The drugs do not cause tumor formation. However, if there is oncological diseases such drugs can stimulate their further development. Therefore, before you start taking pills, go through the full examination. Please note that hormone therapy requires caution.

As is known, endocrine system each of us is a kind of “hormonal skeleton” of our body, while all the glands that produce hormones, regardless of their location, are in close interconnection, providing everything essential functions, both physical and psycho-emotional.

Our mental abilities, And general health, And appearance, and mood, and proper digestion, and sleep, etc.

In the event that for any reason the body experiences hormonal imbalance, in which the production of hormones is disrupted in one direction or another, then the person is prescribed appropriate treatment.

When planning a pregnancy

Lack of hormones is especially dangerous in situations where a woman dreams of motherhood, but, unfortunately, the lack of female hormones estrogen can become an obstacle to conception and normal development fetus

For this reason, in the case when the desired pregnancy does not occur, the woman needs to undergo examination by an endocrinologist, and this must be done even when everyone else physical indicators hers are within normal limits.

In some cases, a woman may be prescribed hormones that serve as a stimulator for egg maturation. Hormone therapy can prevent or minimize the likelihood of miscarriage.

Of course, before using hormonal therapy, you should contact more simple ways, capable of intensifying work endocrine glands, after all, it is likely that the functional failure is insignificant.

Sometimes it is enough to normalize your diet, ensure sufficient physical activity, spend more time in the fresh air, etc., that is, lead a healthy lifestyle.

It is necessary to remain calm, as fatigue, chronic stress reduce the chance of conception by half. The fact is that these factors negatively affect the functioning of the adrenal glands, which, in turn, begin to produce hormones that are not necessary for the maturation of the egg.

For contraceptive purposes

One cannot fail to mention the category of women who use hormonal therapy to prevent unwanted pregnancy.

Moreover, oral contraceptives in our pharmacies you can purchase without special difficulties, A low content hormones in them can prevent not only the onset of pregnancy, but also help in solving problems with overweight, liver, blood vessels.

Of course, no one can give a 100% guarantee that pregnancy can occur, but gynecologists still admit that birth control pills are one of the most reliable means.

By the way, so oral hormonal drugs often prescribed for emergencies gynecological problems ah, for example, with ovarian dysfunction, absence of menstruation (amenorrhea) in adolescence etc.

However, there is one significant “but”: long-term use drugs of this kind can “wean” the body from independent work, as a result of which it will simply stop producing necessary hormones in the required quantity.

Ultimately, this development of events is fraught with ovarian dysfunction, and, as a consequence, premature aging. For this reason important To determine “your” drug, you need to consult a specialist and conduct an examination, which involves performing the necessary tests.

If you start taking one or another oral contraceptive uncontrollably, this can cause serious gynecological problems, including problems with conception.

If at this time it is determined that the body continues to function normally without taking medications, then you can return to their further use.

If you want to prolong youth

During the period of declining reproductive function, in order to prolong youth, some women also resort to hormone replacement therapy.

This method was especially popular in the USA and Great Britain in the sixties of the last century. But, at present, experts are skeptical about this method of prolonging youth, since, in their opinion, the use of hormonal drugs can provoke the development of breast and ovarian cancer, and also promotes the process of blood clots.

At the same time, some researchers are inclined to believe that the intake of additional amounts of estrogen into the female body is a good prevention of the development of osteoporosis, because this hormone prevents the leaching of calcium from the body. These arguments go against those who argue that hormone therapy can cause more harm than good.

Nevertheless, if you, for whatever reason, decide to use hormonal therapy, first of all, clearly understand for yourself for what purpose you need it. So, for example, in the case of a complex course of menopause, accompanied by hot flashes, excessive sweating, emotional swings, taking medications of this kind is completely justified.

But if the motives are only to postpone impending old age indefinitely, then in this case it will be more effective and safer to visit a psychologist and conduct a course of psychotherapy.

And if, for one reason or another, you have to take hormonal drugs for a long time, then you must first undergo a full examination, which in the future must be repeated every six months. The total duration of hormone replacement therapy should not exceed three to five years.

So when hormonal treatment caution should still be exercised. Some gynecologists advise giving preference not to tablets, but to patches, suppositories, and gels, since these products contain fewer hormones.

Elena Berezovskaya

How impossible to imagine modern world Without a computer and the Internet, it is impossible to imagine the life of a modern woman without protection from pregnancy with hormonal contraceptives. Hormonal contraceptives have appeared on the market a long time ago - since the creation of a tablet form of synthetic progesterone - ethisterone in 1938 by German chemists, although the Second world war prevented widespread use of the first hormonal contraceptive. However, we can safely say that for almost 60 years, women around the world have been using hormonal contraception. Is it possible to draw conclusions about its safety, taking into account the side effects that occur while taking hormones and after a certain period of time after completing their use? This question is also relevant because talk about the growth of malignant formations, which is popularly called cancer, is heard everywhere. Are the levels of different cancers really increasing or are diagnostic technologies able to detect many types of cancer at early stages, what was previously missed and not treated?

