Hormone-dependent morphological changes in menopause
Ovestin Cream contains estriol, an analogue of the female hormone estrogen. Deficiency of this particular hormone becomes the cause of atrophy of the vaginal mucosa. The mucous membrane of the genitourinary tract in women has estrogen receptors. In productive age, a sufficient hormone content provides the acidic environment of the vagina, which is a necessary factor to maintain the normal composition of microflora. Estrogen receptors are also found in the smooth muscle elements of the vagina, urethra, and bladder. The normal estrogen content ensures a good tone of the genitourinary system, prevents the loss of muscle cell elasticity and the associated prolapse (prolapse) of organs, urinary incontinence and urinary tract infections.
The mechanism of action of ovestin cream
As you know, for the implementation of cyclic processes in the endometrium, two types of hormones are needed - estrogens and progesterone. If only one estrogen is administered, proliferative processes will constantly occur in the endometrium. Long-term proliferation in the end can lead to the appearance of cells with altered nuclei, i.e., to dysplasia. Such cell changes are considered a precancerous condition. And if the administration of estrogen is abruptly canceled and progesterone therapy is not carried out, the proliferative endometrium will begin to be rejected and withdrawal bleeding will occur.
Estriol, unlike other types of estrogen, has a short period of action, because it is retained in the nuclei of endometrial cells for a small amount of time. As a result, it does not cause the proliferation of cells of the uterine mucosa. Therefore, its use does not require cyclical additional administration of progesterone, and there is no risk of withdrawal bleeding. Therefore, ovestin cream contains this particular type of estrogen, its one-time daily administration does not pose a risk of dysplasia and does not cause side effects in the form of bleeding. It only selectively compensates for the local estrogen deficiency in the tissues of the genitourinary system.
Methods of using local hormonal drugs for menopause
In addition to estriol, ovestin cream contains excipients, including lactic acid and chlorhexidine dihydrochloride. Lactic acid helps create an acidic environment in the vagina. This is an additional prevention of bacterial infections. Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic and reduces the risk of developing pathogenic flora in the vaginal mucosa. With the introduction of the cream into the vagina, estriol is absorbed within one hour. The maximum concentration with this method of administration is higher than with oral administration. For ease of dosage, Ovestin Cream has a calibrated applicator. Enter it before bedtime to avoid leakage of contents from the vagina.
For the treatment of atrophic changes in the mucous membranes of the genitourinary tract with menopause, a course is performed from two to four weeks. Ovestin cream and suppositories (one of the dosage forms to choose from) are administered once. Subsequently, the dose of the drug is reduced, you need to focus on your feelings. If the effects of atrophy are reduced, the vaginal dryness and associated unpleasant phenomena (itching, burning, discomfort) disappear, and urinary incontinence ceases - the dose is gradually reduced to a maintenance one, i.e. once every two weeks.
Ovestin cream and suppositories are also used for unclear results of cytological studies of a cervical smear. For this, applications or the administration of a suppository with estriol is carried out once every two days for seven days, after which the smear for cytology is repeated.
In the process of treatment, it is fearless if the patient forgets to take a dose of the hormone. With subsequent administration, it is not necessary to increase the dosage, treatment should be continued according to the previous scheme.
Side effects of local hormonal therapy for menopause
Like any other drug that is applied to the mucous membranes, ovestin cream can cause various reactions. As a rule, these are irritation phenomena: itching, redness, discomfort. In rare cases, reactions from the mammary glands are possible: an increase in size, soreness and tension. As a rule, such reactions pass quickly and are most often the result of an independent increase in dosage. In even more rare cases, uterine bleeding may occur. In these cases, you can switch to other local hormonal drugs. Ovestin cream analogues are vaginal suppositories of estrocard or estriol.