home Audience 12 Why are hormones harmful to women? The influence of hormonal drugs on men's health

Why are hormones harmful to women? The influence of hormonal drugs on men's health

Hormonal drugs– these are medications containing hormones or substances that exhibit an effect similar to hormonal ones. Natural hormonal medicines are obtained from the glands, blood and urine of animals, as well as from human blood and urine.

Synthetic hormones are produced in pharmacological workshops and laboratories. They can be either structural analogues of true hormones, or differ from them in chemical structure, but exhibit a similar effect.

Almost the largest number of threatening myths have been created around hormonal pills for various purposes: patients are afraid of infertility, weight gain, excess body hair growth, and loss of potency. The list of negative ones is scary and alarming.

How true are the myths, and what types of hormonal therapy are there?

Hormonal drugs are classified depending on their origin (producing gland) and purpose. Based on their origin, medications are divided into:

adrenal hormones (cortisol, adrenaline, glucocorticoids, androgens);
pancreatic preparations (insulin);
pituitary hormones (TSH, human gonadotropins, oxytocin, vasopressin, etc.);
thyroid and parathyroid hormones;
sex hormones (estrogens, androgens, etc.).

Human hormones regulate metabolism in the body. However, if the functioning of one of the organs of the endocrine system is disrupted, the perfectly adjusted mechanism of correction and interaction may fail, which will have to be corrected by introducing synthetic analogs of hormones.

According to their intended purpose, hormonal drugs are divided into:

synthetic substances for replacement therapy (sodium levothyroxine, insulin, estrogens);
hormonal contraception (synthetic analogues of estrogen and progesterone);
hormonal agents that inhibit the production of hormones (for example, therapy with pituitary hormone analogues for prostate cancer);
symptomatic medications (anti-inflammatory, antiallergic drugs).

Hormonal drugs often also include antidiabetic and other non-hormonal drugs.

What is treated with hormonal medications?

Hormone-based medications are used for both chronic and treatable conditions. You cannot do without the help of hormonal drugs when:

hypothyroidism;
hyperthyroidism;
diabetes mellitus 1st, sometimes 2nd types;
hormone-dependent tumors of the reproductive system;
prostate cancer;
asthma and other diseases associated with the immune response to allergens (including allergic rhinitis);
endometriosis;
hormonal imbalances;
menopause;
sleep disorders;
other diseases associated with hypofunction of the glands.

Inflammation and allergic manifestations are treated with glucocorticoids. Drugs based on them - Prednisolone, Metipred, Dexamethasone - reduce inflammation and suppress leukocyte function.

They can be used both internally (if systemic action is necessary) and externally (for hemorrhoids, thrombophlebitis, dermatological diseases, allergic rhinitis). When used externally, they are practically not absorbed into the main bloodstream and do not have a negative effect on the body.

Even if the cause of inflammation is unknown, adrenal hormones help relieve swelling, pain and redness. Hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs are among the vital drugs.

Vasopressin and epinephrine may be administered along with anesthetics. Due to their property of constricting blood vessels, these hormones are actively used in anesthesia (including local).

Melatonin also belongs to hormonal drugs. This substance, produced in, has an anti-stress effect, regulates circadian rhythms, affects metabolism, slows down the processes of aging and weight gain, and also stimulates the production of antibodies to infectious agents and tumor cells.

What is hormone replacement therapy?

At chronic conditions associated with dysfunction of the glands or their partial removal, medications with synthetic and natural hormones provide high quality and longevity of the patient’s life.

There are several types of hormone replacement therapy:

treatment with synthetic thyroid hormones;
insulin therapy;
taking analogues of sex hormones.

Deficiency and excess of thyroxine and triiodothyronine are fraught with disturbances in mood, sleep, dry skin, problems with memory and performance, proliferation of glandular tissue and other unpleasant symptoms.

Clinical hypothyroidism is most often associated with diseases and tumors thyroid gland Therefore, replacement therapy with analogues of iodine-containing hormones is prescribed for life.

Substitution therapy uses drugs such as:

"Euthirox";
“L-thyroxine” (one of the Russian or German brands).

Treatment of hyperthyroidism has a slightly more complex scheme: thyreostatics are used to reduce the synthesis of one’s own iodine-containing hormones, and in particular difficult cases– removal of part of the gland or radioiodine therapy is justified. Then the normal level of triiodothyronine is restored with the help of their synthetic analogues.

Insulin is a hormone of β-cells of the pancreas, the main task of which is to reduce blood glucose levels by regulating its entry into cells and stimulating the conversion of monosaccharides into glycogen.

Impaired functionality of the cells that secrete this hormone is called type 1 diabetes. Patients with such pathology are necessarily prescribed replacement therapy with the drugs “Humodar”, “Apidra”, “Novorapid”, “Actrapid”, “Humulin”, “Insulin Lente”, etc.

