Why do they take hormones? What is hormone replacement therapy? Harm of hormonal drugs: truth or myth

When a woman’s body produces less and less hormones over the years, female hormones in tablets are often prescribed.

Such drugs eliminate many of the symptoms that accompany hormone deficiency.

Hormones are substances that are produced in almost any organ and tissue of the body, so they affect its performance and overall functioning.

Hormonal levels determine the following important characteristics:

  • body weight and tendency to gain weight;
  • appetite;
  • sexual function;
  • hair color and structure;
  • type of skin;
  • emotional condition;
  • behavior and thinking.

The human body produces both female and male sex hormones. Their number is determined by gender.

The largest number of them are produced by the endocrine system, which includes the following glands:

  • thyroid;
  • parathyroid;
  • pancreas;
  • thymus.

This system also includes the following bodies:

  • pituitary;
  • hypothalamus;
  • ovaries;
  • adrenal glands

The hormones produced by these glands go to various bodies through the circulatory system.

Interesting!

Until now, up to 60 types of hormones are known, with the help of which the hormonal background is formed. Deviations from the norm of indicators female hormones provoke serious complications.

Why does hormonal imbalance occur?

Drugs and products containing female hormones are prescribed primarily when in the body. It can be triggered by many negative factors, including the following:

  • genetic predisposition;
  • increased fatigue in chronic form;
  • sleep disorders;
  • stressful situations;
  • the influence of certain medications;
  • various diseases, in particular of a viral nature;
  • Immune system failures.

This imbalance also occurs against the background bad habits, including the following:

  • alcohol abuse;
  • smoking;
  • drug use.

Modern pharmaceutical companies offer female hormones in tablets in a wide range.

They allow you to restore balance in the body, slowing down aging and having a beneficial effect on reproductive function.

Varieties and their features

Both in women's and in male body Two main types of hormones are produced - androgens and estrogens. The first type is, and the second is female.

However, in addition to them, female representatives also produce other species that affect the important functions of individual systems. The features of the main ones should be considered in detail.

Interesting!

According to recent studies, fair-haired women have the highest levels of hormones that affect reproductive function.

Estrogen

This is the main female hormone produced in the ovaries, affecting sexual characteristics, appearance and cell regeneration.

In this regard, its optimal content in the body ensures skin elasticity and hair health. In addition, it protects blood vessels from plaque formation.

Progesterone

A pregnant woman’s ability to bear and give birth to a child depends on progesterone. A decrease in its level during pregnancy by early stages provokes a miscarriage.

Testosterone

It is produced in a woman's adrenal glands in low levels. At increased rates Testosterone levels show the following symptoms:

  • increased irritability;
  • mood swings;
  • hot temper.

Testosterone primarily affects female sexual behavior.

Thyroxine

This is a thyroid hormone responsible for various metabolic processes. Its deficiency is accompanied by the following symptoms:

An increase in thyroxine levels leads to the following manifestations:

  • impaired concentration;
  • sleep problems;
  • angina pectoris;
  • the appearance of feelings of anxiety.

Against this background, as a rule, rapid weight loss and problems with thinking processes also occur.

Somatotropin

This is a growth hormone produced by the pituitary gland. It provides control over muscle tissue and ligaments. Its deficiency slows down growth, and its excess leads to abnormal growth rates. Also, disturbances in the concentration of somatotropin lead to weakness and flabbiness. muscle mass in a woman.

For reference!

Somatotropin has a positive effect on the female psyche. And its insufficient secretion is one of the main causes of aging.

Insulin

Produced in the pancreas and normalizes blood sugar. It is involved in the breakdown of carbohydrates received by the body with food.

When food contains a lot of sweets, insulin cannot cope with its processing, which provokes the accumulation of sugar. This has a bad effect on blood vessels and provokes obesity and diabetes.

The effect of hormones in tablets

Female sex hormones in tablets help eliminate various problems in the body and have the following effects:

  1. They extend youth by replenishing sex hormones.
  2. Stop processes of obesity development.
  3. Slow down rate of wrinkle formation, ensuring skin elasticity.
  4. Normalize arterial pressure.
  5. Make it easier symptoms during menopause.
  6. Eliminate frequent urination.
  7. Apply in the treatment of chronic cystitis caused by atrophy of the mucous membrane of the bladder.

After 50 years, female sex hormones significantly reduce the risk of developing the following diseases:

  • atherosclerosis;
  • diabetes;
  • osteoporosis.

Also, such drugs are widely used for the prevention of various cardiovascular pathologies and stroke.

Basic drugs

Sex hormone pills for women usually contain estrogen or progesterone, which are considered the most important female hormones.

Estrogen preparations

Estrogen tablets are most often prescribed to restore normal menstrual cycle and blood pressure.

It is also taken to relieve such frequent symptoms in women over 40 as constant fatigue and headaches.