U hormonal contraception there are many supporters, but there are many opponents - and everyone gives supposedly convincing arguments about the benefits and harms of this type of pregnancy protection. As a doctor who does not want to be hostage to myths and rumors, I must provide my patients with accurate and truthful information about everything related to human health, including hormonal contraception, often leaving my personal views and preferences aside. But when in the thousandth Since the question is asked how long you can take hormonal contraceptives and whether it harms women's health, I decided that it was time to express my point of view, which will be a mixture of the point of view of a doctor and a woman.

We often make false conclusions only because we do not know much about what we are drawing conclusions about. Therefore, to answer the question of how long you can take OCs without harm to the body, we will discuss several important facts.

Another 100-150 years ago average duration women's lifespan was 35-40 years. Many got married as teenagers (14-18 years old) and found themselves in a repeating cycle of pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, giving birth to 7-12 children. Such women did not need contraception - their destiny was predetermined by Nature itself: a woman was created to be a mother. For many, even menstruation was rare due to repeated pregnancies and periods of lactation (milk production). The majority of menstrual cycles stopped at the age of 35-37, and many did not live to reach menopause at all.

With increasing life expectancy, women began to not only menstruate earlier (from 12-13 years old), but also longer (up to 50-55 years old). This means that reproductive age For a modern woman, when it is possible to become pregnant, has increased significantly and is about 40 years old. If the level of conception of offspring is not high in adolescence (before 18-19 years) and premenopausal (after 37-38 years) ages, one way or another, almost 20 reproductive years of life remain. Most European women North America, Australia does not want to give birth to more than 1-3 children, which takes from 1 to 6 years of their life, when reliable contraception is not so important. Many people postpone childbearing until later in life. middle age women giving birth for the first time in developed countries is 29-32 years old. And before and after this, they try to use the methods of birth control that are optimal for them.

Before the availability of hormonal contraception at an affordable price, in many countries, especially in those where there were no other contraceptives, induced terminations of pregnancy - abortions, both legal and criminal - flourished. The leader worldwide in the number of abortions since 1964 (possibly earlier) was the USSR, until its collapse - up to 80% of all conceived pregnancies were terminated. These indicators did not include the level of criminal abortions, which were also common in the Soviet republics, since far not all women advertised unwanted pregnancies.

Until now, in many post-Soviet countries, up to 65-70% of unplanned pregnancies are terminated, despite the fact that almost any pharmacy has several types of hormonal and other contraception, and the younger generation of women constantly abuses emergency hormonal contraception. Why are there so many abortions? The mentality of society has still not changed, that birth control and getting rid of accidental pregnancy is the prerogative of a woman, not a man, against the backdrop of the high cost of hormonal contraceptives (many of our women still cannot afford these drugs).

If you look at the data from the UN report on the use of contraception in different countries world, published in 2011, about 67% of Ukrainian women aged 15-49 use different methods contraception, of which only 4.8% use hormonal contraceptives (2007 figures). The most popular types of pregnancy protection are intrauterine devices (17.7%) and male condoms (23.8%).

Hormonal contraception was created to prevent pregnancy and nothing more. The fact that it is used for other purposes, and quite often without justification, without any indication, is a different matter.

In all hormonal contraceptives, the main contraceptive role is played by a synthetic progestin. In fact, the main purpose of obtaining progesterone in the past and its production at production basis was the creation of a contraceptive “medicine”, because progesterone is an excellent contraceptive (that’s right, I didn’t say anything wrong).

Estrogens can also be used as contraceptives because large doses suppress the maturation of germ cells in the ovaries, but have a more pronounced negative effect on a number of hormone-dependent organs and tissues, so they have not been used as contraceptives. They were added to progestins to better imitate the natural menstrual cycle and obtain better withdrawal bleeding (artificial menstruation), especially with the advent of 28 daytime regimen taking hormones (pills with hormones are taken for 21 days and pacifiers for 7 days, or a 7-day break is taken without hormones). This regimen in the early 50s made it possible to calm the nerves of most women who, against the backdrop of continuous use hormonal pills did not have menstruation, and therefore were worried whether the pills would work or not. He also allowed hormonal contraception to be accepted by the Catholic and other churches without major opposition or criticism. And the boom of hormonal contraception began!

There are many supporters and opponents different modes taking hormonal contraceptives, but clinical trials showed that neither method has advantages.

There are a lot of progestins on which the action of oral contraceptives (OCs) is based, and it is they that determine the additional effect of OCs, which is based on how the drug is absorbed and what cell receptors it binds to. For example, some OCs can suppress the level of male sex hormones, others, on the contrary, increase them, etc. This additional function of hormonal contraceptives is used with therapeutic purpose for a number of diseases.

It's important to know that There are four generations of progestins, which is the basis for the classification of hormonal contraceptives. And it is natural that the younger (newer) the generation of drugs, the better it should be. In fact, the improvement occurred in reducing the doses of synthetic hormones included in the OC, while maintaining effectiveness contraceptive action. Therefore, the negative effect of hormones on a woman’s body decreased with a decrease in dose. Scientists around the world are constantly searching for progestins that could be taken less frequently, but at the same time the side effects, including long-term ones, were less, and the contraceptive effect did not decrease.

