Estrogens - female sex hormones - are used in drugs in replacement therapy for underdeveloped sexual characteristics. They affect the lipid composition of the blood, increasing the concentration of high lipoproteins and lowering low density, inhibit bone resorption. They are used in combination with gestagens for infertility and menstrual irregularities. In addition, combination preparations are indicated for various menopausal disorders.
The production of female sex hormones
Sex hormones in the female body are synthesized in the ovaries, the follicles of which produce estrogenic hormonal substances. The development of secondary sexual characteristics, as well as the second phase of menstruation, depends on their presence and activity. The hormonal substance of the anterior pituitary gland called follicle-stimulating activates the production of estrogens and the formation of follicles. In the middle of the menstrual cycle, the concentration of luteinizing hormone increases and ovulation occurs, i.e., the egg leaves the follicle and is sent to the uterus through the fallopian tubes. The corpus luteum, which formed on the site of the destroyed follicle, begins the production of gestagens.
The synthesis of estrogen during this period decreases. If the egg is fertilized, then pregnancy occurs. The corpus luteum continues to develop and synthesize progestogenic hormonal substances that help maintain pregnancy. If insemination did not happen, then the corpus luteum dies and, accordingly, the level of gestagens decreases. At the end of the menstrual cycle, the concentration of estrogen rises again and thereby contributes to the onset of menstruation. According to these substances, gestagenic and estrogenic preparations containing female sex hormones are distinguished.
Antiestrogens and gestagens
The group of antiestrogens includes:
- Danazol
- Tamoxifen.
- "Clomiphene."
The latter, getting into the central nervous system, blocks the action of estrogens on the receptors in the pituitary and hypothalamus, while the synthesis of pituitary hormones that cause ovulation increases. An agent is prescribed for endocrine infertility in women.
Progestogens are represented by the following drugs:
- "Progesterone".
- Norkolut.
- "Oxyprogesterone capronate."
- Pregnin.
Indications for use - this is premenstrual syndrome, miscarriage (threatening or habitual) in early pregnancy, contraception, dysmenorrhea, infertility, dysfunctional (pathological) uterine bleeding. Among the side effects reveal:
- swelling
- Depression
- weight gain;
- uterine bleeding.
Estrogens
Natural preparations of female sex hormones:
- "Estriol."
- Estradiol.
- Estron.
Semi-synthetic:
- "Estradiol dipropionate."
- Ethylestradiol.
Synthetic non-steroidal:
- Dimestrol.
- Sinestrol.
- "Diethylstilbestrol propionate."
- Octestrol
The therapeutic effect when taken orally is weak, since they are rapidly inactivated in the liver. Oily solutions of hormonal substances are administered intramuscularly. Used for:
- osteoporosis during menopause;
- contraception in combination with progestogens;
- with ovarian hypofunction as replacement therapy;
- dysfunctional uterine bleeding;
- therapy for prostate cancer (hormone-dependent).
Medications for oral contraception
Medications of female sex hormones of this group are divided into:
- Single-phase - "Non-ovlon", "Minisiston", "Ovidon", "Regididon".
- Two-phase - “Anteovin”, “Klimen”, “Divin”.
- Three-phase - “Triregol”, “Triziston”, “Marvelon”, “Triquilar”.
- Postcoital - “Postinor”, ​​“Zhenale”, “Escapel”.
- Monogormonal - "Norplant", "Mirena", "Microlute".
Various schemes for their application are known. Among a wide variety of medicines, the following are recognized as the most effective and have minor side effects:
- combined estrogen-progestogen;
- containing fairly small amounts of gestagens.
The mechanism of action of the preparations of female hormones is to suppress ovulation, prevent the fertilization of the egg and violate the conditions for its accession. Estrogen-progestogen medications provide a contraceptive effect of almost one hundred percent. Reproductive function after stopping their administration is restored immediately, and after using gestagens - after three months.
In the pharmacy network there are also postcoital drugs, which contain large doses of progestogens or estrogens. They are used within 24–48 after intercourse.