For type 2 diabetes, which is associated with impaired tissue sensitivity to insulin, hormone administration may also be prescribed.

Finally, female hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) is a pharmacological replacement of the function of the sex glands (ovaries) lost during their removal or menopause. The most commonly used drugs are:

During treatment, androgens, estrogens and gestagens can be used (mainly the last two subtypes of hormones are used in the drugs).

Oral contraception

Oral contraceptives - the most famous hormonal pills for women. The action of OCs is based on their ability to prevent ovulation (the maturation of the egg and its release from the follicle). Synthetic hormones thicken the mucus on the cervix, which makes it difficult for the sperm to move, and also thins the uterine lining (endometrium), which prevents the fertilized egg from firmly attaching.

The triple mechanism of action of hormones reliably protects the patient from unwanted pregnancy: the Pearl index for oral contraceptives (the percentage of pregnancies that occur while taking OCs) does not exceed 1%.

When using oral contraceptives, menstrual bleeding does not stop, but becomes more regular, less heavy and painful. A certain regimen of hormones allows, if necessary, to delay the onset of menstruation.

Modern contraceptives are classified into three categories:

Single-component preparations (Continuin, Micronor, Charozetta, Exluton).
Combined oral contraceptives (COCs). COCs are the most by reliable means. They contain synthetic estrogen () and progestogen (levonorgestrel, desogestrel, norgestrel, etc.).
Postcoital (emergency) hormonal tablets (Postinor, Escapelle). Emergency contraceptives contain an increased dose of hormones, but have lower efficiency.

The dosages of active hormones in modern contraceptives are much lower than in drugs of the last century, so the side effects of taking estrogen do not appear or appear slightly.

Combined hormonal contraceptives

COCs are divided into mono-, two- and three-phase. Single-phase COC tablets contain a strictly defined amount of hormones, which does not change during the cycle. Multiphase products are designed to be more physiological: the dosages of the active ingredients in tablets are not the same for different days of the cycle.

Three-phase COCs (with three types of tablets changing per cycle) are often recommended by doctors, but two-phase drugs are practically not used.

Combined contraceptives:

A drug	Active substance	Manufacturer country
Monophasic COCs
Microgynon		Germany
Miniziston		Germany
Regividon		Hungary
Novinet	Ethinyl estradiol, desogestrel	Hungary
Mercilon		Netherlands
Regulon		Hungary
Marvelon		Netherlands
Jess	Drospirenone, ethinyl estradiol	Germany
Dimia		Hungary
Yarina		Germany
Logest	Ethinyl estradiol, gestodene	Germany
Lindinet 30	Ethinyl estradiol, gestodene	Hungary
Diana-35	Ethinyl estradiol, cyproterone acetate	Germany
Three-phase COCs
Tri-regol	Levonorgestrel, ethinyl estradiol	Hungary
Triquilar		Germany
Triziston		Germany

Different dosages of the active substance (levonorgestrel) allow you to adapt to hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle and provide a high degree of protection against unplanned pregnancy at low concentrations.

Hormonal products for men

Male hormonal drugs are classified into recruiting agents muscle mass, directly medications to suppress the pathological process and hormones for replacement therapy.

In practice, hormones from the adrenal glands (in particular testosterone), pancreas (insulin) and the anterior pituitary gland (somatropin or growth hormone) are actively used. They are used to form muscle relief, accelerate weight gain and burn fat. Taking hormonal drugs without a doctor's prescription has a number of negative consequences, including organ damage excretory system and possible gynecomastia (swelling of the mammary glands) due to the conversion of excess testosterone into the female hormone estrogen.

IN medical purposes hormonal agents are used for hormone-dependent tumors (for example, prostate cancer). Injections with pituitary hormone analogues sharply reduce the production of testosterone, which accelerates growth malignant neoplasm. This procedure is called "medical castration." The introduction of hormones makes it possible to slow down the development of the tumor and resort to more radical methods treatment. Despite the threatening name, patients should not fear that the procedure is irreversible: some time after the end of treatment, erectile function and normal testosterone levels are restored.

Male hormone replacement therapy can be used both when the gland that produces them is completely removed, or when its functionality is reduced. After 40-45 years, the level of testosterone in a man’s blood begins to decline, which leads to problems in the sexual sphere. To restore potency, the following drugs are used:

“Testosterone Undecanoate” and “Andriol” (tablets with one active ingredient – testosterone undecanoate);
"Sustanon" (injection solution with four active ingredients - esters - decanoate, isocaproate, phenylpropionate and);
"Nebido" (injectable oil solution of testosterone undecanoate);
“Androgel” (a product for external use, the active ingredient is testosterone).