Now let's talk about the safety of using hormonal contraceptives.

It is extremely important to understand that hormonal contraceptives are medicines , not lollipops, chocolates, vitamins. These are medicines! And this says a lot. This means, like any medications, hormonal contraceptives have their own indications and contraindications for use, methods and forms of use, and side effects. Medicines can also interact with other substances, including medications. The most important thing is that for some reason, familiarization with the instructions for use of the drug is missed. The answer to the question “what awaits me in the future if I start taking hormonal contraceptives” is presented in the side effects section in the instructions. How many women read this column? How many women read the instructions for use of the drug?

The most interesting thing is that the side effects section includes a description of the negative effects of hormonal contraceptives only during the period of taking the drug. But there are also long-term consequences of any medications. However, most often they are not mentioned because this can significantly reduce the level of sales and use of medicines. Hormonal contraceptives also have long-term side effects, which we will discuss further.

So, it is clear that hormonal contraceptives (any) are medicines. But many do not pay attention to the word “hormonal”. When a person is told, “You need to take hormones,” this often causes a negative reaction and fear. “Hormones? Isn't this dangerous? These are hormones after all!” It doesn’t matter what hormones they are - for the treatment of diabetes, joint diseases, thyroid gland, etc. “I was put on hormones” - often sounds like a sentence. But when we're talking about about hormonal contraception, the perception of the word “hormone” changes dramatically. “I have pimples on my skin. What do you recommend from hormonal contraceptives?” “Which hormonal contraceptives should I choose, otherwise the doctor said, choose whichever ones you want, so I think the ones that are cheaper will do?” “One of my friends took “”, and another took “”, and my doctor says that it is better to insert Mirena into the uterus, but I have not given birth yet. What do you think should be preferred?

Hormonal contraceptives are hormonal medications, and in most countries of the world they are not prescribed in absentia without examining the woman, and also require a prescription to purchase them.

All hormones, unlike other drugs, in small quantities can affect, including negatively, cells, tissues, organs and organ systems that have special sensors - receptors through which hormones exert their effects. Hormonal contraceptives are no exception, and therefore have contraindications. How many women, having looked at the instructions, thought that if the list of contraindications is so impressive (impressive in different systems organs, and not for one group of diseases), then these are really not vitamins, and not pills for headaches or for lowering body temperature. Even most antibiotics, which are prescribed right and left by many doctors, have much fewer contraindications and side effects than hormonal contraceptives (just for fun, open the instructions for use and compare).

The traditional phrase “Millions of women have been taking hormonal contraceptives for years and nothing bad happens to them” may be suitable as a “soothing remedy” if the doctor does not want to answer the woman’s question, “What are the risks of taking OK for my health?” A more professional answer: “Read the instructions” (and figure it out yourself). But, after reading the instructions, the woman will again ask how then millions of other women take these hormones, whether she will be one of the percentage of those who will have side effects, whether taking hormones will increase the risk of developing some kind of cancer in the future...

What is important to know in such cases? The absorption of hormonal contraceptives and their impact with the development of side effects is individual for each woman and unpredictable in most cases. The only guaranteed action is OK, which works in 99% of cases when correct intake, there will be a contraceptive effect - that’s what they were created for. Everything else, as an additional or side effect, sometimes even positive (the condition of the skin has improved, for example), appears as an individual reaction of the body to taking OK.

Now let's talk about the long-term effects of hormonal contraceptives. As mentioned above, modern women have long periods of life when conceiving children is not planned, but sexual relations do occur. And regardless of the frequency of these sexual relations, regardless of age and chances of becoming pregnant, they want to be sure that there will be no pregnancy.

To answer the question of the risks of long-term use of hormonal drugs, it is necessary to weigh many factors.

1.What kind of OCs or other types of hormonal contraceptives does the woman take? Very often, women in the post-Soviet space prefer old high-dose OCs, many of which have ceased to be used in developed countries. They are cheaper than new generation OKs, so they are more profitable to buy and sell. For a long time now, the countries of the “second and third worlds” have become a convenient testing ground for fusing everything that the “first world” refuses.

Thus, the higher the dose of hormonal component OCs and the longer they are taken, the higher the risk of side effects and long-term consequences.

Also, different types progestins can exhibit side effects in different ways - this also needs to be taken into account by both doctors and women.

2. Woman's age plays important role selection OK. The older a woman is, the more pressing the question of the optimal dose of estrogens and progestins becomes, as well as the advisability of taking hormonal contraception. After all, many women actually do not need this type of contraception, but live with false beliefs imposed by doctors that the ovaries “rest” while taking OCs, that hormonal contraceptives “preserve the ovarian reserve”, “prolong youth”, “rejuvenate the ovaries and the body “,” “increase a woman’s sexuality,” etc. No, hormonal contraceptives only protect against pregnancy, but do not prevent the aging of the ovaries, and the entire body as a whole, and even more so, do not rejuvenate.