Estrogen-progestogen contraceptive drugs can not be used with:
- neoplasms in the mammary glands or genitals;
- malfunctioning of the liver;
- diabetes mellitus;
- varicose veins;
- a stroke;
- psychoses;
- thromboembolic disorders.
For therapeutic purposes, estrogen-progestogen drugs are indicated for endometriosis, polyposis, and some other diseases of the female genital area.
Female sex hormone preparations: pharmacology
Female sex hormones, both natural and synthetic, are divided into the following groups:
- steroid estrogens;
- non-steroidal estrogens;
- progestogens, progesterone and their analogues;
- combined.
Reception of estrogen drugs is indicated for:
- problems with labor;
- underdevelopment of the genitals;
- infertility
- the absence or weakly expressed sexual characteristics;
- prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in menopause;
- menstrual irregularities;
- postponed pregnancy;
- after surgery for removal of the ovaries during menopause;
- mastopathy;
- neoplasms.
A woman taking estrogen drugs should be under the constant supervision of a doctor, since their prolonged use provokes the appearance of tumors, the growth of the endometrium and bleeding.
Progesterone preparations are well tolerated. In rare cases, there are swelling of the lower extremities, hypertension.
Combined preparations of female sex hormones are indicated in menopause and with oncopathology. Contraceptives also belong to this group of drugs.
Due to the development of the pharmaceutical industry, hormonal medicines are widely prescribed by practicing doctors in gynecology and obstetrics. They are used in prevention, pregnancy planning, treatment. The doctor for each specific case individually selects the dose, schedule and duration of use. Self-medication with hormonal drugs is unacceptable and fraught with serious consequences. What female sex hormones are used most often, we will consider below.
Estron
This is a natural follicular hormone, which is necessary for the normal development of a woman's body. It is produced in the form of an oil solution in ampoules. Basically, metabolism and transformation occur in the liver. It is excreted from the body with urine. For four to five days, a high level of the drug in the blood plasma remains. It has a stimulating effect on the development of secondary sexual characteristics and the uterus, promotes proliferation of the endometrium. It has a hypocholesterolemic effect, improves glucose utilization. Large doses of the drug inhibit erythropoiesis and the synthesis of follicle-stimulating hormonal substances, retain sodium and water in the body. This drug of female hormones is used in case of:
- removal of the ovaries or their inadequate function;
- genital itching;
- acromegaly;
- vaginitis in girls or in old age;
- menopause;
- weak labor;
- the presence of the need for inhibition of lactation and other conditions.
Among the adverse reactions should be noted:
- dizziness;
- allergies
- vomiting
- nausea
Long-term use can lead to a violation in the body of the metabolism of calcium, sodium, water. In addition, the development of congestive jaundice, uterine bleeding. In men, the use of the female sex hormone of the female body for a long period of time leads to the appearance of feminization and inhibition of the development of male genital organs.
Contraindications to the prescription of the medication are:
- neoplasms of the mammary glands and genital organs of a malignant and benign nature in women under the age of 60;
- pregnancy;
- a certain (hyperfollicular) stage of menopause;
- inflammatory processes in the female genital organs.
- predisposition to uterine bleeding.
Estron is able to enhance the effect of antihypertensive, diuretic, antiarrhythmic, hypocholesterolemic drugs, as well as anticoagulants. The effectiveness of drugs of male sex hormones reduces.
"Progesterone"
This is a female sex hormone drug. The pharmacology of the drug, i.e., its pharmacological effect, is as follows. In large doses, it inhibits the synthesis of gonadotropins, and in small doses it stimulates. Under the influence of the drug, the uterine mucosa from the proliferative stage passes into the secretory stage, which is necessary for implantation of a fertilized egg. Promotes a new menstrual cycle. It preserves pregnancy, reducing the sensitivity of the uterus to substances that provoke its contraction. As a replacement therapy is indicated for ovarian amenorrhea. With contraindications to the use of estrogen, it is used as a hemostatic agent for dysfunctional uterine bleeding. In addition, this drug of female sex hormones is prescribed for cancer, infertility and endometrial hyperplastic processes. Side effects are manifested:
- Depression
- meager menstruation;
- acne;
- decreased libido.
