Ethinyl estradiol 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 related clinical manifestations require hormone therapy.
Ethinyl estradiol - what is this hormone? What effect is expected when taking drugs?
The hormone is used in case of a lack of natural estradiol diagnosed by laboratory methods, which occurs when there is a lack of gonads. Synthetic preparations help to fill the deficit and ensure the constancy of biological processes in the body. Ethinyl estradiol 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. In addition, there is a decrease in blood cholesterol, which is the prevention of atherosclerotic lesions. Ethinyl estradiol promotes the absorption of calcium, with the result that calcium depots form in the bones. For consultation, you should contact the Women's Health Center.
Among the indications for the use of such drugs, the following can be distinguished:
- decreased ovarian function;
- underdevelopment of secondary sexual characteristics;
- infertility;
- hypogonadism;
- secondary estrogen deficiency;
- menopause disorders;
- metrorrhagia;
- prostate cancer (androgen-dependent);
- a number of drugs are used as contraceptives.
These conditions allow the use of ethinyl estradiol under the supervision of a physician. Its price (as part of the preparations) is approximately 300-400 rubles.
When is ethinyl estradiol contraindicated?
Preparations of this hormone should not be used for a number of pathologies. First of all, it is contraindicated in endometriosis, estrogen-dependent formations, vaginal bleeding, unspecified etiology. When taking, there is an increase in blood coagulability, therefore, the hormone can not 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 . Its use in pregnant and lactating women is not encouraged.
Some pathologies allow the hormone to be taken, but treatment should be strictly controlled by a doctor. Among these diseases are bronchial asthma, epilepsy, migraine, some kidney pathologies and vascular disorders. With caution, ethinyl estradiol is used for hypercalcemia and systemic pathologies such as lupus erythematosus and multiple sclerosis.
Application features
Ethinyl estradiol preparations can only be prescribed by a specialist after a laboratory study 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. Dosage and duration of treatment depend on the clinical case, you can not prescribe drugs on your own if any pathology is suspected: self-medication can end in disrepair (it is better to visit the women's health center).
Therapy is based on drug interactions. It is able to reduce the effectiveness of certain drugs - anticoagulants and antihypertensives. This should be considered when prescribing a hormone such as ethinyl estradiol. What kind of hormone is this, you already know, and what side effects it causes, will be discussed below.
Side effects
The drug causes a number of changes in the body, but with the right controlled intake, they usually do not occur. Among them:
- increased blood coagulation, which is fraught with the formation of blood clots;
- headache and dizziness;
- swelling due to water retention, weight gain;
- change in libido;
- reduced glucose tolerance;
- breast enlargement;
- hyperpigmentation of the skin.
"Femoden"
As active substances, it contains gestodene and ethinyl estradiol. Drugs ("Femoden" and analogues) are used primarily as contraceptives. They can also be prescribed for menstrual irregularities and heavy bleeding. The tool helps to inhibit ovulation.
Divigel
The drug is a tool for external use aimed at filling the deficiency of estradiol. It contains synthetic ethinyl estradiol. What kind of hormone is described above. After application, the gel enters partly into the systemic circulation, the rest accumulates in the subcutaneous tissue, after which it is also absorbed. The drug is applied transdermally, which helps to pass the stage of hepatic metabolism. "Divigel" is prescribed as replacement therapy. Effectively its use 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 genitals, liver tumors, cerebrovascular disease, congenital hyperbilirubinemia, diabetes mellitus, retinopathy.
Drospirenone - Ethinyl Estradiol: Combination
The first preparation contains a spironolactone derivative, due to which a gestagenic and antimineralocorticoid action is ensured. The combination medicine eliminates some of the side effects of synthetic sex hormones. Symptoms such as weight gain, the appearance of edema, and tenderness in the mammary glands are associated with sodium and water retention. Drospirenone will help to increase the excretion of water and sodium ions, and therefore to eliminate the characteristic clinical manifestations. Ethinyl estradiol eliminates the deficiency of natural estradiol.
Lack of sex hormone leads to serious consequences for a woman's body. Synthetic analogs help fill the gap. Allows you to normalize the activity of the reproductive system namely ethinyl estradiol. What is this hormone and how does it work? Answer: like natural estradiol. Before using drugs of this group, a diagnostic study should be conducted to identify the level of natural estradiol in the blood. If necessary, hormone therapy is prescribed, which should be monitored by a specialist.