3.Aging of the body with age is accompanied by the appearance various diseases , especially if a woman does not lead a healthy lifestyle. Some diseases may be aggravated by taking hormonal contraceptives. For assimilation and manifestation of action, OK require good job gastrointestinal tract(through it, hormones enter the bloodstream, and the products of their metabolism are excreted with feces), liver (here they partially disintegrate and partially bind to special proteins) and kidneys (through them the products of hormone metabolism are excreted from the body). Adipose tissue plays an important role in the metabolism of hormones and often plays the role of a warehouse (depot), where they can accumulate in the form of metabolic substances (metabolites) and be stored for many months and years. It is the cumulative effect of hormone metabolites in adipose tissue that plays a negative role in the development of some serious diseases, including a number of cancers.

4. Although a woman at the time of taking OCs may not have diseases and conditions that are included in the list of contraindications, there is such a thing as hereditary predisposition to developing the disease. This does not mean that a person will necessarily get sick with what his close relatives are sick with. Healthy image life, which includes healthy eating, physical activity and a healthy psycho-emotional state can prevent the occurrence of most diseases, even if there are cases of such diseases in the family. Hereditary predisposition has been found in diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure blood (hypertension), migraines, diseases of blood clotting and blood vessels, some diseases of the liver and kidneys. The list of diseases can be expanded, and most of them will be on the list of contraindications to the use of OCs. It is rational to undergo periodic examinations while taking hormonal contraceptives for the timely detection of abnormalities that can lead to the development of diseases.

It is also important to remember that hormonal contraceptives can interact with medications and other drugs, worsening the woman’s condition and the course of the disease.

5. Availability bad habits , primarily smoking. Smoking itself is a risk factor for the development of many diseases, primarily such dangerous ones as lung cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Smoking is also a risk factor for the development of 13 other types of cancer: throat, esophagus, stomach, oral cavity and lips, pharynx, nasal cavity, bladder, pancreas, kidneys, liver, intestines, ovaries, cervix, some types of blood cancer (leukemia). There is evidence of increased rates of breast cancer in women who smoke.

Probably many people do not know that the first publications about the connection between smoking and lung cancer appeared in the 1930s, and tobacco companies We carefully verified this data through our own research. The data was confirmed, but instead of presenting the results to the public, every effort was made to conceal and falsify them.

Today, warnings on cigarette packages that smoking increases the risk of lung cancer come as no surprise. But for this warning to appear, it took more than fifty years of struggle of brave scientists, doctors, public figures, many of whom lost their jobs, positions, positions, reputations, families and even lives. It took about thirty years to pass a law banning smoking in public places.

Of course, doctors often warn that smoking while taking OCs is not advisable (strictly speaking, it is incompatible). But many women are “naughty” from time to time, smoking and ignoring doctors’ warnings.

In addition to smoking, alcohol and drug use also increases the risk of developing serious diseases, especially in combination with OCs.

Interestingly, many women, especially those planning pregnancy, know that alcohol is a teratogen, that is, it is involved in the occurrence of fetal malformations. Not everyone knows that there is a proven connection between drinking alcohol and the risk of developing cancer of the neck and head (throat, larynx, mouth, lips), esophagus, liver, mammary glands, and colon. For example, drinking 2 bottles of beer (350 ml each), or 2 glasses of wine (300 ml), or about 100 ml of strong alcoholic drink daily increases the risk of developing breast cancer by two times compared to those who do not drink alcohol (data National Institute Cancer, USA. However, such warnings on labels alcoholic drinks you won't find it.

And here I would like to draw your attention to such a concept as carcinogens. Many people know that carcinogens are substances that are directly or indirectly involved in the development of malignant processes. The fact that smoking (more precisely, a number of substances contained in smoke) and alcohol are classified as carcinogens will not surprise anyone - they write and talk about this a lot. Natural estrogens and progesterone can also cause the growth of some malignant tumors in a woman’s body (however, in men too), which we often call hormone-dependent tumors. Therefore, estrogens and progesterone are classified as carcinogens.

It's hard to believe, isn't it? If doctors have known for a long time about the carcinogenic effect of estrogens (both natural and synthetic forms) and the risk of developing breast and uterine cancer and try not to prescribe them without strict indications, especially in older age, from progesterone and its synthetic forms, many doctors have created almost a panacea from all female diseases.

WHO in the monograph of the Program for the Study of Carcinogenic Risk in Humans, together with International agency Research on Cancer (IARC) stated back in 1999 that both hormones, estrogen and progesterone, are considered carcinogens in humans for good reason. This statement has been supported by the US Department of Health and Human Services' National Toxicology Program reports on carcinogens for nearly 15 years. In the latest report of this program (13th edition), progesterone is still on the list of carcinogens - it has not gone away.

The synthetic hormones included in OCs and replacing the action of estrogens and progesterone are no fundamentally different from the action of natural hormones. They are also carcinogens, which means they can be put on a par with smoking and alcohol.

Moreover, manufacturers of hormones, including progestins and progesterone, have long been open about the fact that they are carcinogens. For example, in information about the products of the Sigma-Aldrich corporation, one of the world's largest producers of progesterone, which has representative offices in 40 countries, in the description of biochemical and physiological properties progesterone it is said that the hormone “causes the maturation and secretory activity of the endometrium of the uterus, suppresses ovulation. Progesterone is involved in the etiology (occurrence) of breast cancer.” This same company, like many others, conducts its own research, the results of which are not hidden, as was done before.

