Types of hormonal drugs and their purpose. Hormonal drugs: should you be afraid of side effects?

Very often, drugs are prescribed for the treatment of serious diseases. hormone therapy. They have strong action on the body, can bring both benefit and harm. It is advisable not to resort to these remedies if you have alternative options therapy.

What are hormonal drugs?

Hormonal drugs– these are products consisting of hormones or hormonoids of natural or synthetic origin. Their action is similar to human hormones. There are several types of such funds that are obtained in different ways. The main ones include:

  • synthetic hormones that closely match the structure and principle of action of natural hormones;
  • phytohormones that have vegetable origin, providing hormonal effect when entering an animal body;
  • hormonal extracts produced from glands endocrine system livestock;
  • compounds of synthetic origin, in their own way chemical structure different from natural hormones, but providing the same effect.

The action of such drugs is based on improving the permeability of cell membranes to calcium. They also help trigger cellular enzyme catalytic activity. When performing the first action, the substance blocks the activity of Na+-, K+-ATPase, which improves the process of calcium ions entering the cell cytoplasm. As for the second pharmacological action, then when the hormone enters the body, the activation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate enzymes in cells or the process of its synthesis occurs, which provides the necessary effect.

When steroids penetrate into the cell structure, compounds are formed with cytoplasmic receptors. They then move to the nucleus, where the hormone detaches from the receptor and interacts with chromatin. After this, it uses RNA to regulate protein synthesis, which gives the desired effect.

Not steroid hormones They act a little differently. They activate cell membrane adenylate cyclase and promote the formation of cyclic adenine monophosphate in the cytoplasm, which triggers proteinokinesis and protein synthesis, which leads to the necessary pharmacological action.

The effect of drugs, depending on their type, occurs differently. If these are steroids, then it can occur from several hours to several days. Nonsteroidal hormones begin to act immediately after they enter the body.

There are many different types of hormones, each of which can have a specific effect on the body. You cannot use such products on your own, as you can harm your body. They should only be prescribed by a doctor.

In what cases is hormone therapy used?

Hormone therapy involves taking hormones, as well as their analogues of synthetic origin, to ensure a therapeutic effect.

Depending on what problems need to be solved, they prescribe various types hormone therapy. These include:

  1. Substitute. Used to treat diseases of the endocrine system accompanied by minor or complete dysfunction endocrine gland. The effectiveness of such treatment is only present when the patient takes the drug constantly. The problem itself is not solved, and if the body does not receive enough of the hormone, the symptoms of the disorder become pronounced again. Patients have to take medications throughout their lives. A striking example is diabetes mellitus, when you need to constantly take insulin.
  2. Stimulating. Prescribed when it is necessary to start the functioning of the endocrine system. Neurohormones from the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary gland are used. This therapy is short-term. Sometimes it is prescribed to improve the functioning of the adrenal glands in specially calculated courses.
  3. Blocking. Therapy is aimed at eliminating certain tumors and reducing the activity of the endocrine system. During treatment, an antagonist hormone is administered excess hormone or a substance that inhibits the functioning of an overactive gland. Most often, this type of hormone therapy is prescribed along with radiation or surgery. This is due to the fact that how independent method the treatment is not very effective.

Treatment with hormonal drugs is carried out for many diseases. They differ from each other, so it is selected certain type therapy.

Most often, hormonal drugs are prescribed for the following disorders:

  • diabetes mellitus and bronchial asthma;
  • oncological diseases;
  • inflammatory and autoimmune diseases;
  • problems with the endocrine system;
  • lack of production of a certain type of hormone;
  • hypothyroidism and other diseases thyroid gland;
  • menopause and other disorders of the female reproductive system;
  • eczema, psoriasis and other non-infectious skin diseases.

Hormones can be prescribed according to various reasons. They may even be necessary in the treatment of certain diseases in children. Such drugs should not be taken spontaneously, as they may cause various disorders in the body. Their use should be prescribed and supervised by a specialist.

