetin.

If a woman uses estrogen drugs, she must be observed by her doctor. Long-term use may cause uterine bleeding varying intensity, excessive growth of the endometrium, development of malignant tumors. Typically, such medications are not prescribed for the following conditions:

• People under 60 years of age with neoplasms of any nature.
• Breast pathology (various mastopathy).
• Inflammatory diseases of the endometrium.
• Tendency to bleeding from the vagina and uterus.
• Menopause.

Premarin

One of the most popular drugs based on conjugated estrogen is Premarin. This hormonal remedy is recommended with extreme caution for diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, epileptic attacks, serious diseases of the central nervous system and hereditary metabolic pathologies.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding Premarin is absolutely contraindicated.

The effect is reduced when taken simultaneously with barbiturates, butadione, and rifampicin. As a rule, this drug is prescribed if the following diseases or pathological conditions are present:

• Ovarian dysfunction.
• Osteoporosis during menopause or after removal of the ovaries.
• Menstrual irregularities (up to the cessation of menstruation).
• Pathological uterine bleeding.
• Various disorders associated with menopause.
• Prostate tumor.

Female sex hormones in tablets (progesterone and estrogen) can be as harmful as they can be beneficial if used incorrectly.

Estroferm

By compensating for the lack of natural estrogens, Estroferm normalizes the functioning of the ovaries and eliminates the unfavorable symptoms characteristic of the menopause. The drug is not a contraceptive and is not able to protect a woman from unwanted pregnancy.

If after taking Estroferm there is no normalization of the menstrual cycle and irregular discharge continues, you should additional research to establish the exact cause of hormonal imbalances.

In the case of a long therapeutic course with Estroferm, it is necessary to undergo preventive medical examinations at least once every 6 months. Treatment should be stopped immediately if:

• Deterioration of the condition from the side of cardio-vascular system(thrombosis, embolism, congestive circulatory disorders, increased blood pressure).
• The appearance of yellowness of the skin and sclera.
• Sharp drop in vision.
• At least one month before planned surgery.

Progesterone, gestagens and their analogues

Being a natural hormone of the corpus luteum, progesterone stimulates changes in the uterine mucosa, which should be characteristic of the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle. During pregnancy, it also promotes changes in the mucous membrane, which is necessary for the optimal development of the fertilized egg.

In addition, progesterone sufficiently reduces the excitability and contractility of the smooth muscle fibers of the uterus and fallopian tubes, and stimulates the development of the excretory ducts of the mammary gland for milk secretion.

A similar effect is observed with synthetic progesterone. As a rule, the drugs are tolerated quite well. Sometimes there is an increase blood pressure, some swelling of the limbs. The name of the most common female sex hormone preparations containing progesterone or its analogues and used in tablet form:

• Pregnin.
• Norkolut.
• Turinal.
• Postinor.

Progesterone and its analogues should not be used for serious liver pathologies, breast tumors and reproductive organs, tendency to form blood clots in blood vessels.

Pregnin

The hormonal drug Pregnin is an analogue of progesterone of synthetic origin. According to its biological and therapeutic effects, this synthetic drug very similar to the natural hormone produced by the corpus luteum of the ovary. At the same time, it has been established that Pregnin is at least 5 times inferior in activity to natural progesterone.

The main feature of Pregnin is that it retains a fairly high activity and therapeutic effect when taken orally.

It is worth noting that Pregnin is not used for threatening or incipient miscarriage, unlike the drug Progesterone. When is Pregnin prescribed:

• Insufficiency of functional activity of the corpus luteum of the ovaries.
• Bleeding from the uterus due to disruption of the normal functioning of the ovaries.
• Lack of menstruation.
• Scanty and too short periods.
• Painful periods.
• Infertility can be treated, but only after using medications containing estrogen.

It is recommended to place the Pregnin tablet under the tongue (sublingually) and wait until all the drug has dissolved. It is necessary for the absorption of the medicine to occur in the oral cavity. This way of doing hormonal drug provides the best therapeutic effect than when swallowed and absorbed through the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract.

Some female hormone tablets are sold without a prescription. However, it is strictly not recommended to use them without prior consultation with a specialist.