Numerous clinical studies have shown an association between increased levels of breast, cervical and liver cancer and OC use. A positive effect is observed in reducing ovarian and endometrial cancer in women taking hormonal contraceptives. At the same time, hormone replacement therapy, which contains a smaller dose of the same synthetic estrogens and progestins, on the contrary, increases the level of endometrial and ovarian cancer in premenopausal and menopausal women.

How long can you take OCs without causing serious side effects and increasing the risk of developing a number of malignant tumors? There is no exact answer, because everything depends on the individual characteristics of the body and all the factors listed above. But data from a number of studies have shown that, for example, taking OCs for more than 5 years increases the risk of developing precancerous conditions and cervical cancer (the level drops to the statistical average 10 years after stopping hormonal contraceptives).

In assessing the impact of something on something in medical statistics, there are different types of risk, but the most commonly used are relative and individual risks. The risk of developing a disease under the influence of a risk factor is the ratio of cases of the disease in two groups of people - with and without the risk factor. This risk can be calculated taking into account other risk factors for a group of people or for a specific person taking into account his risk factors (individual risk).

Over the past fifteen years, a huge number of publications have appeared in the medical literature about the connection between breast cancer and the use of hormonal contraceptives, and some data indicate an existing risk during the period of taking hormonal contraceptives (not only tablet forms) and a short period after completion of use, others indicate the risk for long period after finishing taking hormones. Independent from pharmaceutical companies and medical institutions organizations also conduct their own studies, and the data from such studies is not reassuring.

Overall, the risk of developing cancer increases by 50% after one year (12 months) of taking hormonal contraceptives, and slowly decreases over the next 10 years after stopping hormones to the same risk as those not taking hormones. Such data relates primarily to OCs containing high doses estrogens (old generation of hormonal contraceptives). Also, some types of progestins (ethinodiol diacetate) may double the risk. Triphasic hormonal contraceptives, especially those containing norethindrone, which are rarely used in developed countries but are still widely prescribed (due to their low cost) in post-Soviet countries, increase the risk of developing breast cancer threefold (within a year of taking the drug). Modern low-dose drugs have a lower level of risk. Since low-dose OCs have appeared on the market not so long ago, and breast cancer occurs in older women (premenopausal and menopausal), studying the impact of these types of contraceptives on the occurrence of cancer requires more time.

Also, there is increasing debate, especially in medical circles, about how safe it is for women over 40 to take hormonal contraceptives who are sexually active and therefore can become pregnant, despite the low conception rate in this age group. age category. Some doctors suggest using more alternative methods contraception. Others, on the contrary, argue that there is nothing wrong with a woman taking OCs before the onset of menopause (which may not be noticed while taking hormones). I believe that if a woman still wants to take OCs, then it is best to switch to low-dose hormonal drugs with regular monitoring of the condition of those organs for which the risk of cancer increases.

The data presented may cause some shock to readers, especially women. There will also be many opponents, especially among supporters of hormonal contraceptives and those who prescribe and take hormones (estrogens and progesterone) for other reasons, who will be outraged by such a review of hormonal contraception. But, even if we do not take into account the risk of developing cancer, hiding behind the phrase “there is, but minimal,” I would like to ask every reader a question: would you take a substance (any substance, including a drug) if you knew that it was a carcinogen, then is involved in the development of cancer? Would you buy a product that said, like on cigarette packaging, that it increases your risk of developing cancer (any kind)? Of course, a lot smoking people does not pay attention to such warnings - this is their personal choice. Many carcinogenic substances are constantly present in our lives. Some medications can also cause cancer, but fortunately their dosage and administration are limited and people do not take them for months or years in most cases. But hormonal contraceptives have been taken by women for years...

Why do millions of women around the world take hormones for so many years? Because it's profitable

(1) Manufacturers of hormonal contraceptives,

(2) Sellers of hormonal contraceptives,

(3)Men, because they do not have to assume or share responsibility with women for the consequences of unprotected sex,

(4) Women, because they have gained some independence from men and can now control their own reproductive function.

The most indignant readers will say: “Well, if hormonal contraceptives are so bad, then what remains for women? Should we go back to the era of abortion or give up sex altogether?”

Indeed, abstinence or refusal of sexual activity is the most reliable means protection against unplanned pregnancy, but it will not suit most married couples. It can also undermine and break up the relationships of many men and women. Among the reliable methods of preventing pregnancy, the same male condoms remain, but they require the active participation of men in this type of protection. In developed countries (USA, Canada, some European countries) and countries Latin America Male and female sterilization began to rapidly increase (20-25% of cases of contraception), which also has its pros and cons and is not suitable for all people (most often for those who have completed their childbearing function and are no longer planning children). The popularity of the intrauterine device (IUD, but without hormones) is also increasing throughout the world. Other methods of birth control have different levels of effectiveness, require certain skills from sexual partners, and therefore also cannot be used by all people.

The decision is always up to the woman (this is her personal decision), however, if doctors provided truthful information about what they prescribe (this applies not only to hormonal contraception), then many diseases and complications of direct treatment and medication could be avoided.