Harm of hormonal drugs to the body

If hormonal drugs are used incorrectly, they can negatively affect your health. According to statistics, hormonal drugs cause complications and side effects in 18-39% of patients. To the most pronounced negative consequences from taking hormones can include:

  1. When using glucocorticosteroids, Cushing's syndrome often develops. Symptoms in this case include increased blood pressure, red complexion, muscle atrophy, accumulation of subcutaneous fat. Also, when taking these medications, there may be skin atrophy, acne, dermatitis, and damage to the leg muscles. In children, they can cause delayed bone growth.
  2. While taking hormones, diabetes may develop, which is quite common.
  3. Reception similar drugs can lead to disruption of fat metabolism, gastrointestinal tract and adrenal glands. Stomach ulcers may also appear.
  4. Vision may deteriorate significantly. As a result of high permeability of the lens shell, cataracts can develop and increase intraocular pressure, which, in turn, leads to atrophy of the visual nerves.
  5. Sometimes allergies appear, which take the form of anaphylactic shock.
  6. Use of hormonal contraceptives can cause uterine cancer, the appearance of neoplasms in the mammary glands, and the active growth of existing tumors.

There are enough negative sides, so before you decide to take hormonal drugs, you need to carefully weigh the pros and cons. There are times when they are simply irreplaceable, then the reception will be justified. In any case, the use of such drugs should be prescribed by a doctor.

What are the advantages of using hormonal medications?

If hormones are used correctly, they can provide a positive effect, which in some cases is extremely necessary. You should resort to such drugs only when absolutely necessary. Despite the possible side effects, hormones have many more advantages than disadvantages.

The main advantages include:

  1. The first advantage is natural composition, since it rarely contains any additives.
  2. A significant advantage is that when treating a disorder in the body, a certain type of hormone is used, which acts directly on a specific organ. In this regard, you don’t have to worry about what you will need in the future additional treatment already other organs.
  3. Hormonal drugs cope well with both increased and decreased function of the endocrine system. With the help of hormonal drugs, the condition of patients who have problems with the endocrine system can be significantly improved.
  4. The products perform the same functions as natural hormones, interacting with receptors, proteins, amino acids and other substances, providing the desired effect.
  5. Thanks to the influence on different types metabolism in the body, in particular, energy and protein, means are capable of regulating them.

Of course, hormone therapy produces results, but it should be used extremely rarely and in cases where there are no other options for solving the problem. Taking hormonal medications must be correct, and determine the right dosage It’s not always possible, since the amount of hormones varies for everyone and can be different. Incorrect use may cause adverse reactions, therefore it is very important that the calculation is carried out by a good specialist.

Are there other ways to treat hormonal disorders?

As a rule, hormonal diseases are treated mainly with hormonal therapy. To date, no worthy replacement for these funds has been found. Can be used in complex treatment additional drugs, but they will not have a direct effect on eliminating the disorder.

There is no substitute for hormone therapy. In some cases, hormone therapy is simply necessary. For example, a woman who had her ovaries removed before menopause will have a very difficult time without hormonal medications, since the hormonal levels after such complex operation significantly damaged. Other remedies will not help in such circumstances. Also, people who have diabetes cannot do without a hormonal drug. It is impossible to replace insulin with anything else.

People's opinions regarding hormonal drugs are ambiguous. Some consider their use very dangerous, as you can get many complications and disorders. It is very important to choose the right drug that will only provide positive impact on the body.

If it is possible to treat the disease with other means, then it is better to use them. Treatment with hormonal drugs will only become useful when the body is no longer able to cope without them.

About how alcohol affects human body, everyone knows. Even in small quantities it is very harmful to the body. And if a person drinks alcohol with various medications, with which it is not compatible, the body’s reaction can be unpredictable.

In combination with hormones, alcoholic drinks can be very severe complications Therefore, while taking hormonal medications, you should avoid drinking alcohol. Any doctor will answer the question of whether it is possible to drink alcohol during treatment with hormonal agents in the negative. In addition, refrain from overuse Alcohol is needed not only during the period when a person is taking hormonal medications, but also in everyday life.

The effect of alcohol on human hormonal levels

Numerous studies have established the harmful effects of alcohol on human hormones. First of all, it inhibits the production of such an important hormone for any man as testosterone, which, among other things, is responsible for the growth of muscle mass. Under the influence of alcohol, testosterone loses its functions and after a while muscle tissue begins to degrade.