After complete removal of the testicles (due to a tumor of the prostate or gonad), replacement therapy is mandatory.

Attitudes towards hormonal drugs among people who are unfamiliar with medical reference books, predictably biased. Many drugs in this group have strong and a number of contraindications - for example, with long-term use of Prednisolone, rapid weight gain occurs, the face of a patient receiving premedication with this drug swells.

However, this is not a reason to refuse any product containing hormones, including effective birth control pills. When performing several simple rules the risk of complications from taking hormonal drugs is minimized.

Rules for taking hormonal drugs (GP):

You cannot take GP without a prescription from your attending physician (endocrinologist or gynecologist). Particularly dangerous when self-prescribed are drugs that are classified as synthetic analogues of adrenal hormones.
Before prescribing to a patient or patient hormonal treatment, the specialist must carefully examine the medical history, the results of blood tests for the concentration of sex hormones and biochemical parameters, the results of pelvic ultrasound, mammography, cytological smear. It is necessary to inform your doctor about existing chronic diseases: some of them are contraindications to taking COCs and other synthetic drugs.
You should inform your doctor about any changes in your health status.
Having missed a dose of the drug, it is strictly forbidden to “compensate” for negligence with a double dose of the drug at the next dose.
It is necessary to take hormone tablets strictly at the same time with minimal errors. Some medications (for example, L-thyroxine) are taken in the morning, on an empty stomach.
The duration of the course and dosage (including its changes during treatment) are determined by the attending physician.

The effectiveness and safety of hormonal treatment depends on the competence of the endocrinologist, the interaction of the doctor with the patient and strict adherence to the rules for taking medications.

For many of us, the term “hormonal medications” sounds ominous. In the minds of most people who are not involved in medicine and pharmaceuticals, hormones are monstrous pills that bring a lot of equally monstrous side effects.

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

Classification

Hormonal medications contain hormones or substances that have properties similar to hormones (hormonoids). Hormones are produced in endocrine glands person and spread through the bloodstream into various organs and systems, regulating vital important functions body.

Hormonal drugs can be divided into hormone preparations:

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

thyroid gland.
These drugs are used to treat insufficient production of one's own hormones (for example, hypothyroidism) and opposite state- excess production of hormones;

pancreas.
The most famous drugs in this group are insulin preparations;

parathyroid glands;

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

sex hormones: estrogens, gestagens, androgens;

anabolic agents.

What is treated with hormonal pills?

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

Therapy with hormonal pills is necessary for:

— oral contraception;

- hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women and elderly men suffering from testosterone deficiency;

- treatment of inflammatory and allergic diseases;

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

- treatment of many oncological diseases.

Oral contraception. Achievements of modern medicine

The first studies that laid the foundation for the development hormonal contraceptives, were carried out back in 1921. Ten years later, scientists have already precisely figured out the structure steroid hormones and found that high doses of sex hormones inhibit, that is, block ovulation.

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

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

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

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

However, let's return to classifications. Modern hormonal contraceptives can be:

1. combined;

2. non-combined (mini-pill);

3. tablets for emergency contraception.

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

1. Combined hormonal contraceptives: COCs

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

The dose of ethinyl estradiol in modern COCs is much lower than in the first “killer” tablets. Because of this, side effects of estrogen such as weight gain, breast tenderness, and nausea are rare when taking new medications.

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

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

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

Pharmacology: how do hormonal birth control pills work?

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

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

How to take hormonal birth control pills?

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

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

Secondly, the missed pill should be taken immediately after memory is restored. Take the next pill as scheduled, even if you have to take two pills at the same time.

Thirdly, the period during which the woman forgot about the need to use protection should be assessed. The following actions depend on the statute of limitations.

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

Monophasic COCs: effectiveness and popularity

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

Monophasic contraceptives contain tablets of the same color. Despite the fact that the packaging may contain a strict scheme for using the tablets (usually in order of priority), this does not carry any special meaning. And if you manage to take a pill at the very beginning of the cycle, intended for use, say, on day 25, absolutely nothing bad will happen - after all, all the pills have the same composition.

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

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

Lindinet

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

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

Hormonal tablets Zhanine produced by SCHERING contain 30 mcg ethinyl estradiol and 2 mg progestin (dienogest). The Pearl index with regular use of Janine does not exceed 1%.

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

The German drug Yarina is one of the most popular monophasic hormonal contraceptives in tablets. The medicine contains 30 mcg ethinyl estradiol and 3 mg drospirenone.

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

One of the very well-known hormonal contraceptives in tablets is Diane-35, which is produced by SCHERING. The drug contains 35 mcg ethinyl estradiol and 2 mg of the antiandrogenic gestagen cyproterone acetate.

