What are hormonal drugs and what are they used for?

General mechanism of their action

The physical and emotional state of a person is influenced by hormonal levels. They take part in almost all vital processes. The body monitors their quantity, and if there is a deficiency or excess, it sends signals about the imbalance of hormones. To restore balance, special medications are prescribed.

There are various reasons why women are prescribed hormonal pills. But to do this, she needs to undergo certain tests to determine the exact ratio of hormones. Then these drugs will benefit her body and restore hormonal levels.

Indications for use

There are a number of indications when these medications would be appropriate:

• endocrine diseases;
• deficiency of hormones produced;
• disorders in the female reproductive system;
• mastopathy/fibroids;
• contraception;
• acne;
• menopause

In any case, before using them, a woman should consult a doctor. He will be able to accurately determine which hormone deficiency is observed in the body. The doctor will determine the reason, because there are pills for each of the listed indications.

Contraindications

Like any medical drug, hormonal drugs have contraindications for use:

• bad habits (smoking, alcohol and drug addiction);
• increased blood clotting;
• disturbances in the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
• excess body weight;
• liver and kidney failure;
• migraine;
• pregnancy and lactation;
• high risk of blood clots;
• diseases associated with hormonal levels;
• oncological diseases;
• diabetes;
• pancreatitis.

For the listed contraindications, a person is prescribed a specific treatment. And the medications he takes may be incompatible with hormonal pills. Therefore, you cannot buy them yourself without medical advice.

Why is it necessary to take hormones as prescribed and under the supervision of a specialist?

In case of hormonal disorders, it is necessary to consult a specialist to correct them, because uncontrolled use of hormonal drugs can lead to serious and dangerous complications. There are also many contraindications for the use of some medications, ranging from diabetes mellitus or kidney or liver failure to cancer pathologies.

The second important aspect is that at the initial stage of hormonal therapy, regular monitoring of hormone levels and the patient’s condition is carried out to determine the most optimal and effective dose of drugs. Therefore, self-administration of hormonal substances is strictly prohibited.

If symptoms of hormonal disorders appear, or if you have diseases of the female genital area or endocrine system, seek advice from a multidisciplinary specialist. We receive qualified endocrinology specialists, and also have an excellent diagnostic base - modern equipment for identifying various disorders and a diagnostic laboratory.

At the Health House clinic, at any convenient time and at an affordable price, you can undergo a full range of tests to identify various hormonal disorders. Based on these data, you can get a qualified consultation with a gynecologist or endocrinologist to prescribe effective treatment. You can make an appointment by phone.

Side effects

Despite many positive reviews, hormonal drugs have side effects. But this does not mean that they will manifest themselves in everyone - everything is individual. The likelihood of their appearance increases if a woman chose them herself.

Side effects include unwanted hair growth, the appearance of acne, pimples, deterioration of hair condition, etc. When taking hormonal contraceptives, there may be pain or pulling sensations in the mammary glands, allergic reactions. The most common side effect is problems with weight, most often weight gain.

If you abruptly discontinue the drug, you should not immediately expect results. Especially if the exposure to hormones was long-term. The body will need time to restore balance, and in some cases you will have to consult a doctor for treatment.

Answers to common questions about oral contraceptives

How to choose oral contraceptives?

Can I do this myself or should I go to a doctor? What tests should I take?

Each of us is unique. The human body has individual characteristics; it is almost impossible to predict the reaction to the emergence of new variables in this stable system in advance. Prescribing any drug may carry a risk of side effects. Oral contraceptives (OCs) are a very large group of drugs. In order to assess how effective and safe the use of birth control pills will be for you, you should visit a doctor so that during your appointment you will be interviewed in detail, told about the pros and cons of each type of drug, and warned about possible side effects.

There are two types of birth control pills: (COCs) – combined oral contraceptives. They contain a combination of estrogen (synthetic or natural estradiol) and progestin (an analogue of natural progesterone) in various dosages.