When alcohol enters a person’s blood, active production of the so-called alcohol begins. stress hormones. They cause concern anxiety, fear and depression. At the same time, ethanol is absorbed into the blood almost instantly, so that alcohol begins to harm the body immediately after consumption. Such interaction has a detrimental effect on the nervous system, so underestimate negative influence Alcohol is not allowed for hormones.

The interaction of hormones with alcohol has a number of side effects for the entire male body, especially if a person likes to drink beer often. It is not for nothing that it is called the most “humiliating” alcoholic drink. In addition to ethyl alcohol, it contains hops. The hormone progesterone enters the body of men who drink beer. It is very similar to estrogens - the main hormones of women.

If you drink beer often, then after a while the female hormones in the body will begin to prevail over the natural male hormones. Increased estrogen in male body leads to many problems. Hormones that are normal for any woman cause hormonal imbalance in the male body. And the man begins to gradually “transform” into a woman. Among the main problems that lead to increased estrogen, those who drink beer and other alcoholic beverages note:

Thus, getting into the male blood, alcohol causes severe harm to the entire male body and his hormonal levels in particular.

Can't be underestimated harmful influence alcoholic drinks on the woman's body. If alcohol regularly gets into a woman’s blood, this will also lead to a violation hormonal levelsmale hormones will begin to dominate female estrogens. Because of this, the girl’s hair begins to grow male type, she will lose her natural beauty and femininity. The function of the gonads decreases, which is why a woman loses her desire for sex. Male hormones accumulate in the blood, which leads to the following problems:

  • libido decreases;
  • increased hairiness is noted;
  • the voice begins to become rough;
  • the figure changes according to the male type;
  • rapidly gaining weight;
  • There are a lot of problems with the mammary and thyroid glands.

Compatibility of hormonal drugs with alcoholic beverages

As a rule, hormonal drugs are prescribed for treatment various diseases. Women often take them as birth control. Treatment with hormonal pills usually lasts quite a long time, and birth control pills and are taken regularly. And every person who has been prescribed hormonal medications will at some point have a question: is it possible to combine these pills with alcohol? After all, even if a person is not an alcoholic, sometimes in his life there are still reasons to drink.

First of all, it is necessary to remember that it is not recommended to combine alcohol with any pills, not just hormonal ones. Taking medications at the same time with alcohol can have unpredictable consequences.

What happens if you take hormonal pills with alcohol?

While taking hormonal medications, you should refrain from drinking any alcoholic beverages and in any quantity. If you drink hormonal pills Along with alcohol, the endocrine system will be disrupted. Simultaneous administration of hormones with different alcoholic products will lead to the fact that the gonads and adrenal glands begin to work more intensively. Because of this, the level of hormones such as aldosterone, adrenaline and cortisone will increase in the body. Their overdose will lead to a number of side effects.

Another scenario is also possible. For example, when mixed with alcohol, some hormonal drugs may not show their effects. therapeutic effect. This is a relatively safe situation, but there is definitely no need to take risks.

IN difficult situations mixing hormonal drugs with alcohol can lead to exacerbation peptic ulcer, the appearance of convulsions, severe headaches, and the development of thrombophlebitis.

Thus, violating medical orders can have many different consequences. It is impossible to predict the reaction of a particular organism.

In the instructions for each medicinal product it is indicated that it is undesirable or even strictly prohibited to be taken together with alcohol. Possible side effects are also noted there.

It is important to remember that when treating hormonal agents There are no such concepts as “light” alcohol and “ permissible dosage" Any amount of any alcohol can cause side effects.

Compatibility of alcohol with androgens and antiandrogens

Androgens include steroid hormones produced by the gonads and adrenal glands. These hormones are responsible for the formation and normal development secondary sexual characteristics, they have anabolic effect on the human body, increase synthesis and slow down protein catabolism. Androgens take part in glucose metabolism and absorption, processes of phosphorus and nitrogen metabolism. In medicine, androgens are prescribed for treatment various kinds disorders of the endocrine and reproductive systems in men. They are also used in the treatment of certain tumors.

Antiandrogens are included in antitumor drugs, in particular, they are used in the treatment malignant neoplasms prostate gland. This group includes various drugs. Main active ingredients each of them are bicalutamide and testosterone.

Testosterone is the main male sex hormone, androgen. Prescribed for:

Can also be prescribed to women if they have:

  • breast cancer;
  • uterine fibroids;
  • osteoporosis;
  • menopause.

