More than half of the female population of adulthood is faced with pathologies of the mammary glands. Such diseases are born most often due to a variety of hormonal disorders. In case of progesterone deficiency diseases, premenstrual syndrome, mastopathy, doctors often prescribe treatment of the mammary glands with Progestogel therapeutic gel. This effective topical preparation has a positive effect on the dynamics of therapy in various breast pathologies, while reducing the intensity of the pain syndrome.
However, it is worth saying that the Progestogel gel for the treatment of mastopathy and other defects is used exclusively as part of a comprehensive therapeutic regimen and only on the recommendation of the attending physician. First of all, it is advisable to get acquainted with the composition of the drug, its properties, indications and contraindications for use.
general information
Gel "Progestogel" is a progestogen for local external use. A drug based on natural progesterone is produced. Due to the suppression of estrogen receptors, the medication improves the process of absorption of fluids from tissues and reduces the pressure exerted on the milk channels. In addition, the gel reduces lactopoiesis, affecting prolactin cells in the mammary glands.
Local use contributes to a high concentration of progesterone in the area of application. It is noteworthy that the ingredients of the drug do not penetrate into the plasma, which greatly reduces the risk of side effects.
The main active ingredient of the drug is natural micronized progesterone. The concentration of the active ingredient in the gel is 1%. In addition, the composition of the tool includes additional components:
- ethanol;
- hydrogenated castor oil;
- distilled water;
- trolamine;
- octyl;
- octyldodecanol;
- carbomer.
The preparation is in the form of a gel for external use. Available in sealed aluminum tubes of 80 grams. The drug is sold in a cardboard box with a special applicator in the kit, which makes it possible to quickly and comfortably measure the required volume of gel.
Pharmacological properties
The tool has a gestagenic effect, which is provided by a high concentration of active ingredients in the tissues of the mammary glands. The medication does not have a systemic effect, due to which the probability of occurrence of negative consequences for the body is extremely small. Due to the suppression of tubular absorption and increased cellular filtration, the product produces a diuretic effect. It is this property that prevents the retention of excess fluid at the time of secretory transformations of the glandular substance and pain in the chest.
In addition, gestagen acts on the glandular epithelium, improving the general condition of the vascular network when applied externally. This quality of the medication allows to reduce the permeability of small capillaries, eliminate the signs of mastalgia, and reduce swelling. Absorption of progesterone by tissues is a maximum of 10% of the received dosage of the drug. The result from the use of Progestogel gel is stored for at least an hour. It is noteworthy that at the time the drug affects the woman’s body, the level of hormones in it remains unchanged.
Pharmacokinetics
Using a special application on the dermis, it is possible to form a high concentration of the active ingredient of the product, even with a lower dosage. Secondary metabolism of the drug is carried out in the tissues of the liver. The hormonal drug is split into isoenzymes, conjugates, glucuronic and sulfuric acids. Derived products are excreted through the kidneys, along with the urethra. In addition, the gallbladder takes part in the process.
Indications for use
This drug is often prescribed to patients of various age categories. Most often, the Progestogel gel is used as a component of the complex treatment of fibrocystic mastopathy. Numerous reviews confirm the high effectiveness of the drug for this disease.
In addition, the tool can be used for mastalgia and mastodynia, due to such factors:
- premenstrual syndrome;
- the use of hormonal contraceptives;
- puberty;
- pregnancy
- menopause.
How to apply Progestogel gel?
The product is used exclusively externally in compliance with a certain localization. The use of Progestogel gel is extremely simple. For more comfortable application, a special spatula with a plastic dispenser is attached to the preparation. One pack of medicine is usually enough for 30 uses.
How much to apply Progestogel gel on the mammary glands? For each patient, the dosage of the drug is determined purely individually, depending on her age, the diagnosis and the characteristics of the body. According to the instructions for use, the Progestogel gel should be applied to both mammary glands every day 1 or 2 times, regardless of the menstrual cycle or in accordance with the doctor’s recommendations.
To obtain the required amount of funds, press the tube slightly above the dispenser line. The gel should be well absorbed into the skin. When applying, you do not need to massage the mammary glands and thoroughly rub the drug. After using the gel, it is advisable to avoid direct sunlight on the skin.
