The health of the female body largely depends on the normal functioning of the hormonal system. Violations or malfunctions can lead to sad consequences, in the onset of which a woman blames more often than not hormones. It turns out that in vain. Because exactly how they are responsible for the state of reproductive health, skin, hair, mood, affect weight jumps. You can solve the problem by finding out the cause of the failure. As a rule, this is a lack of estradiol production. Drugs that normalize its level can be used only after consulting a doctor.
What is estradiol?
In the female body, a decrease or increase in estradiol may be noted. Drugs are selected depending on the results of the analysis. First you need to determine what this type of hormone is. Estrogen is produced in the follicles of the ovaries and adrenal cortex. Is he:
- Responsible for the work of the female reproductive system.
- Promotes the normal functioning of the uterus, its appendages.
- It is responsible for the growth of the endometrium, cholesterol level, metabolic processes in which nitrogen is involved.
Estradiol acts as a natural anabolic. It also affects the timbre of the voice, smoothness of the skin, etc. Its lack in the body of a woman negatively affects the intimate side of life.
It is worth paying attention to the fact that an increased dosage in the blood of this hormone causes a decrease in the production of breast milk. Therefore, preparations containing estradiol are not prescribed for women during lactation.
Indications for appointment
Estradiol preparations are recommended for use both as hormonal therapy and for prophylactic purposes (for example, preventing the development of osteoporosis during menopause). The doctors' comments on the practice of prescribing this category of drugs find positive feedback in terms of the auxiliary treatment of inflammatory processes in the vagina caused by infections.
Primary or secondary amenorrhea, disorders in the development of the genitals or secondary sexual characteristics are also the basis for the use of drugs that increase estradiol.
Contraindications
Hormonal drugs should be used only as directed by a doctor, usually an endocrinologist. This is due to the presence of contraindications, which can exacerbate the poor state of health of a woman. During the treatment process, it is also important to know which preparations contain estradiol. The presence of a history of endometriosis, uterine fibroids, endometrial or breast cancer, uterine bleeding for an unclear reason is a signal to refuse to start taking this category of drugs.
Severe diseases of the liver and malfunctioning of the cardiovascular system are an absolute contraindication for treatment with estradiol. As well as otosclerosis, thromboembolism, thrombophlebitis, a neoplasm in the pituitary, jaundice, hepatitis (including during pregnancy), prolonged itching.
Women during pregnancy and during breastfeeding, these drugs are also contraindicated.
Natural or artificial
In order to understand why this or that form of hormone is prescribed , it is important to find out which is more beneficial: a natural or synthetic drug? The main point that manufacturers of estradiol preparations pay attention to is that artificial is equivalent to identical. The molecules of a synthetic drug are suitable in their structure and form to the natural hormones that are produced in the female body.
If we go into the details of the origin of the word "synthetic", then it implies a process that occurs as a result of synthesis. However, in this case, we can safely say that all medicines are almost as natural, as they contribute to the production of hormones that are natural for the body. Products containing estradiol include the natural form of ovarian hormones from soybeans and wild potatoes. In the laboratory, molecules are synthesized and converted from plant to human ones: testosterone, progesterone and 17 beta-estradiol. Preparations of this direction are necessary for the female body, if he himself can not provide their proper amount.
Only a specialist can determine the need for one form or another of estradiol. Since for some diseases of the reproductive system, a hormone of natural origin can harm and not give the proper result.
17β-estradiol
This type of estrogen is produced by the female body until the onset of menopause. If we talk about biological derivatives, then we can highlight a number of positive aspects from their use: the minimum number of side effects, reduction of pain, are more easily tolerated by the body.
The hormone that is contained in the 17 estradiol preparations is effective only when identifying the true need for its use. Why do you need to undergo a full examination in a medical institution. Some foreign pharmaceutical companies offer drugs in the following forms:
- Gel or cream - “Extrace” (also available in tablet form).
- Tablets - "Vagifem", "Ginodiol."
- The vaginal ring is Estring.
- Plaster - “Alora”, “Vivelle”, “Estraderm”, “Klimara”.
"Estriol"
In hormone therapy, estradiol preparations in the form of estriol are used less frequently and are less common than others. Some manufacturers explain this by the fact that it does not have such a significant result on the work of the brain, bones, heart, as if it were 17 beta estradiol.
However, if Estriol was prescribed by your doctor, you need to understand how it can help or harm. The main reason for the appointment is the lack of hormone production by the female body. The effectiveness of its use is felt during prolonged use. If you take the drug for only one month, you can not talk about the onset of the desired result.
This drug is available in the form of vaginal suppositories. The course of treatment is regulated by the attending physician. According to the instructions - once a night for a month, then the dosage is reduced to two suppositories per week.
The drug "Estradiol Valerate"
Insufficient production of endogenous estrogens leads to the fact that women are prescribed hormones to make up for this deficiency. A special place is taken by patients who are in the premenopausal period, caused, inter alia, by artificial or surgical means. As one of the drugs, the drug "Estradiol Valerate" can be distinguished. Available in the form of tablets or dragees. Suitable as a contraceptive method.