Indications for the use of this substance may be the following conditions:

  • absence of menstruation;
  • infertility;
  • underdevelopment of the uterus;
  • disorders after removal of the ovaries;
  • osteoporosis during menopause.

Among hormonal tablets with estrogen, the following drugs should be distinguished:

  1. Estrofem: This remedy is prescribed to eliminate symptoms during menopause. It is not intended for contraception and has a number of side effects, and therefore, if used for a long time, it is necessary to undergo examination at least once every 6 months.
  2. Premarin: this remedy used for ovarian dysfunction and bleeding in the uterus. It is also known as a drug for normalizing hormonal levels during menopause. In the presence of diabetes mellitus, the drug is prescribed with caution.
  3. Tephastrol: indicated in the absence of secondary sexual characteristics and underdevelopment of the reproductive system organs.

Due to a number of contraindications and side effects that these drugs have, their choice and dosage should only be determined by a specialist.

For reference!

Many women tend to believe the myth that hormonal pills lead to fullness and appearance of hair on the body and face. In fact, if all instructions are followed and the correct doses are taken, such phenomena are not observed.

Progesterone preparations

The most popular drugs in this group are the following:

  1. Norkolut: prescribed for menstrual irregularities and endometriosis. The drug is highly active and is sometimes included in medications for the treatment of adenomyoma.
  2. Pregnin: a remedy for infertility and ovarian failure. It is also widely used in the absence of menstruation or too scanty discharge.
  3. Postinor: considered one of the most. However, its effect expires 2 days after administration.

In addition to these drugs, they are often used combined agents which are considered universal. Among them are the following drugs:

  • Ovidon;
  • Rigevidon;
  • Desmoulins.

Improper use of such medications can cause nausea, vomiting and more serious complications.

They can help in the treatment of diseases such as acne, skin and hair problems, hormonal levels, etc. The myth that only women take “hormones” is not true. Quite often, men also undergo therapy with hormone-containing drugs.

You cannot take such medications thoughtlessly. First of all, before starting any hormonal therapy - no matter whether it is regular contraception or serious and long-term - you need to visit a doctor. Either an endocrinologist or a gynecologist can prescribe such drugs for you. The doctor will definitely send you for tests. As a rule, blood is donated from a vein to check the level of hormones in the body. In some cases, you may be prescribed additional consultation with specialists in related fields. For example, a gynecologist will send you to a mammologist. This is necessary to eliminate the risks of various neoplasms in other parts of the body.

Based on the results of the examination and research, a drug with the required dose of hormones will be selected for you. It can be micro-dosed, low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose. Each of them affects the body with different strength and effectiveness and is prescribed individually. You cannot make a doctor's prescription on your own. If you doubt that the dose of the drug is adequate for you, it is better to consult another doctor.

Hormones must be taken strictly certain time days - no more than 12 hours break is allowed. You should also not skip a pill. You must take the medications strictly according to the schedule. In case of any changes, you forget, neglect the doctor’s prescriptions, etc. - you risk making things worse for yourself. Therefore, tune in in advance long-term treatment. If you don’t trust yourself, set a reminder somewhere to take a pill, hang a piece of paper with a note on the refrigerator.

If you are taking hormone therapy, you will have to give up some medicines. These are analgesics, tranquilizers, antibiotics, excess vitamin C, etc. This is due to the fact that they reduce the effectiveness of hormones, which, in turn, is about the same as if you forgot to take your pill. Alcohol is also contraindicated for a time.

Of course, treatment with this kind of medication should be carried out under the supervision of your doctor. You will have to undergo tests periodically to determine exactly how the treatment process is progressing. Looking at the dynamics, the doctor can either increase or decrease the dose of the drug you take.

A woman’s hormonal background not only affects the functioning of the main organs and systems in the body, but also helps improve her mood and has a beneficial effect on her appearance. If everything is in order, the figure, condition of the skin, hair and nails will also be normal. There are a number of hormones that directly affect weight gain or, conversely, promote weight loss.

If you take special medications, it is very easy to lose a few extra pounds. What hormones should women who want to lose weight take?

When is it necessary to take hormonal diet pills to achieve best result? First of all, before treatment, you need to determine the condition of the woman’s body, the presence possible contraindications. If the level of certain hormones is below or above normal, which is often the main reason for gaining excess weight, taking weight loss medications prescribed by your doctor is allowed.

Prescribe your own treatment, especially without preliminary examination body is very dangerous. All hormonal agents They also have contraindications, which the doctor is aware of. If you choose the wrong drug, you can not only not lose weight, but also provoke the development of dangerous diseases.

If a person wants to lose excess weight on his own, without turning to specialists, it is best to refuse hormonal therapy. IN in this case It is recommended to adjust your diet, give up bad habits, increase motor activity, workout. This is usually enough to get rid of a few extra pounds and improve your health.