These drugs come in three different types - monophasic (each tablet contains the same dose of both hormones), biphasic (the package contains two types of tablets with the same dose of estrogen, but the dose of gestagen in them differs; in tablets of the first phase of the cycle it is slightly less than in tablets for second phase of the menstrual cycle) and three-phase (the package contains three types of tablets, the ratio and dose of hormones in them are different). These drugs are very easy to use and, when taken correctly, provide almost 100% protection against unwanted pregnancy. Modern COCs contain microdoses or low doses of hormones and are well tolerated. According to recent studies, using COCs as contraception reduces the risk of ovarian, endometrial and colon cancer. However, there are a number of situations in which the use of such contraceptives should be taken with caution.

There are also oral contraceptives containing only a progestogen component, the so-called “mini-pills”. Their advantage is that such hormonal contraception can be used during breastfeeding; they can be used by women who have contraindications for taking estrogens. But there is also a flip side to the coin - OCs containing only gestagens more often cause adverse reactions in the form of spotting (due to thinning of the endometrium due to estrogen deficiency), mood swings, engorgement and heaviness in the mammary glands.

According to the standards of medical care, to prescribe hormonal contraception, you must tell your medical history in detail, answer all the doctor’s questions, undergo a breast examination and an examination in a gynecological chair. If you are in good health and there are no risks, you can prescribe birth control. It would not be superfluous to conduct an ultrasound of the pelvic organs and mammary glands, duplex scanning of the vessels of the lower extremities and a blood test for coagulation, but this is not mandatory.

Should I take a break from taking birth control pills?

No no need. Almost all modern hormonal contraceptives contain very low doses of hormones, so they can be taken for years. In addition, when using COCs (pills that contain an estrogen component), the risk of blood clots increases significantly in the first months of use, so when you take a break from taking the pills and then start taking them again, your period of increased risk of thrombosis increases by several months in year.

How do birth control pills interact with other medications?

Is it true that antibiotics make their effect weaker?

Hormonal contraceptives, especially combined ones, can increase the side effects and toxicity of some drugs (for example, analgin, some antidepressants and tranquilizers, drugs for the treatment of bronchial asthma), and can weaken the effect of drugs for the treatment of hypertension and some other groups of drugs. Also, the effect of oral contraceptives themselves can be negatively affected by taking medications that affect the central nervous system due to changes in hormonal levels.

The only antibiotic that significantly reduces the effectiveness of both estrogens and gestagens is rifampicin. When you take this drug together with any OC, you must additionally use a barrier method (condom) for the entire duration of treatment. Most known antibiotics can be combined with oral contraceptives, subject to the rules of administration and dosage of the drugs.

Can hormonal pills affect weight loss/gain?

Many women say that they provoke a feeling of hunger - is this true?

Most often, women notice a weight gain of 1-3 kg in the first months of taking OK. During this period, the body adapts to new conditions in the body; against this background, slight fluid retention in the tissues may be observed. This is an absolutely normal process, as long as you do not develop dense, tense swelling. In addition, gestagens, an essential component of any birth control pills, have some effect on insulin metabolism and, by changing blood sugar levels, can cause an increased feeling of hunger. No modern hormonal contraceptive can cause weight gain if you follow the diet. To make it easier to control your appetite during the period of adaptation to OK, gynecologists advise keeping a food diary so that you can independently assess what and when you eat.

Do birth control pills actually increase melanin production?

And provoke the appearance of age spots?

Contraceptives contain analogs of natural sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone, which, through specific receptors, affect melanocytes, increasing the production of melanin. However, individual sensitivity (the number of receptors for certain hormones on the surface of cells; the more there are, the more pronounced the effect these substances have on a particular person) is different for everyone, and the doses of hormones in the most common OCs are very low. If you take precautions during periods of high solar activity and use sunscreen, you are unlikely to experience hyperpigmentation.

How do pills affect the reproductive system?

Is there a risk of infertility (or certain complications) from taking them?

Hormonal contraceptives have a complex effect on the female body:

• block the production of hormones acting on the ovaries in the pituitary gland, suppressing ovulation;
• increase the viscosity of mucus in the cervical canal, which makes it difficult for sperm to move;
• reduce the thickness of the endometrium and change its structure;
• have an effect on the peristalsis of the fallopian tubes.

These mechanisms provide reliable protection against unwanted pregnancy. Modern birth control pills are an absolutely reversible method of contraception.

Most women who stop taking OCs can become pregnant within the first month after discontinuation. In other cases, stabilization of the menstrual cycle occurs within a period of up to 3 months. If, after stopping the OC, your cycle has not returned to its normal state as before starting to take the pills 3 months ago, you should consult a doctor in order to rule out pregnancy or illness.