Bicalutamide is an andandrogen. Used primarily in the treatment of prostate cancer. When taking bicalutamide, you should refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages.

The combined use of bicalutamide, testosterone and other androgens and antiandrogens can lead to an increase in the concentration of estrogen, which will negatively affect the condition of the male body. Therefore, bicalutamide, testosterone and other hormones from the groups considered are incompatible with alcohol.

Hormones of the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, gonadotropins and their antagonists

The hypothalamic-pituitary axis is the basis for many functions of the human endocrine system. The most commonly used pituitary hormones in medicine are:

Such drugs are prescribed for hormone deficiency, if stimulating therapy is necessary for insufficient development of the glands and their low function.

Antigonadotropins are used in cases where it is necessary to suppress the production of the corresponding hormones. They are used in the treatment of gynecomastia, fibrocystic mastopathy, endometriosis and other diseases.

Alcoholic drinks have a direct effect on the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary system of the human body, it leads to temporary, and with regular consumption of alcohol and chronic disorder regulatory function. Against this background, various malfunctions develop nervous system and a number internal organs.

Under the influence of alcohol, the production of many hormones is suppressed. Considering the fact that other mediators influence the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, when they are additionally suppressed by alcohol, the synthesis of hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary system is inhibited.

Interaction of alcohol with thyroid hormones

The main hormones produced thyroid gland, are triiodothyronine and thyroxine. They have different effects on the body: catabolic and anabolic (in accordance with the established dosage), metabolic, stimulating, etc.

Among the main drugs in this group are Liothyronine, Calcitonin, etc. Taking any drugs can only be started as prescribed by a doctor, self-medication is contraindicated, and any names are given for informational purposes only.

Among the main indications for treatment using this drug are:

  • lack of iodine in the body;
  • suppression of excessive thyroid-stimulating activity;
  • decreased thyroid function, etc.

Antithyroid drugs are antagonists, i.e. they inhibit the production of thyroid hormones. Prescribed for the treatment of diseases that appear against the background of hyperfunction of the thyroid gland. Such drugs include Preotact, Propylthiouracil, etc. The group of such drugs also includes Calcitonin, a hypocalcemic hormone.

Drinking alcoholic beverages for diseases of the thyroid gland can lead to a rapid deterioration in health, suppression of hormone production against the background of the suppressive effect of ethanol breakdown products on thyrocytes. Due to the fact that the dosage of hormonal drugs is selected strictly on an individual basis, based on the results laboratory parameters, drinking alcohol requires an immediate dose change, which is almost impossible. IN best case scenario because of this, the effect of treatment will decrease; at worst, the consequences can be unpredictable and very serious. Therefore, you should abstain from alcoholic drinks.

Alcoholic drinks and insulins

Insulin is a hormone that is produced in the pancreas. There are practically no systems or internal organs in the human body that are not exposed to insulin. It affects the processes of protein, carbon and fat metabolism, controls phosphorylation processes, takes part in the functioning of enzyme systems.

Insulin production is very related to glucose levels. When it increases, insulin production increases; when it decreases, it decreases. Insulins of different durations of action are used in medicine.

Drinking alcohol during insulin therapy is strictly prohibited: against the background of regular consumption, hypoglycemia develops, which, if worsened, can cause a person to fall into a coma.

Alcoholic drinks and corticosteroids

The group of corticosteroids includes steroid hormones, divided into mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids. These hormones are produced by the adrenal cortex. They have a similar structure and are very important for the normal functioning of the body. Steroids that are involved in carbohydrate metabolism, are known as glucocorticoids. Those that influence water-salt metabolism, are called mineralocorticoids.

Glucocorticoids should not be taken together with alcoholic beverages. Alcohol will increase the activity of the drug, causing side effects. When used together, the likelihood of developing bleeding and ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract increases almost 1.5 times.

Drinking alcohol during treatment using mineralocorticoids is prohibited due to the powerful negative impact of corticosteroids in general and mineralosteroids in particular on the homeostasis system. Risk appears sharp increase blood pressure to critical values, depression of the central nervous system, etc. Under the influence of alcohol, endogenous aldosterone is released, which significantly worsens the patient's condition.

