Ethinylestradiol is often prescribed to women by gynecologists and endocrinologists. This substance is a synthetic analogue of the hormone estradiol, which is normally produced in the body in strictly necessary quantities. Its deficiency and associated clinical manifestations require hormone therapy.
Ethinylestradiol - what is this hormone? What effect to expect when taking drugs?
The hormone is used for laboratory-diagnosed lack of natural estradiol, which occurs when there is insufficiency of the gonads. Synthetic drugs help to fill the deficiency and ensure the constancy of biological processes in the body. Ethinylestradiol stimulates the proliferation of endometrial cells - the inner layer of the uterus. This is necessary for the favorable formation of the uterus and fallopian tubes. Also, the hormone allows you to normalize the development of secondary sexual characteristics, if there is a delay in this process. Among the additional effects of the preparations of this hormone are sodium retention, and with it water, as well as a slight anabolic effect. ExceptIn addition, there is a decrease in the level of cholesterol in the blood, which is the prevention of atherosclerotic lesions. Ethinylestradiol promotes calcium absorption, resulting in the formation of calcium depots in the bones. For advice, contact the Women's He alth Center.
Among the indications for the use of such drugs are the following:
- reduced ovarian function;
- underdevelopment of secondary sexual characteristics;
- infertility;
- hypogonadism;
- secondary estrogen deficiency;
- climacteric disorders;
- metrorrhagia;
- prostate cancer (androgen dependent);
- a number of drugs are used as contraceptives.
These conditions allow the use of ethinylestradiol under medical supervision. Its price (as part of preparations) is approximately 300-400 rubles.
When is ethinylestradiol contraindicated?
Preparations of this hormone should not be used in a number of pathologies. First of all, it is contraindicated in endometriosis, estrogen-dependent formations, vaginal bleeding of unspecified etiology. When taken, there is an increase in blood clotting, so the hormone cannot be prescribed to patients with thrombosis and thromboembolism, as well as some diseases of the cardiovascular system. Among the contraindications are sickle cell anemia and severe liver failure. Not recommended for use in pregnant and lactating womenwomen.
Some pathologies allow the hormone to be taken, but the treatment must be strictly controlled by a doctor. Among these diseases are bronchial asthma, epilepsy, migraine, some kidney pathologies and vascular disorders. With caution, ethinylestradiol is used for hypercalcemia and systemic pathologies such as lupus erythematosus and multiple sclerosis.
Application Features
Ethinylestradiol preparations can only be prescribed by a specialist after a laboratory test that confirms the lack of estradiol. If there are other indications, a doctor's consultation is also necessary, since hormonal drugs, if taken incorrectly, can cause serious changes in the body. The dosage and duration of treatment depend on the clinical case; you cannot prescribe drugs on your own if any pathology is suspected: self-treatment can end in failure (it is better to visit a women's he alth center).
Therapy is based on drug interactions. It can reduce the effectiveness of certain drugs - anticoagulants and antihypertensives. This should be taken into account when prescribing a hormone such as ethinylestradiol. You already know what this hormone is, and what side effects it causes will be discussed below.
Side effects
The drug causes a number of changes in the body, but with proper controlled intake, they usually do not occur. Among them:
- increased blood clotting, which is fraught with the formation of blood clots;
- headache and dizziness;
- swelling due to water retention, weight gain;
- change in libido;
- impaired glucose tolerance;
- breast enlargement;
- hyperpigmentation of the skin.
Femoden
It contains gestodene and ethinylestradiol as active substances. Preparations ("Femoden" and analogues) are used mainly as contraceptives. They can also be prescribed for menstrual irregularities and heavy bleeding. The tool helps to inhibit ovulation.
Divigel
The drug is an external agent aimed at replenishing the deficiency of estradiol. It contains synthetic ethinylestradiol. What is this hormone, described above. After application, the gel partially enters the systemic circulation, the rest accumulates in the subcutaneous tissue, after which it is also absorbed. The drug is applied transdermally, which helps to bypass the stage of hepatic metabolism. "Divigel" is prescribed as a replacement therapy. Its use is effective for the treatment of menopausal syndrome. The medicine has a large list of contraindications, so you should consult your doctor before use. Among them are the same as described above, and in addition - pituitary tumors, inflammatory processes in the genital organs, liver tumors, pathologies of cerebral circulation, congenital hyperbilirubinemia, diabetes mellitus, retinopathy.
Drospirenone - ethinylestradiol combination
The first drug contains a derivative of spironolactone, due to which a progestogenic and antimineralocorticoid effect is provided. The combined medicine allows you to eliminate some of the side effects of synthetic sex hormones. Symptoms associated with sodium and water retention include weight gain, swelling, and breast tenderness. Drospirenone will help to increase the excretion of water and sodium ions, and therefore eliminate the characteristic clinical manifestations. Ethinylestradiol eliminates the deficiency of natural estradiol.
Lack of sex hormone leads to serious consequences for a woman's body. Synthetic analogues help to fill the gap. It is ethinylestradiol that allows you to normalize the activity of the reproductive system. What is this hormone and how does it work? Answer: as natural estradiol. Before using drugs of this group, a diagnostic study should be carried out, the level of natural estradiol in the blood should be detected. If necessary, hormone therapy is prescribed, which should be supervised by a specialist.