Thus, my answer as a doctor to the question of how long you can take hormonal contraceptives in a safe mode for health will be as follows: hormonal contraceptives are hormonal drugs, so the degree of their safety will be determined by the type components, dose, regimen, method and duration of administration, compliance with indications and contraindications, individual tolerance, the presence of other diseases, bad habits and timely identification side effects.

As a woman, there is a hope in the depths of my soul that modern men will not only enjoy sexual relationships with women, but will increase their level of responsibility by taking a more active role in protecting their loved ones and dear women(sexual partners) from unplanned pregnancies.

So, you have become the “proud” owner of a prescription for a hormonal drug that your doctor prescribed to you for treatment or contraception. Since any hormonal agents have a fairly serious effect on a woman’s body, you need to remember a few rules that will help you avoid not very good consequences:

1. Immediately bet on mobile phone a reminder to take a pill (best in the evening, when the main tasks are done).

2. While taking hormonal medications, forget about alcohol. The only exception is those days when you have a break from taking pills, and even then it is undesirable to take too much. It is known that alcohol and drugs can enhance or reduce each other’s effects. Or there may be completely unpredictable consequences that will arise much later, and you are unlikely to associate this with that fun evening, which you spent with a glass in your hands.

3. Avoid stale foods, strange combinations, and hard-to-digest foods. Because diarrhea (diarrhea) or vomiting can reduce the required concentration of the drug and will lead to the fact that instead of a “sleep” cycle, you get a completely “working” cycle, which will negate all treatment or contraception.

4. Remember that almost any hormonal drugs “thicken” the blood. Therefore, monitor the condition of your blood and get tested on time.

6. The most exciting moment is weight gain. Unfortunately, this is a common fact, no matter how doctors try to convince us. Of course now hormonal medications improved, with minimal dosage. But still, the danger of weight gain remains. Here you need to know that in the first months of taking such pills, the body will send signals that it seems to be hungry, although you just ate an hour ago. Learn to seize this moment and don’t be fooled by your own body’s provocations.

7. There are also cases of decreased libido. This is also quite natural and understandable.

Be that as it may, hormonal drugs, like any medicine, have their advantages and disadvantages. But it’s still better to use them only for treatment, and for contraception it’s better to consider other options, since lately More and more new research is being discovered on the negative effects of such drugs on the woman’s body as a whole. In any case, the choice is yours.

The main essence of birth control pills is that they are a means of preventing unwanted pregnancy, which has saved humanity from numerous abortions and spoiled destinies.

Despite the fact that modern birth control pills have the most positive and numerous reviews, debate about their use continues both among consumers and among specialists. Such disputes are due to a number of side effects that may occur when taking medications. The question often arises about whether it is possible to get pregnant while taking birth control pills. All the problems that arise, most often, have a simple explanation: the questions of how to take birth control pills and what birth control pills should be taken were incorrectly resolved.

The principle of action of hormonal drugs

IN general case, for conception, several conditions are necessary: ​​maturation and release of the egg (ovulation), its meeting with the sperm in the fallopian tube, penetration and consolidation of the fertilized egg in the uterine cavity. The whole process is controlled by the pituitary gland of the brain, which regulates the production of sex hormones by the ovaries - estrogen and progesterone. It is these hormones, or rather their balance, that provide necessary conditions for the process of conception.

Hormonal-type birth control pills or oral contraceptives prevent the maturation of the egg, interfere with the penetration of sperm into the fallopian tubes and affect the structure of the endometrium of the uterine cavity, preventing the egg from attaching to it. Thus, these drugs create the maximum obstacle to conception.

The contraceptive effect is achieved by the presence of estrogen and progesterone in the tablets. This results in the following effects:

1. Estrogens prevent the maturation of the egg in the follicle, inhibiting pituitary functions, disrupt the structure of the endometrium, increase peristalsis of the fallopian tubes, inhibit the formation corpus luteum, inhibit the production of the ovaries’ own hormone.
2. Progesterone increases the thickness of mucus in cervical canal, inhibiting the movement of sperm, disrupts the release of statins, blocking the production of gonadoliberin, which inhibits the ovulation process.

How non-hormonal drugs help

The second direction of contraceptives is non-hormonal birth control pills. Such drugs, although available in tablet form, are not taken orally. They belong to the group of vaginal products and are inserted into the vagina. The drugs contain an active substance that can suppress sperm activity, thereby preventing fertilization of the egg. Besides, active ingredient tablets increases the thickness of cervical mucus, blocking the passage of sperm through it.

Thus, the principle of action of non-hormonal drugs is based on reducing sperm motility and blocking their movement, without changing the hormonal balance. Benzalkonium chloride and nonoxynol are actively used as active substances. It is possible to use other ingredients.

Non-hormonal drugs have less impact on the female hormonal mechanism, which reduces the risk side effects. Moreover, under their influence, a protective film is formed in the cervical canal, preventing the penetration of fungal and other infections. However, it should be noted that the contraceptive ability of such drugs is lower compared to hormonal contraceptives (82-86% versus 98-99%). To increase efficiency, women sometimes additionally use vaginal diaphragms and cervical caps.