Combined intake of alcohol with estrogens and gestagens

The class of estrogens includes steroid hormones produced in the female body by the adrenal glands and follicular apparatus and in minor concentrations (in the absence of abnormalities) by the adrenal glands and ovaries in the male body. This class includes the hormones estriol, estradiol and estrone. They provide menstrual and reproductive functions, support normal condition skeletal system. Used in the treatment of ovarian diseases, infertility, age-related disorders, complex therapy atherosclerosis and problems with pregnancy in women.

Thanks to progestins and gestagens, the onset and normal course of pregnancy becomes possible. These hormones inhibit the production of gonadotropic, luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones.

In medicine, gestagens are used to eliminate uterine bleeding, certain violations menstrual function, therapy for ovarian dysfunction. In combination, gestagens and estrogens are often used for treatment cancer diseases, age-related disorders. IN certain dosages they are used as contraceptives.

When treating with estrogen, drinking alcohol is prohibited. Even smaller doses of alcoholic beverages, and even more so regular intake of large volumes of alcohol, contribute to an increase in the concentration of estrogen in the human body. A rare, episodic increase in their concentration is utilized by the liver without noticeable consequences for health.

However, with a constant alcohol load, the liver stops coping with estrogens, which is why the corresponding symptoms appear. If estrogens are additionally introduced into the body with hormonal drugs, the side effects will be even more severe due to an overdose. May develop serious illnesses liver.

There is practically no negative interaction between gestagens and alcohol. However, if we take into account the fact that these types of drugs are mainly used for successful conception and maintaining pregnancy, in the treatment of cancer and other serious illnesses, alcohol should not be consumed at least for medical reasons.

Thus, alcoholic drinks and hormonal drugs are incompatible things. The attending physician will definitely tell you about this. Follow his recommendations and be healthy!

Thank you for your feedback

Comments

    Megan92 () 2 weeks ago

    Has anyone succeeded in ridding their husband of alcoholism? My drink never stops, I don’t know what to do anymore ((I was thinking about getting a divorce, but I don’t want to leave the child without a father, and I feel sorry for my husband, he’s a great person when he doesn’t drink

    Daria () 2 weeks ago

    I have already tried so many things, and only after reading this article, I was able to wean my husband off alcohol; now he doesn’t drink at all, even on holidays.

    Megan92 () 13 days ago

    Daria () 12 days ago

    Megan92, that’s what I wrote in my first comment) I’ll duplicate it just in case - link to article.

    Sonya 10 days ago

    Isn't this a scam? Why do they sell on the Internet?

    Yulek26 (Tver) 10 days ago

    Sonya, what country do you live in? They sell it on the Internet because stores and pharmacies charge outrageous markups. In addition, payment is only after receipt, that is, they first looked, checked and only then paid. And now they sell everything on the Internet - from clothes to TVs and furniture.

    Editor's response 10 days ago

    Sonya, hello. This drug is used to treat alcohol addiction is really not sold through the pharmacy chain and retail stores to avoid overpricing. Currently you can only order from official website. Be healthy!

How not to gain weight from hormonal drugs that the doctor prescribes to treat the disease? After all, some illnesses can be cured only with hormonal drugs. Some patients refuse to take such medications, allegedly explaining this as weight gain. Actually this is not true.

Hormones are quite common medicine. What many people think is the only way to use contraceptives is not true at all. Hormones are prescribed for the following health problems:

  • irregular menstruation;
  • dysfunction of the thyroid gland;
  • early menopause associated with improper diets, anorexia, etc.;
  • diseases of women reproductive organs(hypofunction of the ovaries, reduction of the uterus, etc.);
  • periods that are very painful (involving the lumbar region, lower abdomen, causing dizziness or loss of consciousness);
  • recovery after childbirth;
  • skin problems (acne, pimples);
  • heavy hair growth on the skin.

These are common cases of various diseases when you simply cannot do without taking hormonal drugs. To avoid the problem of weight gain, you need to carefully monitor your condition and well-being. If uncharacteristic changes appear, you should consult your doctor.

If, based on the tests, the doctor decides to prescribe hormonal drugs, there is no need to refuse them. And although the female body may respond to this technique differently, the treatment will still give results.

Careful observation of the state of the body will tell you what to do next.