The therapeutic course is prescribed individually, it can reach a maximum of three months.
Features
Women who are preparing for motherhood or breastfeeding should choose medicines with special care. Medical studies have proven that Progestogel gel does not adversely affect the baby and mother during pregnancy and lactation. In the early stages, the drug can be prescribed to a woman if the benefit from it exceeds the likelihood of pathologies in the embryo. During lactation, the use of the drug is permissible as prescribed by the doctor and under his constant supervision.
Before proceeding with progestogel gel treatment, you should consult a specialist and tell him about other drugs taken. After all, its effectiveness and the occurrence of all kinds of side effects largely depend on the compatibility of the drug with other drugs. For example, hormonal oral contraceptives of a combined type are able to enhance the effect of the gel in case of their parallel use.
Side effects
It is very important to adhere strictly to the instructions of a specialist on the use of this drug. Otherwise, the likelihood of side effects from the Progestogel gel will increase significantly. Possible negative reactions of the body include:
- lumpiness and tenderness of the chest;
- sharp flushes of blood to the place of application of the drug;
- decreased sex drive;
- allergy manifestations - swelling of the lips and neck, skin irritation, redness, itching;
- metrorrhagia - severe uterine bleeding between full menstruation;
- bouts of nausea;
- fever.
Consequences of an overdose
Despite the fact that the agent is used locally, and situations with excess doses are extremely rare, it is forbidden to violate the recommended treatment regimen. Otherwise, the drug may cause a number of negative manifestations. According to the instructions for use, the Progestogel gel in case of an overdose entails the following consequences:
- skin irritation;
- migraine;
- swelling;
- redness
- nausea;
- abnormal uterine bleeding between menstruation.
Contraindications
Hormonal medication is prescribed to women only after passing through all stages of the examination and the implementation of the necessary laboratory tests. Even before you start using the product, it is very important to inform the doctor about the presence of existing diseases of a chronic form. Contraindications of the Progestogel gel, in the presence of which it is necessary to abandon its use and replace with analogues, are:
- nodal varieties of fibrocystic mastopathy;
- neoplasms in the chest of unknown etiology;
- late pregnancy;
- monotherapy for breast cancer or the reproductive system;
- hypersensitivity or intolerance to the ingredients of the drug.
In addition, with extreme caution, it is necessary to use the drug if a woman has such diseases as:
- diabetes;
- chronic migraines;
- liver failure;
- abnormal uterine bleeding of unknown pathogenesis;
- bronchial asthma;
- depressive state;
- epilepsy;
- thromboembolic pathology;
- renal failure;
- ectopic pregnancy;
- predisposition to thrombosis;
- acute form of phlebitis;
- arterial hypertension;
- porphyria;
- hyperlipoproteinemia;
- benign neoplasms in the chest.
Analogs of Progestogel gel
With mastopathy, you can use other drugs that are similar in their effect and composition. Usually, replacement of the medicine is required for patients who have certain contraindications to its use. Analogues include the following drugs:
- "Endometrine" - a medication in the form of suppositories, is most often used in case of progesterone deficiency, with infertility, to prevent miscarriage;
- "Prajisan" - tablets with the composition identical to the "Progestogel" gel, recommended for mastopathy and pain in the chest before menstruation;
- "Progesterone" - a tool in the form of tablets, gel, injections with a similar effect and composition, is used for mastopathy and mastalgia;
- "Utrozhestan" - a completely similar medicine, produced in the form of tablets;
- Iprozhin - progesterone-based tablets prescribed for premenstrual syndrome, mastopathy, premenopause;
"Krainon" - a gel with a hormonal progestogen effect, is prescribed for the detection of amenorrhea, uterine bleeding, to maintain the luteal phase of the cycle.
Benefits of the drug
Gel "Progestogel" has many advantages, among which it is worth noting:
- Intensive penetration of progesterone directly into the breast tissue;
- lack of pronounced systemic influence;
- suppression of the active ingredient of pathological processes and pain in the glandular tissue and blood vessels;
- decrease in compression of structural substances of the mammary glands;
- low probability of side effects;
- positive effect on glandular cells and vasculature;
- convenient application of the gel due to a pleasant texture and a special applicator.