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

Among tablets with antiandrogenic activity, the popular hormonal contraceptive Jess occupies a special place. It contains 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol and 3 mg drospirenone. The gestagen included in Jess neutralizes the side effects of estrogen. In this regard, the drug is very well tolerated, and swelling and weight gain are practically excluded.

In addition, drospirenone mitigates the symptoms premenstrual syndrome, including pronounced ones. To all positive properties Jess can also have a beneficial effect on cholesterol levels, which is manifested in an increase in the concentration of high-density lipoproteins (HDL). But it is HDL that removes excess cholesterol from the body.

COCs containing drospirenone also include the Hungarian hormonal tablets Midiana. They differ from Jess only in their higher content of ethinyl estradiol, the dose of which is 30 mcg.

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

This is not the end of the list of monophasic contraceptives registered in Russia. However, they are used much less frequently, so we will immediately move on to the following categories of COCs.

Table “Monophasic COCs”:

Drugs	Manufacturer, country	Compound
Logest, analogue - Lindinet 20		Ethinyl estradiol 20 mcg Gestodene 75 mcg
Femoden, analogue - Lindinet 30	Schering, Germany (Gedeon Richter, Hungary)	Ethinyl estradiol 30 mcg Gestodene 75 mcg
Miniziston	Jenafarm, Germany	Ethinyl estradiol 30 mcg Levonorgestrel 125 mcg
Mercilon, analogue - Novinet		Ethinyl estradiol 20 mcg Desogestrel 150 mcg
Microgynon	Schering, Germany	Ethinyl estradiol 30 mcg Levonorgestrel 150 mcg
Marvelon, analogue - Regulon	Organon, Netherlands (Gedeon Richter, Hungary)	Ethinyl estradiol 30 mcg Desogestrel 150 mcg
Silest	Silag, Belgium-Switzerland	Ethinyl estradiol 35 mcg Norgestimate 250 mcg
Diana-35	Schering, Germany	Ethinyl estradiol 35 mcg Cyproterone acetate 2 mg
Janine, analogue - Silhouette	Schering, Germany (Gedeon Richter, Hungary)	Ethinyl estradiol 30 mcg Dienogest 2 mg
Regividon	Gedeon Richter, Hungary	Ethinyl estradio 30 mcg Levonorgestrel 150 mcg
Jess, analogue - Dimia	Bayer, Germany (Gedeon Richter, Hungary)	Ethinyl estradiol 20 mcg Drospirenone 3 mg
Yarina	Schering, Germany	Ethinyl estradiol 30 µg Drospirenone 2 mg
Midiana	Gedeon Richter, Hungary	Ethineestradio 30 mcg Drospirenone 3 mg

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

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

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

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

Three-phase contraceptives are better known and popular. However, their disadvantages in the form of standard side effects are no less pronounced than those of biphasic drugs. Three-phase COCs are easy to “calculate” by their name, which, as a rule, begins with “three”: Triziston, Triquilar, Tri-mercy, Tri-regol, Trister.

Tablets of two- and three-phase hormonal contraceptives are colored different colors depending on the composition: in two-phase preparations - in two colors, and in three-phase preparations - in three. Such medications must be taken strictly according to the schedule. Usually, the COC currency is replete with various arrows and other bright marks designed to help a woman understand the peculiarities of using multi-colored tablets. After all, if you accidentally mix up the color of the pills, the contraceptive effect is reduced.

Useful contraceptives? Advantages of COC

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

— treatment of menstrual disorders and PMS.
The use of COCs helps to normalize the cycle, reduce blood loss during menstruation, and also reduce premenstrual syndrome;

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

- prevention benign diseases mammary gland and pelvic organs.
COCs suppress the stimulation of the ovaries by follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones. Therefore, regular use of hormonal birth control pills significantly reduces the risk of the formation of functional cysts and benign nodes in the mammary glands;

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

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

Negative aspects of combined hormones

We would be lying if we say that COCs are extremely healthy drugs. During treatment with hormonal contraceptive pills, sometimes adverse consequences cannot be avoided. TO negative aspects COCs include:

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

- the need for regular daily use;

— the likelihood of delayed ovulatory cycles after discontinuation of COCs.

When is hormonal contraception prohibited?

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

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

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

Hormonal contraceptives and venous insufficiency: incompatibility No. 1

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

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

In addition, the likelihood of developing blood clots increases significantly in smoking women, patients with high cholesterol blood, severe diabetes, hypertension or obesity.

2. Mini-pills: special hormonal contraceptives

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

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

Note that contraceptive effect mini-pills are reduced if taken at different times of the day. This drawback often tips the scales in favor of combined hormonal pills.