Why are funds needed after the act?

Another way to prevent unwanted pregnancy is to take post-coital birth control pills or post-coital pills. Such funds belong to the so-called emergency protection group. They are applied after unprotected sex or violation of the integrity of the condom. Postcoital tablets contain 2 types of active substance: levonorgestrel or mifepristone. The principle of action of the first group is based on blocking the ovulation process, increasing the thickness of cervical mucus and, most importantly, preventing the fixation of the egg on the uterine endometrium. By changing the structure of the endometrium, the active substance provides an abortifacient effect. When using such a remedy, you should remember that the drug is considered hormonal and can significantly affect the hormonal balance.

The second type of drug has pronounced antigestagenic properties, which prevents the uterine endometrium from preparing to receive an egg, and also increases the contractility of the uterus, which facilitates the removal of the egg from the cavity.

What hormonal drugs are popular?

Hormonal contraceptive pills are available in 2 main types:

• combination drugs that include both main hormones;
• mini-pill containing only progesterone.

The mini-pill group of drugs belongs to a monophasic composition. Combined agents can be two-phase or three-phase. Mestranol and Ethinylestadiol are usually used as estrogen substitutes. Progesterone is administered using the following substances: Norethindrone, Norgestrel, Levonorgestrel, Norgestimate, Desogestrel, Drospirenone. When choosing birth control pills, the preferred names are: Jess, Yarina, Tri-Mercy, Mercilon, Logest, Janine, Regulon, Lindinet, Novinet, Marvelon, Charozetta, Diane 35.

Among combined agents You can distribute the tablets according to the required dosage:

• microscopic dosing: ensure effectiveness, absence of side effects - these are birth control pills Jess, Miniziston, Yarina, Lindinet-20, Novinet, Tri-Mercy, Logest, Mercilon;
• low dosage: Lindinet-30, Silest, Marvelon, Microgynon, Femoden, Regulon, Regividon, Janine, Belara,
• average dosage: Chloe, Diane-35, Demoulin, Triquilar, Triziston, Tri-regon, Milvane;
• drugs requiring high dosage and used for low effectiveness of the previous groups: Ovidon, Non-Ovlon.

Common mini-pills include tablets such as Ecluton, Charozetta, Norkolut, Microlut, Micronor.

Specially allocated funds

Numerous reviews from women identify the following as the best birth control pills:

1. The drug Jess was developed by Bayer Schering Pharma. It contains a small amount of estrogen and a progesterone substitute - drospirenone. In addition to contraceptive abilities, it can help with acne, seborrhea, and hirsutism. Designed for women of any age category.
2. Yarina's birth control pills are found wide application. The drug is effective for normalizing the menstrual cycle and eliminating painful symptoms during menstruation. The main effect is aimed at blocking ovulation and changing the structure of the uterine endometrium. Serious side effects practically not noted.
3. Novinet tablets inhibit ovulation by blocking the production of luteinizing hormone and increase the viscosity of cervical mucus.
4. Janine is a low dosage drug. It affects all 3 main areas of preventing conception. Active substances– ethinyl estradiol and dienogest.
5. Regulon contains ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel. The main effect is inhibition of the ovulation process. Positive Impact noted for menstrual irregularities, treatment of uterine bleeding.

High-quality hormonal contraception provide very high efficiency with regular use, and strictly according to the recommendations of the instructions and the doctor. Is it possible to get pregnant while taking birth control pills? This probability is estimated to be below 1%, and even it is associated with violations of the rules of administration and its regularity.

Choice of non-hormonal agents

Non-hormonal contraceptives have lower protective properties, but they are recommended in a number of cases when hormonal drugs are contraindicated: advanced fibroids, breast-feeding child, endocrine pathologies, allergic reactions to hormonal drugs. The main advantage of non-hormonal tablets is the absence of contraindications and side effects.

The following non-hormonal agents are available in the form of vaginal tablets:

• Pharmatex (action up to 3 hours);
• Gynekotex, Erotex, Benatex (action 3-4 hours);
• Contratex (4 hours);
• Nonoxenol, Patentex, Traceptin.

An important property of these tablets is simultaneous antifungal and antibacterial protection. They are especially effective against Trichomonas, chlamydia, staphylococci, gonococci, Proteus and other microorganisms. The disadvantages include quite short time actions that require accurate calculation time of sexual intercourse.

An important property of these tablets is simultaneous antifungal and antibacterial protection. They are especially effective against Trichomonas, chlamydia, staphylococci, gonococci, Proteus and other microorganisms. The disadvantages include the rather short duration of action, which requires precise calculation of the time of sexual intercourse.

Use of drugs after the act

Emergency protection during unplanned sex is provided by hormonal contraceptive pills after sexual intercourse. Different types means allow them to be used through different times after contact. This interval can be 72 hours when high-quality contraceptives are used. However, most drugs are designed to be administered over 20-50 hours.

The following contraceptive pills of this type are distinguished:

• levonorgestrel-based products: Postinor, Escapel, Eskinor F;
• tablets containing estrogen and progesterone: Rigevidon, Non-ovlon, Silest, Ovidon;
• drugs based on mifepristone: Ginepristone, Mifolian, Zhenale, Agesta.