Do birth control pills help treat hormonal acne?

How? What should be included in their formula? Is there a risk of side effects - is it possible that taking birth control pills will only make the rash worse? If you stop taking the pills, will acne appear again?

One of the factors in the development of acne is hypersecretion of the sebaceous glands, which occurs both with an increased level of androgens (male sex hormones) and with high sensitivity to them.

There are COCs that contain gestagens that reduce the production of male sex hormones in the body and affect their receptors. COCs with an antiandrogenic effect may contain one of these hormones:

• drospirenone
• dienogest
• chlormadinone
• cyproterone

Drospirenone and dienogest are most often found in microdose and low-dose tablets. OC with cyproterone is recommended for use in the late reproductive period; at a young age it is better to choose a drug with a different composition.

Side effects in the form of increased rashes when using antiandrogenic COCs are very rare. However, it is necessary to clearly understand how the pills affect hormonal levels: while you are taking COCs, hormones act on the body, including reducing the number of rashes by suppressing the effects of androgens. When you stop taking COCs, your hormonal levels return to the level they were before taking the pills. It often seems to girls that after stopping contraceptives, the situation with acne has become worse than it was before, but do not forget that acne treatment is a long process, and the main role in it is played by an integrated approach and conscientious implementation of all medical recommendations. COCs do not treat acne on their own; they are prescribed as part of therapy, which must be selected at an appointment with a dermatovenerologist.

How does smoking affect the effectiveness of OCs?

What side effects might there be?

Smoking does not affect the effectiveness of contraceptives in any way; the contraceptive effect is not reduced. Smoking increases blood clotting; estrogen in COCs has a similar effect, which together can lead to thrombosis. You should be careful when choosing OK if you smoke more than 15 cigarettes a day. In such a situation, it is better to refrain from estrogen-containing tablets and opt for drugs containing only gestagens.

Can birth control pills affect mental health?

Some people complain of depression, mood swings and irritability due to taking contraceptives.

Birth control pills can affect mood and general emotional background. Estrogens stimulate the central nervous system, gestagens suppress.

There are observations showing a connection between taking OCs containing only progestogens and an increase in the number of depressive episodes in women, but this issue has not yet been studied in detail. Many women, on the contrary, note a decrease in PMS symptoms when taking hormonal contraception. This occurs due to the equalization of hormonal levels and the absence of cyclical changes.

Making an appointment with a gynecologist

To clarify the details, consult a qualified specialist at the Semeynaya clinic.

Single contact center

8 495 662-58-85
daily from 8 to 21

To clarify prices for an appointment with a gynecologist or other questions, follow the link below:

Gynecology

Varieties

The drugs are divided into groups of hormones:

1. Glands of the adrenal cortex - they are used to combat allergic reactions and inflammatory processes. They also act as a pain reliever.
2. Thyroid gland - with a deficiency or excess of hormones.
3. Sexual ones, which include androgens, estrogens and gestagens.
4. Medicines with an anabolic effect.
5. Pituitary gland.
6. Pancreas, which includes insulin.

Tablets are selected based on the results of the analysis to restore hormonal balance.