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

3. Urgent contraception: when you can’t wait

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

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

The most well-known emergency contraceptives include Postinor, Microlut and Escapelle. These tablets should be used as rarely as possible - after all, hormonal surge, which occurs after taking drugs, is akin to a stroke. And not a single organism can withstand being hit with high doses of hormones regularly.

Down with amateur performances!

All hormonal contraceptives, including tablets, are prescription drugs only. And this is no coincidence. After all, the wrong medicine can easily cause menstrual irregularities and other gynecological problems.

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

Menopause: if there is little estrogen

Unfortunately, menopause brings with it a lot of clinical symptoms, which are hard to miss. Classic symptoms of menopause are characterized by irregular or absent menstrual cycles. In 60% of women, a sharp drop in estrogen levels leads to vascular disorders, which are manifested by hot flashes, sweating and increased heart rate.

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

An extremely dangerous consequence of menopause is a catastrophic decrease in bone mass. As a result, a disease associated with brittle bones develops - osteoporosis.

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

Add estrogen: hormonal pills

Hormonal pills used during menopause may contain:

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

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

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

Biphasic agents

These tablets consist of two components - estrogen and progestogen.

Divina- a drug produced by the Finnish company Orion. The first group of tablets contains only estradiol in a dose of 2 mg, and the second - a combination of 2 mg of estradiol valeriat and 10 mg of gestagen (medroxyprogesterone).

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

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

In addition, at Russian gynecologists Other hormonal replacement pills are no less popular, including Cycloprogynova, Femoston, Divitren, Angeliq.

Triphasic hormonal pills

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

Only two three-phase drugs are registered in Russia - Trisequens and Trisequens forte.

Hormone replacement pills: contraindications and side effects

Hormonal therapy during menopause is contraindicated for breast or endometrial cancer, severe liver disease, thrombophlebitis, endometriosis, and fibroids.

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

And one last thing. Before prescribing hormone replacement pills, a thorough examination of the woman is carried out, which includes general analysis urine, analysis of sugar levels and blood lipid profile, ultrasound of the pelvic organs, ECG, cytological examination cervical scraping and mammography. And if replacement therapy is not contraindicated, the benefits significantly outweigh the risks.

Hormones for the treatment of inflammation: why are glucocorticoids needed?

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

Synthetic hormonal tablets containing HA are taken continuously for autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

It is impossible to do without hormonal tablets containing HA in the treatment of allergic diseases, including bronchial asthma. Glucocorticoids can reduce inflammatory reaction and counteract the activity of immune cells that are involved in pathological process. Most often, HA is administered by inhalation, but in some severe cases, hormonal drugs in tablets and ampoules are used.

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

Glucocorticoids in tablets

Most often, several tableted glucocorticoids are used.

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

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

The dosage of Dexamethasone is selected individually.

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

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

The drug produced by the Polish plant Polfa contains triamcinolone GC in a dose of 4 mg. The main indications for Polcortolone include joint diseases, allergic pathologies that are difficult to treat, rheumatic, dermatological, hematological, oncological and other diseases.

Side effects of glucocorticoids

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

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

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

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

Hormonal deficiency: when can you not do without pills?

The most common pathologies that require constant use of hormonal medications are diseases of the thyroid gland.

Thyroid insufficiency - hypothyroidism - is a common disease in which the production of hormones is reduced. Treatment is based primarily on compensating for the lack of hormones. For this purpose, hormonal tablets are prescribed, which include sodium levothyroxine.

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

Despite the fact that thyroxine is hormonal medicine, when the correct dosage is prescribed according to indications, there are practically no side effects.

Hormones in oncology: when drugs save lives

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

Most medications used for hormonal treatment dependent tumors, inhibit, that is, block the release of hormones. These drugs include one of the most known drugs for the treatment of breast cancer - Tamoxifen.

Many drugs can reduce the production of other hormones, which are responsible for the growth of malignant tumors. Often, hormonal treatment is almost the only opportunity to fight the tumor and prolong the patient’s life.

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

Necessary substances for normal functioning of organs human body. They are usually produced naturally. But if, as a result of a disease, there are not enough of these substances in the body, the doctor may prescribe special medications created either on the basis of natural hormones or substances produced synthetically. Their goal is to restore hormonal balance.

Although hormone treatment is effective means In the fight against a number of diseases, some people are wary of this type of treatment. This happens either because of rumors or because of the effects of drugs.