You can have courage and endure, for example, headache or be upset about weight gain, and at the same time stubbornly take pill after pill. But you don't need to do this. These symptoms indicate that this drug It just doesn't fit. This means you need to consult your doctor, who will select another medicine.

In any case, the hormonal drug should not have side effects. Among them, the most common are the appearance extra pounds, painful menstruation, migraine, swelling.

If even one of them occurs, the drug must be changed and the one that is suitable must be looked for. But the treatment must be completed.

Myths about hormones

Many patients refuse to take hormonal medications. This happens because they have false information about the drugs, thinking that they can help them get better.

Means mass media spread myths about hormones, including the following:

  • Hormones have only negative effects on the body. This is not true because the effects of these substances are the same as those of many other drugs. All drugs, as a rule, have.
  • You should only take medications that someone around you has already taken and recommended. In this case, an acquaintance is a unique example of the fact that hormones do not improve. This cannot be done, because hormonal drugs are prescribed only by a doctor based on tests.

  • Hormones can make you fat very quickly. This statement is only half true. Hormones can affect appetite in different ways. For some, it will increase, and then, indeed, weight gain is possible. And for some, on the contrary, it decreases, and then there will be no extra pounds. You can find out how the drug will affect the body only after taking the medication.
  • The hormonal drug is not excreted from the body. This is also not true. Once in the body, the medicine begins to disintegrate after a short period of time and is then completely eliminated. For example, the daily use of contraceptives is due precisely to this circumstance.
  • Hormones can be replaced with a regular drug. It is impossible, since some diseases associated with changes in hormonal levels in the body can only be cured this way.

Lack of awareness on this issue is the reason why these myths appear. Therefore, you should not self-medicate with hormones and refuse such drugs when prescribed by a doctor.

Instructions for the use of hormones

The use of hormonal drugs, especially oral contraceptives, without consulting a doctor risks causing women to gain weight. There may not be such side effects if a specialist selects the remedy.

The tests performed and careful observation of the patient such side effects won't give it. Therefore, if it is appointed hormonal treatment, compliance following rules will tell you how to avoid gaining weight and maintain normal weight:

  • Hormonal medications should be taken 30 minutes before meals. This is explained by the fact that after taking it, appetite increases, which is satisfied while eating.
  • Products with high content carbohydrates should be excluded from daily diet, since hormones will ensure complete absorption of carbohydrates, and patients gain weight.

  • If hormonal contraceptives are prescribed, then it is necessary to establish regular sexual intercourse. Sperm containing male sex hormones will eliminate side effect contraceptives that have high dose female hormones. They are what lead to overweight bodies.
  • It is necessary to lead active image life so that the muscles do not weaken. Exercise will increase muscle mass, and it will quickly process the fat entering the body. Good also fasting days. They can be done up to twice a week. At this time, you can eat fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.
  • The high-dose hormonal drug prednisolone and others like it are the names that make you fat. There is no need to limit yourself in food at this time. You can follow a diet only when treating thyroid problems with hormones and when taking oral contraceptives.

These tips will reduce the risk of gaining excess weight during treatment.

Rules for losing weight while taking hormones

Modern medicine offers various hormonal medications, the use of which will not lead to weight gain. During treatment, it is necessary to closely monitor all changes in the body.

If this happens, consultation with a doctor is necessary. He will also advise how to behave correctly during the appointment:

  • it is necessary to control weight daily;
  • monitor your diet, carefully select dishes depending on calorie content;
  • introduce regular exercise into your lifestyle;
  • if you want to eat, you can snack on an apple or drink a glass of kefir;
  • carefully monitor your water balance, as excess water can also cause excess weight.

Compliance with these simple rules will allow you to keep your weight normal, and this is also the key to success in curing diseases.

Food requirements

Following a diet and limiting the intake of certain foods will also help maintain normal weight or minimally reduce the gained kilograms.

To do this, you need to pay attention to the following points:

  • exclude fatty foods, since it is a source of fat deposits in the body;
  • reduce salt consumption, because it retains water, and this also adds extra pounds;
  • limit the consumption of snacks, chips, nuts, crackers; there are a lot of fats, dyes, preservatives that lead to obesity;
  • flour and baked goods (pastries, buns, cakes) are a source of extra pounds not only for those taking hormones;

  • eating sweets (candy, chocolate, ice cream) increases blood glucose levels;
  • consumption of legumes (beans, peas) will lead to bloating, which will disrupt digestion and result in extra pounds;
  • Potatoes are banned because they contain starch, which increases body weight;
  • carbonated drinks will also be superfluous in the diet, leading not only to extra pounds, but also to cellulite.