When using such birth control pills, you should remember that maximum term is 72 hours after sexual contact, but the greatest degree of protection is achieved when the drug is administered within 24 hours. In this case, the probability of conception after taking the pills does not exceed 5%. In addition, it should be borne in mind that drugs of this type are considered drugs emergency assistance, which is not recommended to get carried away. In mind high content there is a risk of hormones in them serious complications and emergence hormonal imbalance big enough.

When not to take medications

There are a number of contraindications for taking birth control pills. They should not be used in the following cases:

• after suffered a heart attack, stroke, angina pectoris, pulmonary embolism, venous thrombosis; in the presence of malignant tumors;
• for chronic liver pathologies;
• with vaginal bleeding of unknown etiology;
• for endocrine diseases;
• before planned surgical intervention for any reason;
• after an abortion or miscarriage;
• at breastfeeding child.

With great caution and only after consulting a doctor, you can use the tablets in such conditions.

The method of hormonal therapy has been known for more than a hundred years, but some patients still do not fully trust it. Despite the fact that taking medications containing hormones literally words save many lives every year, the opinion that such drugs are unsafe continues to exist. As a rule, people who doubt the safety of hormonal drugs do not clearly understand the principle of their effect on the body. Our task is to dispel these misconceptions.

Why are patients afraid to be treated with hormones?

Hormones are substances designed to regulate metabolic processes in the body, for normal operation all its organs and systems. Normally, they are constantly secreted by the endocrine glands (thyroid and parathyroid, pancreas, pituitary gland, adrenal cortex, gonads and some others). If the process of hormone production is disrupted, it is necessary to replenish their content in the blood with the help of synthetic substitutes.

According to experts, concerns associated with taking hormonal drugs arose at a time when drugs of this type were just beginning to be produced. The first products intended for hormonal therapy were of very low quality, and the concentration active ingredients they were very high. This actually led to the development of a number of side effects. Unfortunately, the memory of these troubles turned out to be very persistent, and hormone treatment began to be associated not so much with getting rid of many problems, but with the harm that it can cause to health.

Modern hormonal drugs are much safer than their predecessors, but the prospect of taking them often raises some concerns. Here are the most common ones:

1. “Hormonal drugs are used exclusively to prevent unwanted pregnancy.” In fact, there are a lot of medications containing hormones. They are used to optimize the functioning of organs and systems human body in cases where the endocrine glands secreting these substances naturally, are not functioning correctly. Hormonal therapy is indicated for diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders, skin diseases, pathologies of pregnancy and a number of other ailments;
2. “Treatment with hormones is a last resort in the most serious illnesses" This opinion is completely wrong. Hormonal therapy can indeed be very effective, but it is also used to treat patients whose condition does not cause concern;
3. “It is not necessary to take hormonal medications regularly.” Extremely harmful misconception, often nullifying the long-term efforts of doctors. The fact is that in the body of a healthy person, the endocrine glands constantly produce hormones, maintaining them normal concentration. If this process is disrupted, it is possible to optimize the hormonal levels by adjusting the supply of missing substances from the outside. To do this, you must take the medications prescribed by your doctor, without allowing the slightest violation of the schedule;
4. “When you take products that contain hormones, they accumulate in the body.” Hormones are very easily destroyed. Therefore, they are normal and are produced by the body continuously. These substances cannot accumulate in the blood or tissues;
5. “Hormonal therapy is contraindicated in pregnant women.” Expectant mothers are prescribed such drugs quite often, and neglecting these prescriptions is extremely dangerous. Violation hormonal levels in a pregnant woman it can lead to the loss of the fetus or the development of severe pathologies;
6. “Taking hormonal drugs is fraught with numerous problems associated with their side effects.” Modern means contain hormones in quantities that are safe for health. Like any other medicine, they have side effects, but not as catastrophic as it seems to uninformed patients. For example, such consequences of taking contraceptive drugs as excess weight or facial hair growth are a thing of the past. Today's drugs of this type can cause only a slight temporary swelling of the breasts and mild bleeding, and these effects are observed only in the first months of use, and not in all women. With the use of other hormonal drugs the situation is approximately the same;
7. “Hormonal therapy can easily be replaced by treatment with drugs of a different origin.” When the production of any hormone fails, the body requires exactly the substance that is missing. Extracts of some plants contain components that have a hormone-like effect, but a complete switch to taking them usually does not provide the necessary therapeutic effect. We should not forget that drugs plant origin and can themselves cause health problems (for example, allergic reactions). The situation is even more complicated in cases where the result of a malfunction of the endocrine glands is an excess of any hormone. In this situation, the disturbed background can only be balanced by the entry into the body of a hormone that has the opposite effect.

Rules for taking hormonal drugs

All medications must be used correctly, but this is especially true for products containing hormones. Any violation of the schedule for taking them, prescribed by the doctor, within a few hours disrupts the well-functioning balance necessary for normal functioning body. If the patient's condition leaves much to be desired, such a failure can have dire consequences. 4 out of 5 (4 votes)