Types and areas of application of hormonal drugs

Experts divide hormone therapy into 4 main types:

Contraceptives that are an addition or alternative to condoms. Despite the fact that the drugs may be ineffective during the period of colds, they can effectively protect a woman from unwanted pregnancy.
Treatment drugs are aimed at combating certain disease. For example, a number of hormonal agents in the form of tablets and ointments are used to normalize the functioning of the thyroid gland and eliminate the consequences of disruption of its functioning. Also, taking hormones can be prescribed by a doctor for cracks and wounds in the skin caused by insufficient formation of new cells.
Regulatory measures are aimed at preventing menstrual irregularities, the consequences of which can be the development of breast cancer or infertility. Only before starting such treatment, an examination is recommended that will help identify the deficiency or excess of the hormone that caused the disease in order to prescribe the drug correctly.
Insulin used in therapy severe forms diabetes mellitus is also a hormone.

Depending on the method of exposure to the body, the following hormonal medications are distinguished:

substitutive (replenishing the missing substance);
stimulating (encouraging the gland to release more of the hormone it produces);
blocking (used when there is an excess of the substance).

Some negative consequences of using hormones and the reasons for their manifestation

People's memories of the times of treatment with first-generation hormonal drugs have not completely faded. They gave a noticeable side effect, manifested in significant weight gain, the appearance of hair in unwanted places or swelling of the body. IN modern versions With these medications, such manifestations are minimized. But there are some points that need to be taken into account in order for therapy to bring more benefit than harm.

Firstly, you must follow the schedule and dosage of the drug prescribed by your doctor. , described in the annotations for medications, are usually the result of an overdose or improper use. When using contraceptives, it is worth remembering that if you miss a pill, the effect of the drug stops for at least a day. Therefore, it is necessary to use other methods of protection during this entire time. The consequence of carelessness in this matter can be an unwanted pregnancy.

Secondly, it is important to carefully monitor your physical and emotional state, especially if negative consequences of hormonal treatment are noticed, such as:

increased blood pressure;
feelings of nausea associated with disruptions in the gastrointestinal tract;
headache;
allergic reactions on the skin;
metabolic disorders;
problems in emotional state;
appearance excess weight for no apparent reason.

In such situations, it is necessary to reconsider the dosage or method of administration of the medicine. In case of pronounced symptoms of taking hormones, the drug should be replaced with an analogue. In case of allergic reactions, problems with blood vessels, rapid weight gain, you should stop taking the hormone immediately.

Thirdly, you need to be careful when combining similar drugs with antibiotics, tranquilizers or analgesics. So before you start joint reception medications, you must either consult a specialist or read the instructions for use. If you ignore this point, then, at best, one of the medications you are taking simply will not work. At worst, severe disturbances in the functioning of the stomach are possible, accompanied by vomiting.

There are some groups of people for whom such treatment is contraindicated:

overweight people, since the negative consequences of taking pills can aggravate the problem;
smokers, since hormones do not have the desired effect in combination with tobacco;
malignant neoplasms or a recent operation to remove a tumor may cause you to refuse such therapy and choose a different way of caring for your health;
, which is widely used by women, should not be used during pregnancy, since the consequences of treatment will manifest themselves in the form of miscarriage or fetal pathology;
persons with venous diseases, fibroadenoma, breast cyst, vascular thrombosis should also think about alternative methods treatment of illness;
The combination of hormones with alcohol is unacceptable, so if the patient is not ready to control this area of his life, it is better for the doctor to prudently consider other methods of treatment.

We must remember that some hormonal drugs can be addictive, so you should not use them unless necessary. And if the prescribed treatment does not bring improvement in the condition within the prescribed period, it should be abandoned.

Some patients take treatment with hormonal drugs lightly, considering it unnecessary to adhere to a stable schedule for taking the medication. The consequences of taking it may be a decrease in the effectiveness of therapy, and even the occurrence of some side effects.

Myths about hormone treatment

There are some misconceptions about hormones that can affect treatment choices. For example, some people believe that this is already the way to treat severe cases diseases, while forgetting the first purpose of such drugs -. Under the influence of such ideas, you may miss the opportunity to gently correct the situation initial stages development of the disease without causing the problem to worsen.

A common misconception is that hormonal drugs accumulate in the body over time. Taking into account the peculiarities of the body’s natural supply of these substances and the purpose medicines, this is simply impossible.

Since the use of hormonal drugs for treatment is accompanied by a number of side effects, some consider it obligatory to completely replace these medications with other types of therapy, for example, medicinal herbs. However, experts advise to be careful in this matter. Since not all hormones have worthy and equally effective analogues.

Each treatment method has its own advantages, disadvantages and contraindications that must be taken into account. Therefore, before making a decision about treatment, it is important to consult a doctor and undergo necessary examinations and take tests to determine your hormonal levels. After completing the examination, it is important to apply the specialist’s recommendations based on individual characteristics body.

Contrary to popular belief, hormonal drugs have a wide range of applications: from stabilizing the menstrual cycle and preventing unwanted pregnancy to restoring the functioning of certain organs (for example, the thyroid gland) or maintaining the life of a patient with diabetes.