Norkolut

Progestational drugs based on norethyrsterone include Norkolut. Possesses high activity when taken orally. In each individual case, the dosage of the drug should be selected individually, taking into account the characteristics of the disease, the effectiveness of treatment and the tolerability of the active substance of the drug. For what diseases and pathological conditions should Norkolut be used:

• Various disorders in the body that occur before menstruation.
• Disruptions in the menstrual cycle, in which there is a shortening of the secretory phase.
• Painful sensations in the mammary glands.
• Excessive growth of the uterine lining (endometriosis).
• Bleeding from the internal genital organs during menopause.
• Heavy and irregular periods.
• Benign tumor of the uterus (adenomyoma).

Side effects may include headache, nausea, skin rash, itching, weight gain, fast fatiguability, swelling of the mammary glands. Contraindications for use are similar to those for Progesterone.

Before prescribing Norkolut, you must undergo a complete medical examination. First of all, the presence of a malignant neoplasm of the breast or genital organs should be excluded.

Postinor

Postinor is considered one of the most popular modern contraceptives based on synthetic progestogen. Clinical experience shows that the drug can protect against unwanted pregnancy in about 85% of cases.

The effectiveness of Postinor depends on how quickly the drug was taken after unprotected intimacy.

If you take it in the first few hours, you can avoid pregnancy in 95% of cases. Taking the drug for 2–3 days is effective only in approximately 60% of cases. The recommended dosage of this contraceptive does not have a negative effect on blood clotting and metabolic processes in a woman’s body. Postinor should not be taken:

• Children under 16 years old.
• In severe liver pathologies with severe insufficiency of its function.
• For some hereditary diseases (for example, lactose intolerance).
• In case of hypersensitivity to the active substance.

Postinor is effective before the implantation of the fertilized egg into the wall of the uterus (implantation), but is powerless if this process has already occurred.

Combined hormonal drugs

Using estrogens and progestins, as well as their analogues and others pharmacological agents, scientists managed to create combined hormonal drugs that can be used as contraception, for the treatment of menopausal disorders and a number of oncological diseases.

Most of these drugs are used for both therapeutic and preventive purposes. However, we should not forget that the active hormonal substances included in their composition can provoke the development of side effects.

The use of any hormonal drugs, including contraceptives, should only be carried out under the supervision of a physician. Name of some combination drugs female sex hormones containing progesterones, estrogens or their analogues, and used in the form of tablets:

• Ovidon.
• Lindiol.
• Rigevidon.
• Desmoulins.
• Pregestrol.
• Divina.

Ovidon

The combined hormonal drug Ovidon is often used as a contraceptive that protects against unwanted pregnancy. Despite the fact that the drug is available without a doctor's prescription, it is not recommended to neglect the opinion of a specialist. In order not to get confused with the specifics of the applications, it is better to consult your gynecologist or other doctor.

Ovidone is used not only to prevent pregnancy, but also for various menstrual irregularities, as well as the appearance of pain in the middle of the cycle.

At the initial stage of using this hormonal drug, headaches, nausea, vomiting, fluctuations in body weight, bloody issues from the genitals, fatigue, skin rash, etc.

Reception must be stopped immediately if conception occurs, the development of thrombosis of the veins of the extremities, the appearance of problems with blood circulation, a sharp deterioration in vision and an exacerbation of any chronic illness. WITH special attention should be considered when prescribing Ovidon to women over 35–37 years of age.

Pregestrol

The domestic combined hormonal drug Pregestrol contains two active ingredients: pregnin and ethinyl estradiol. Foreign analogues such as Klimovan and Lutestrol are also represented on the pharmaceutical market.

Pregestrol is enough effective medicine for menopausal syndrome, helping to normalize the hormonal balance between estrogens and progestogens.

In addition, it is used to restore the second phase of the cycle and in the absence of a mature egg leaving the ovary (anovulation). Treatment is prescribed exclusively by the attending physician in each individual case. The number of therapeutic courses directly depends on the nature of the female pathology and the effectiveness of previous treatment.

Sometimes taking this hormonal drug causes adverse reactions in the form of headaches, nausea, vomiting, increased fatigue, rapid mood changes. With very long-term treatment, signs of androgenic activity may be observed (the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics of the male type).

About everyone side effects should be reported to a doctor immediately. Avoid using Pregestrol for neoplasms and after gynecological operations associated with a tumor.