Contraindications to the use of the drug are endocrine and nervous disorders, the period of breastfeeding, damage to the kidneys and liver. "Progesterone" weakens the therapeutic effect of anabolic steroids, gonadotropic hormones of the anterior pituitary gland, drugs that have a stimulating effect on the smooth muscles of the uterus. Increases the effectiveness of immunosuppressants, diuretics and antihypertensive drugs.
Trisequens
This estrogen-progestogen combination drug contains hormones that are responsible for the different phases of the menstrual cycle with a predominance of female sex hormone called estrogen. Available in tablets that have different colors. It is indicated for use with a low level of estrogen in the menopause. In order to prevent osteoporosis during menopause. Long-term use of the drug requires annual preventive examinations. In the following pathological conditions, the drug "Trisekvens" should be taken with caution:
- hypertension;
- diabetes;
- heart failure;
- bronchial asthma.
Adverse reactions manifest themselves in the form of:
- breast tenderness;
- minor blood discharge;
- nausea
- headache;
- thrombosis
- jaundice;
- increase in pressure;
- and etc.
The first two symptoms appear at the very beginning of the drug. Contraindications to the use of "Trisequens" are:
- uterine bleeding of an unknown cause;
- deep vein thrombosis;
- tumors of a hormonal nature;
- malignant neoplasms of the mammary gland;
- cerebrovascular accident;
- pregnancy;
- liver disease.
Proginova
The composition of this estrogen-containing drug includes a synthetic analogue of endogenous estradiol - estradiol valerate. A low concentration of this substance is observed during menopause and can provoke thinning of bone tissue. In practical medicine, it is used as hormone replacement therapy during menopause and after surgery to remove the ovaries. In addition, the drug is used to prevent osteoporosis. A medicine is prescribed only after a thorough examination in order to identify possible contraindications.
Side effects are manifested by:
- Gastrointestinal tract;
- of cardio-vascular system;
- Central nervous system;
- reproductive system;
- and etc.
If you experience jaundice, thrombosis, impaired vision or hearing, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible. The medicine "Proginova" is contraindicated in:
- breast cancer
- malignant hormone-dependent tumors;
- liver diseases, including malignant neoplasms;
- blood discharge;
- pregnancy
- and some other conditions the doctor warns about.
During the treatment with this tool, the use of alcohol-containing drinks is contraindicated.
The effect of female sex hormones on the body
By the chemical structure, female sex hormones (estrogens and progestogens) belong to steroids. The representative of estrogen is:
- Estradiol (the main female hormone). He takes part in the regulation of the sexual cycle, stimulates the development and growth of the female genital organs, as well as the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics. Affects emotional state.
- Estriol. He has an important role in the development and growth of the uterus during pregnancy. In addition, he is involved in the development of ducts of the mammary glands.
- Estron. It takes part in the menstrual cycle.
The concentration of estrogen in the female body is variable and undergoes cyclical changes. A large number of them are observed before ovulation, in the middle of the menstrual cycle. In the last trimester of pregnancy, the level of estriol increases sharply. In addition to the above, estrogens have the following effects on the body:
- Responsible for the development and formation of the female body and puberty girls.
- Affect the musculoskeletal system and bone tissue.
- They take part in metabolic processes.
- Prevent the increase in the concentration of triglycerides and cholesterol.
- Contribute to the maturation of the egg.
- Affect the cytology and structure of the vagina.
- Contribute to the production of protein in the body.
- Provoke a delay in the body of water.
Excess or deficiency of estrogen disrupts the reproductive function of the individual. Progesterone, belonging to the group of progestogens, supports pregnancy, regulates the sexual cycle. A low level of this substance provokes miscarriages, infertility and menstruation failure. In addition, it affects the nervous system, hormonal balance, sexual behavior. Thus, the main role of female sex hormones is to ensure the development of female genital organs and secondary sexual characteristics.
It is these hormones that make a woman a woman, influencing the manifestation of emotions, behavior, the formation of libido and her appearance. The quality of life largely determines the balance of estrogen and progesterone. Excess or lack of even “their own” hormones negatively affects the reproductive function of the individual and leads to diseases of the female sphere. The amount of male and female sex hormones should be in balance.