Modern medicine has tried to minimize the side effects of hormonal drugs. But as a precaution, when taking these medications, you should follow the established dosages and timing of treatment with a specific drug. And if any side effects or lack of side effects are observed positive effect therapy, it is necessary to reconsider the approach and methods of treatment. Only a doctor can correctly prescribe treatment, or replace it with another, if necessary.

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 has been studied quite well, and most studies are freely available to a wide range of readers.

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

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

Effect

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

Important female hormones

A very large number of hormones “work” in the female body. Their 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 female-type muscles. In addition, these hormones are responsible for the cyclicity of menstruation. They are produced by the ovaries in women, the testes in men, and the adrenal cortex in both sexes. These hormones affect bone growth and water-salt balance. After menopause, women have less estrogen. This can lead to hot flashes, sleep disturbances and organ atrophy genitourinary system. Also, a lack of estrogen can be a 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” hormones. In certain concentrations, they cause the development of male secondary sexual characteristics in women (deepening of the voice, growth of facial hair, baldness, growth of muscle mass “in the wrong places”). 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 excess amounts of these substances, a miscarriage may occur. Androgens can reduce the secretion of vaginal lubrication, making sexual intercourse painful for the 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 maintain pregnancy, stimulates the development of the mammary glands and “prepares” the uterus for bearing a fetus. During pregnancy, its level increases 15 times. This hormone helps to obtain the maximum amount nutrients from what we eat and increases appetite. During pregnancy it is very useful qualities, but if its formation increases at other times, 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 (the release of the egg), the 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 maternal instinct. It is necessary for lactation, increases milk secretion and converts colostrum into milk.

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

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

Features of hormonal drugs

Such a broad concept as “hormonal drugs” includes various medications:

Contraceptives.
Treatments (drugs that cure diseases, for example, somatotropin in childhood treats dwarfism caused by its deficiency).
Regulating (various tablets for normalizing the menstrual cycle or hormonal levels).
Supportive (insulin for diabetics).

They all have different effects on a woman’s body.

Contraceptives

Without contraceptives, it is difficult to avoid unwanted pregnancy, and constantly using condoms or other mechanical methods of protection can be inconvenient. Therefore, many drugs have been developed for representatives of the fairer sex, the use of which does not cause pregnancy.

Most often, the effect of contraceptives is that they prevent the egg from attaching to the walls of the uterus, so the development of the fetus becomes impossible. The use of contraceptives in the form of pills is popular today, but along with the positive qualities, there are also negative consequences for the woman’s body:

menstrual irregularities (due to incorrect selection of the drug);
swelling and weight gain (due to the body not taking medications);
hair loss, brittle nails and dry skin (due to improper selection);
lethargy, bad feeling, decreased libido.

But all these qualities in 90% of cases manifest themselves due to incorrect or independent selection of contraceptives. Only a gynecologist can select such serious medications, because for this it is necessary to analyze the woman’s hormonal data. Under no circumstances prescribe oral contraceptives on your own, because if some contraceptives don’t make one girl feel bad, 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:

presence of problems with the background;
taking antibiotics;
pregnancy;
problems with the cardiovascular system;
age less than 17 years;
excess weight and allergic reactions.

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

Side effects

Instructions for hormonal contraceptives sometimes list mental disorders as side effects. These are usually depression and anxiety disorders. Attacks of fear or panic attacks They are not always indicated separately because they are often reduced simply to anxiety disorders. Although they deserve special attention and can greatly ruin the life of a woman who uses contraceptives. According to research conducted by the Royal Society of General Practitioners, women taking hormonal contraception, increased risk mental illness, neurotic depression (10-40%), development of psychosis, suicide. Aggression increases, and 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.

If we consider that the mood in women is influenced even by the normally observed fluctuations in the levels of endogenous hormones during the menstrual cycle (for example, according to data from France and England, 85% of crimes committed by women occur in their premenstrual period), it becomes clear why when taking GC aggression 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, lack of sexual desire, and difficulty achieving orgasm. It is known that with long-term use of hormonal contraceptives, irreversible changes in the area of sexuality and libido can occur. Due to the blocking of testosterone, very young girls using contraceptives experience sexual coldness, often anorgasmia.

When taking hormonal contraceptives, special attention should be paid to the following recommendations:

pills intended to protect against unwanted pregnancy do not protect the female body from sexually transmitted diseases;
women over 35 years of age should stop smoking when taking combined contraceptive pills, as in this case the risk of vascular blockage increases significantly;
It is not advisable to use tablets during breastfeeding combined composition, since estrogen in their composition affects the quality and composition of milk. In this case, tablets containing only the corpus luteum hormone are prescribed;
if nausea, dizziness, or stomach upset occur, you should consult a specialist;
in case you are prescribed medications, you must inform your doctor that you are taking hormonal contraceptives;
if there is a miss in taking pills, then there is a need to use additional contraceptives, for example, condoms;
For women with severe forms of endocrine diseases, for example, diabetes mellitus, as well as those with pathology of the heart and blood vessels, neoplasms, taking oral contraceptives is undesirable.