Hormonal contraception: methods, means, mechanisms of action

1. Tablets are the so-called combined oral contraceptives, COCs. These contraceptives are called combined because each tablet contains 2 types of hormones - estrogen and a progestron analogue (gestagen, progestin). You need to take 1 tablet every day at approximately the same time. COCs are available in different packages: 21 tablets – you take the tablets for 3 weeks + 1 week break for “menstruation”. After 7 days, you need to remember and start taking pills from a new package. This type of COC appeared very first and for many years was the only possible option. For many women, it became a problem to remember the time to take the next pill - once, and the day when you need to start taking pills from a new package - two. The problem is partly solved with the help of various “reminders” (for example, in a mobile phone) and with the release of new forms of COCs, where one package contains 28 tablets (24 with the hormone and 4 “empty”). Regime 28 (24+4) is convenient for women who prefer the traditional regimen of taking COCs with monthly bleeding (“menstruation”).
2. Long-term COC regimen. It has become especially popular in recent years. The essence of the prolonged regimen for taking COCs is that hormone-containing tablets are taken daily without a break for menstruation for 3-4 months. Then there is a break for “menstruation”. The prolonged regimen is safe and convenient. Tablets containing only gestagens, the so-called mini-pills. Suitable for women who are breastfeeding and those for whom combined hormonal contraceptives containing estrogen are contraindicated due to the risk of thrombosis.
3. The vaginal ring is essentially the same combined hormonal contraceptive containing estrogen and progestogen. It is convenient because the ring is placed in the vagina for 3 weeks. You don't need to remember to take the pill every day. The downside is that some women experience increased vaginal discharge and itching of the vulva.
4. The patch is essentially the same combined hormonal contraceptive containing estrogen and progestogen. One strip of patch is glued to a selected area of ​​skin on the body once a week. You don't need to remember to take the pill every day.
5. An intrauterine device containing the hormone gestagen (an analogue of progesterone). Installed for 5 years. It has a pronounced therapeutic effect in cases of heavy bleeding during menstruation (when other causes such as submucous uterine fibroids are excluded). A cost-effective contraceptive option.

Features of application

Therapy that is based on taking hormonal drugs is called replacement therapy. The patient has to take such medications for a long time to make up for the deficiency or excess. Each group of hormones has a specific mechanism of action that must be taken into account.

Contraceptives

Hormonal contraceptive pills are classified as oral contraceptives. And they are one of the popular ways to protect against unplanned pregnancy. The mechanism of their action is based on the influence of female hormones on the reproductive system. Tablets are prescribed only by a gynecologist to avoid negative effects on the body.

Estrogens

Their levels are higher in women than in men. There are three subtypes of this hormone:

• estrone, which appears with the onset of menopause;
• estradiol, which is present in all women of reproductive age;
• estriol is produced by the placenta during pregnancy.

But sometimes the concentration of estrogen is not normal. The reasons for this may be bleeding, difficulties with bearing a child, problems with the reproductive system and mammary glands. These drugs are prescribed by a gynecologist.

Drugs in this group can be prescribed to women who want to increase breast size. Of course, genetic factors also influence this, but the amount of tarragon also plays a role. There are hormonal pills that cause size changes. This effect is due to the influence of prolactin and progesterone.

Therefore, if a lady’s goal is to increase her bust, it would be useful to use a special cream and monitor her diet. But no one guarantees that a woman will experience a significant increase in breast size.

Also, estrogen hormones affect the process of conceiving a child. Therefore, a woman needs to undergo tests to determine the ratio of hormones in the reproductive system. If there are difficulties in conceiving, the gynecologist will prescribe medications containing estrogen and progesterone.

Thyroid gland

Thyroid hormone deficiency leads to:

• atherosclerosis;
• decreased cognitive activity;
• completeness;
• anemia.

Thyroid problems can occur even in young people. Signs may include constant loss of strength, apathy, and disruption of the functioning of other organs.

For weight gain and acne control

Hormonal pills can lead to weight gain. Therefore, they are prescribed to patients with anorexia or who are too thin. But this property is abused by athletes who want to build muscle mass in a short time. However, corticosteroids and sex hormones are prohibited in Russia, so they use somatostatin.

An endocrinologist can prescribe such drugs. He will select the optimal dosage so that weight gain occurs gradually.

Some people also rely on hormonal pills to combat acne. They normalize sebum production, which helps effectively fight acne. But this therapy has side effects:

• sudden mood swings;
• weight gain;
• the appearance of a headache.

After completing a course of hormonal therapy, acne may return. Therefore, in parallel, you need to take antibacterial drugs, preferably not antibiotics. The endocrinologist prescribes pills that contain the hormones progesterone and estrogen. They help maintain normal levels of androgens, which affect the production of subcutaneous sebum.

Why is there a need to take hormonal drugs?

To understand the reason, you need to understand what hormones are and what their function is in the body. Hormones are biologically active substances produced in the endocrine glands, which then enter the blood. Main types of hormones:

• adrenal hormones (glucocorticosteroids);
• thyroid hormones;
• sex hormones (androgens, estrogens, gestagens);
• pituitary hormones (oxytocin, human chorionic gonadotropin);
• pancreatic hormones (the most important is insulin).