Take this drug with caution in the presence of fibrocystic mastopathy, diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, heart failure. It is also worth considering the presence of other contraindications that must be considered by the attending physician before prescribing this drug.
In the pharmacy network, you can find several similar drugs that contain estradiol valerate, for example:
- "Proginova" - available in the form of a dragee, dosage of 2 mg. The estrogen that is contained in this drug, once in the body, is transformed into 17β-estradiol. The drug does not suppress the natural process of ovulation. Helps make up for the lack of hormone production by the body during menopause. This drug allows you to cope with menopausal disorders, a depressive state that can accompany a woman in a given period;
- Klimen is a complex preparation, the package contains dragees of two colors, which differ in composition: in white, the main component is estradiol valerate, in pink, cyproterone acetate is also added to it . Their number is not equivalent, there are more white ones in one package. It is prescribed as hormone replacement therapy, as well as the prevention of the development of osteoporosis and heart disease.
- "Divina" - also consist of tablets of two colors, differing in composition, color and shape. It belongs to the category of estradiol preparations, in which valerate is the main component. It must be taken in accordance with the calendar scale that is applied to the package. Medroxyprogesterone acetate (a derivative of progesterone) acts as the second active component that is contained in blue dragees. Long-term use of this hormonal agent allows to reduce the increased night sweating, hot flashes, and prevent a decrease in bone mass.
Phytoestrogens - a natural hormone
If a woman does not have estradiol in its natural form, in some cases it can be prescribed as phytoestrogens. They have a less pronounced effect. Judging by the reviews of doctors and patients, they are prescribed as dietary supplements. The structure and properties of phytoestrogens allow the use of drugs in two types of action: some act as antagonists, others as blockers. It is also noted that despite the beneficial effect of the psychological state of a woman, phytoestrogens cannot be prescribed as a prophylaxis of osteoporosis, which is characteristic of the onset of menopause.
If the question arises as to in which preparations estradiol is contained in a plant form, then it is worth highlighting:
- "Inoclim" - is used as an adjunct treatment, since the active ingredient is isoflavone. This is a natural analogue of the female sex hormone - estrogen derived from soy. It is prescribed during menopause, the drug is available in the form of capsules. Unlike synthetic products, it has no inherent side effects. For this reason, it can be prescribed even in the presence of hormone-dependent tumors. Of the contraindications, there is only one point - allergy;
- "Estrovel" - in the form of capsules, contains a tsimitsifuge extract, as well as natural isoflavonoids. The vitamin complex of group E, B6, K1, folic acid (B9), wild yams complements the main components. The last component allows you to feel the antispasmodic effect, resists the appearance of atherosclerosis;
- "Klimadinon" - has a restorative complex effect on the female body. Thanks to the herbal component of the cysticifuga racemosa, it is possible to correct the psychoemotional state, for example, by attacks of tearfulness, insomnia, irritability. In the pharmacy chain, it is sold in two forms - drops and tablets. The regimen and course of treatment depend on the indications for use: ovarian dysfunction or menopause. Self-medication is not recommended, it is important to get an appointment from a specialist before buying.
This is not a final list, there are other drugs that are a plant derivative of estradiol. However, in any case, before purchasing this or that remedy, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
Gel preparation
Women during menopause are prescribed not only tablets. One of the preparations in the form of a gel - “Ostrozhel” - also contributes to the replacement of the natural hormone: getting into the body has an effect similar to the tablet form. 2.5 mg of gel contains 1 g of estradiol hemihydrate. The basis for the appointment is a menopause, including artificially induced. The drug has a list of contraindications similar to similar hormonal drugs. Therefore, you must first obtain a doctor’s permission to use it.
To restore women's health, not only during menopause
Much has been said above about drugs that help the female body during menopause. However, they are also suitable for the treatment of certain diseases of the reproductive system. For example, the drug "Ovestin", which is available in several forms - tablets, cream, vaginal suppositories. Its use allows you to normalize the microflora and the acidic environment in the vagina, as well as have a positive effect on the epithelium of its mucous membrane, increase the quality and volume of the produced cervical mucus.
Insufficient production of the hormone can lead to dryness, itching in the female genital area, diseases of the lower urinary tract, and infertility caused by the cervical factor. This drug with beta-estradiol allows you to choose the necessary regimen. The form of the drug is prescribed depending on the indications for use.
If we talk about tablets, then during the first month, the maximum dosage can reach up to 4 pcs. per day, then it is reduced to 1-2. The introduction of the cream into the vagina is possible using a special applicator - one application per day, up to a month. If Ovestin is prescribed for prophylactic purposes before surgery, the dosage and frequency of use may be greater. It is determined by a doctor.
Vaginal suppositories should also be used once a day, for a month. In the second month, the amount is reduced to two pieces per week. Candles or cream are used at night. Pregnancy and the period when a woman is breastfeeding are an absolute contraindication for the use of this drug. Ovestin also has side effects that you need to familiarize yourself with before using it. Without a preliminary comprehensive study of women's health, hormone therapy is not prescribed.