Treating

This group treats the body from diseases and disorders. Such hormonal preparations can be in the form of tablets or external use. The former are used for treatment serious illnesses caused by hormonal imbalances. The latter affect more locally, at the places of use.

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

Ointments often 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 most important medications 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, a sedentary lifestyle and newfangled diets, women often suffer from menstrual irregularities. This negatively affects the development of the reproductive system, general condition body, 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 wrong due to changes in hormonal levels.

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

After identifying specific hormones that are either deficient or in excess, a course of medications is prescribed to regulate their levels. These could be pills or injections. Often, gynecologists prescribe oral contraceptives to normalize the menstrual cycle. Don't be afraid, they are not trying to deceive or make things worse. Depending on the test results, some hormonal remedies actually improve menstruation without causing negative consequences. The influence of regulatory agents depends on the correctness of their selection and dosage, because active substances are required by the body in the smallest doses, so it is very easy to go beyond the norm. For example, if you overdo it with progesterone injections when there is a lack of it, you may experience swelling, nausea, hair loss and painful sensations in the mammary glands.

Supporters

These pills or injections keep the body normal if diseases or disorders can no longer be cured. This may be due to chronic diseases, constant malfunctions, poor functioning of 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 cause harm:

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 these are the drugs that keep the patient alive.

Hormonal drugs have a profound effect on a woman’s body, especially if they are oral contraceptives or regulatory means. Therefore, remember that only a specialist can prescribe them after detailed tests. Tablets, injections, ointments and other medications with hormones often disrupt the functioning of the digestive system, excretory system, and can cause weakness, so consult your doctor if such symptoms occur.

Common Myths

The word “hormones” evokes fear in 60% of modern women. This fact is not surprising: hormone therapy is indeed quite serious and often not harmless therapeutic event. The dangers of hormonal drugs are often talked about a lot, while their benefits are rarely remembered. But few people think that hormonal therapy can significantly improve a person’s quality of life, and sometimes even support this very life (for diabetes, thyroid diseases, bronchial asthma, etc.).

Are hormonal pills harmful?

Just as hormones differ from hormones, hormonal agents differ in the degree of positive and negative influence on the body. The balance of harm and benefit of hormonal drugs is determined by the type of hormone, its concentration, frequency, duration and method of application.

Yes, of course, hormonal drugs cause certain harm to the body. But, as a rule, they do not cause more damage to health than the disease for which this drug is used. Today there are diseases that cannot be treated without hormones.

Why are hormonal drugs harmful?

It is necessary to clearly understand that hormonal drugs of the 21st century cannot be compared with hormonal agents XX century. If our mothers associated the phrase “hormonal treatment” with overweight, swelling, unnatural hair growth, then in our time such side effects are minimized. But it is important to understand that the harm from using a hormonal drug will be minimal only if it is selected correctly.

So, why are hormonal drugs harmful? To answer this question, you just need to read the instructions for use for a specific product. In chapter " Side effect“As a rule, the whole range of possible (but not obligatory) side effects is indicated, among them the classic ones: metabolic disorders, weight gain, excessive hair growth, skin rashes, disruption of the gastrointestinal tract and more.

Harm and benefits of hormonal contraceptives

Hormonal therapy in women most often involves treatment with oral contraceptives (OCs), the main purpose of which is contraception, and the therapeutic effect is achieved as a positive side effect. Discussions about the benefits and harms of hormonal contraceptives have been ongoing for many years.

Some theorists and practitioners of medicine, including alternative medicine, are categorically against the use of hormonal contraceptives in medical practice, since they carry irreparable harm to the female body in the form of: suppression of ovarian function, changes in the natural background of a woman, dangerous side effects.

Another part of the experts claims, and numerous scientific studies confirm, that everything written above has nothing to do with modern OK. Huge doses of hormones contained in the first generations of hormonal preparations caused serious harm female body. Improved new generation OKs are different soft action due to maximum purification and minimal quantitative hormone content. While taking OK:

The benefit-risk ratio when taking hormonal contraceptive pills is clearly positive.

And on frequently asked question women: “Why are hormonal pills harmful?” the following answer can be given: in the absence of contraindications, provided correct setting diagnosis and correct selection of the drug - practically nothing. During the first three months of use (the period of adaptation to the drug), side effects are possible: nausea, headaches and dizziness, engorgement of the mammary glands, mood swings, decreased sexual desire.