The main function of biologically active substances is to regulate and control the vital processes of the human body. The amount of hormones produced is very small, but their influence is enormous. The specificity of the action of hormones is such that they must be produced in a strictly defined amount. Any fluctuations upward or downward negatively affect your health. This condition is called hormonal imbalance, and requires medical correction.

The amount of hormones produced varies between men, women and children. Women are more susceptible to fluctuations in hormonal levels, due to the physiological characteristics of the female body and the physiological processes occurring in it - the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, childbirth, the postpartum period, menopause, during which significant changes in hormonal levels occur.

In addition, many diseases in the body are hormone-dependent, i.e. occur due to hormonal imbalances in the body. These include tumors, menstrual irregularities, organ dysfunction, infertility, etc. A gynecologist endocrinologist deals with issues of endocrine disorders of women's health and the prescription of drugs to correct hormone levels.

Popular drugs

Each group has a number of popular drugs that have many positive reviews and are highly effective. However, you cannot prescribe them yourself, because you need to know the exact ratio of hormones in the body.

Contraceptives

This is one of the popular contraceptive options. Many women choose pills on their own, based on advertising and reviews. Therefore, side effects are often observed - weight gain, unstable emotional background, etc. But if they are prescribed by a specialist, then the risk of their occurrence is minimized.

1. "Diana 35" contains a small concentration of hormones. In addition to contraception, it helps to cope with the problem of seborrhea, reduce the amount of male hormones in the female body, and normalizes the production of sebum. Upon completion of the course, the woman can become pregnant.
2. Lindinet 20 is one of the new oral contraceptives. It contains very small amounts of hormones, which minimizes the occurrence of side effects. Normalizes the menstrual cycle and is a preventive measure against the occurrence of diseases of the reproductive system.
3. "Jess" is not only a contraceptive, but also an effective way to combat acne. Its main advantage is that there is no risk of weight gain.

There are other tablets with similar effects. They are prescribed by a gynecologist after the woman has passed all the necessary tests to choose the appropriate remedy.

Estrogen drugs

Therapy with their use is prescribed if a woman has problems with the reproductive system or during menopause. They help not only normalize its functioning, but also have a beneficial effect on the emotional state.

1. "Dermestril" contains estradiol, it is prescribed during menopause. It not only helps normalize hormonal levels, but also helps cope with sleep disorders and sudden mood swings.
2. "Divigel" has a beneficial effect on specific female organs. It also has a positive effect on the development of secondary female sexual characteristics and normalizes the menstrual cycle.

The modern pharmaceutical market offers a large selection of hormonal drugs. But only a doctor can prescribe them, and he also determines their dosage and course duration.

Symptoms of hormonal disorders in the body

Due to the fact that hormones control and regulate almost all metabolic processes in the body, hormonal imbalance can have a wide variety of symptoms and affect the health of the entire body. The following signs may indicate hormonal imbalances:

• a sharp change in body weight without changing the usual lifestyle and diet;
• infertility of unknown origin;
• problems with skin condition - acne, acne, constant rashes, etc.;
• excessive hair growth in women;
• changes in blood pressure, memory impairment;
• frequent mood swings, tearfulness, unmotivated aggression, tantrums, etc.;
• menstrual irregularities;
• sleep disorders, incl. chronic insomnia;
• loss of strength, drowsiness, decreased performance;
• poor condition of hair and nails;
• severe menopause;
• depression, constant stress, etc.

To determine the severity of hormonal disorders, mandatory tests for hormone levels are carried out. Based on these data, as well as the results of additional examinations, the doctor prescribes hormonal therapy.

Where to buy hormonal drugs in Moscow with delivery

Online shopping is becoming increasingly popular. They allow you to save time on purchasing goods and purchase them at competitive prices. A wide range of hormonal tablets is presented in “Your Pharmacy No. 1”.

The network of this online pharmacy offers customers medications that meet all high healthcare standards. You can view the product in the online catalog, where all medications are divided into categories, which saves your time.

“Your Pharmacy No. 1” has 34 branches in Moscow, and any of them will be able to deliver your online order. Home delivery of medications is prohibited, so arrange for delivery to one of the branches closest to you. You can find out about their operating hours on the “Your Pharmacy No. 1” website and place an order at a time convenient for you.