And we also need to remember beneficial influence on the body of green, herbal and diuretic teas. They help break down fat deposits and remove excess water from the body.

Hormonal medications are not a death sentence for your figure. No need to think about overweight. Today medicine offers many drugs. If one doesn't fit, then another will. And the disease can be defeated.

References

  1. Guide to endocrinology. - M.: Medicine, 2017. - 506 p.
  2. Akmaev I. G. Structural basis of the mechanisms of hypothalamic regulation of endocrine functions, - M.: Nauka, 1979. - 227 pp.
  3. Novikova E.Ch., Ladodo K.S., Brenz M.Ya. Nutrition for children. - M.: Norma, 2002.
  4. Berezov T.T., Korovkin B.F., Biological chemistry// Nomenclature and classification of hormones. - 1998. - p.250-251, 271-272.

The word “hormones” causes fear in 60% 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 (with diabetes mellitus, 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 drugs of the 20th 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 the section " 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

Hormone therapy in women most often involves treatment oral contraceptives(OK), the main purpose of which is contraception, and therapeutic effect 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 medical practice hormonal contraceptives, since they cause irreparable harm to the female body in the form of: suppression of ovarian function, changes in the natural background of a woman, and dangerous side effects.

Another part of the experts claims, and numerous scientific research 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.

Hello Anna.

Why do hormonal imbalances occur and how are they diagnosed?

At the beginning of your question you write about the diagnosis, but you don’t indicate what diagnosis. Irregular periods, which are not the disease itself, but only its consequence, are caused by a huge number of disorders in reproductive system women. Moreover, disorders can be either congenital, genetically determined, or acquired - as a result of the development of some problems.

Malfunctions immune system, surgical interventions, abnormal development of the genital organs, inflammatory processes, sexually transmitted infections, STDs, tumors, cysts and neoplasms - this is far from full list possible violations, the development of which leads to disruption of the menstrual cycle and hormonal levels. Even frequent colds or infectious diseases V childhood may lead to the fact that already adult woman available chronic problems with hormonal imbalance.

Unfortunately, you do not indicate a diagnosis or any other important details, because the diagnosis of “hormonal imbalance” does not exist in itself. The added clarity could have a significant impact on the accuracy of the advice provided.

Diagnostics female body for these violations is the very first and important stage. The doctor advised me to donate blood to check my hormone levels - this is correct. The results of the analysis will help to identify disturbances in the functioning of the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, adrenal glands - all organs that take part in the production of hormones, because failures can occur at any stage of this complex process. If you long time took OK (in therapeutic purposes), but problems with menstrual cycle If you haven’t returned to normal and you have a problem with excess weight, then you absolutely need a blood test for hormones.

However, a blood test as a diagnostic method hormonal disorders is far from the only way identifying problems. Ultrasound examinations, laparoscopy, hysteroscopy are other methods for diagnosing hormonal problems that can be used either individually or in combination (depending on the situation).

How to treat hormonal disorders?

The fact remains: today, hormonal therapy is the most applicable method of treating the problems you described. Depending on the situation and the specifics of the disorders identified during diagnosis, hormonal therapy can be temporary (to correct the functioning of those organs in which doctors find the “hotbed” of problems), or it can be lifelong.

A woman can safely take modern hormonal medications throughout her life if her body cannot provide her with a sufficient level of a particular hormone for normal functioning. There is nothing wrong with this, but the drug must be selected ideally. If you start having problems with weight, your doctor may reconsider the choice of drug. You can take the same drug for years, but then you will need to stop it and then choose another OC.

Again, perhaps your problems can be solved not only through hormone therapy, but also surgery. A huge number of hormonal disorders are eliminated through surgical treatment, consolidating the result with hormonal therapy only at the stage of rehabilitation of the woman after surgery.

However, it makes no sense to say anything for sure, because the entire process should be controlled only by the attending physician. Perhaps your situation is not so hopeless, and the need for hormonal therapy will be eliminated after proper treatment using other methods.

Best regards, Natalya.