A growth hormone

Or somatotropin is the substance that primarily promotes weight loss. It is produced in the pituitary gland. Somatotropin levels rise most during sleep. Also, its maximum concentration is observed in children and adolescents, and with age it gradually decreases.

The positive effect of growth hormone is explained by its anabolic properties. It helps increase muscle mass, which is combined with the burning of subcutaneous fat. Somatotropin also ensures high bone strength, good condition skin, strengthens the immune system and produces a rejuvenating effect.

Artificial administration of growth hormone allows you to increase muscle volume in relation to subcutaneous fat tissue. Therefore, drugs with somatotropin are often used by professional athletes. Such products are used by bodybuilders who want to lose weight while drying their bodies. The fat-burning effect of somatotropin is ensured as follows:

  • metabolism in the human body accelerates;
  • protein synthesis is enhanced and its breakdown is prevented;
  • quantity adjustable fatty acids in organism;
  • carbohydrate metabolism is normalized;
  • processes occur that help inhibit the deposition of subcutaneous fat.

Drugs to increase growth hormone levels

Hormonal diet pills must contain somatotropin, since without it the breakdown of fat cells in the human body cannot take place. Their use must be under the supervision of a physician due to large quantity side effects. The most popular somatotropin preparations that help you lose weight are:

  • . Injected subcutaneously into areas of greatest fat accumulation;
  • Ansomon. Used daily according to a special scheme;
  • Hygetropin. It is one of the highest quality drugs, which is often used by professional athletes;
  • Kigtropin. Refers to budget drugs that are highly effective.

Thyroid hormones

Hormones for weight loss are primarily those substances that are produced in thyroid gland. These include thyrocalcitonin, triiodothyronine. If their quantity is within normal limits, metabolism in the human body occurs well. These hormones promote the breakdown of fat, reduce appetite, and increase body heat production. Thanks to these properties, a person loses weight and his well-being improves.

If the function thyroid gland reduced, and the level of its hormones decreases, many negative effects. First of all, a person rapidly gains weight, a characteristic thickening of the skin occurs, and swelling appears throughout the body.

Preparations with thyroid hormones

When thyroid function decreases, hypothyroidism develops, which requires specific treatment. To increase the level of the main hormones produced by the gland, thyroxine preparations are used. The most popular of them are Thyroxine, Levothyroxine, Eutirox. Data that promote weight normalization should only be used by patients who suffer from hypothyroidism.

If they are consumed by people with a healthy thyroid gland, weight loss will occur, but with significant harm to the body. In this case, another disease develops – hyperthyroidism. If it is moderate, you will not be able to lose much weight. With severe hyperthyroidism, in addition to rapid weight loss, other symptoms are also observed: Negative consequences– sweating, high pressure, tachycardia, digestive disorders, reproductive dysfunction.

Sex hormones

Hormonal drugs for weight loss may contain various sex hormones, since they directly affect metabolic processes in a woman’s body. If reproductive system does not work correctly, this is reflected in the appearance of the fair sex. An imbalance of female hormones in most cases is accompanied not only by obesity, but also by menstrual irregularities, mood swings, various diseases gynecological nature.

Given pathological condition may be caused by an increase or decrease in the concentration of such substances:

  • estrogens. This is a group of sex hormones that contribute to the formation of a female figure, improve metabolism, strengthen bone tissue. Too much high level estrogen leads to disruption of the thyroid gland, obesity and other negative consequences;
  • estradiol. Normal level This hormone guarantees good metabolism, which is very important for women who want to have a beautiful figure. An increase in estradiol concentration leads to obesity, skin problems and swelling;
  • progesterone. This hormone is necessary for the successful onset and course of pregnancy, but it contributes to excess weight gain. If its concentration is increased against the background of some pathologies, the woman begins to gain weight due to a slowdown in metabolism in the body;
  • testosterone. This hormone is considered more masculine, but it is no less important for women. If testosterone levels are normal, everything will be fine with libido, weight, and physical endurance. Therefore, in some cases, it is advisable to slightly increase the amount of this hormone in the body, which will lead to weight loss. It is very important that such treatment takes place in combination with physical activity which will give the best result.

Drugs to normalize sex hormone levels

If you need to normalize the level of sex hormones, you need to use oral contraceptives. These drugs are taken not only to prevent unwanted pregnancy, but also medicinal purposes. They allow you to get rid of many gynecological diseases, normalize weight, improve skin condition. The choice of a specific drug should be made by a gynecologist, based on test results.

Oral contraceptives have many side effects and contraindications that need to be taken into account before prescribing them. The most popular drugs from this group are considered to be Novinet, Logest, Yarina, etc.

Depending on the detected disorders, the doctor may prescribe other treatment without oral contraceptives. There are a number of drugs that reduce or increase the level of estronene, progesterone, estradiol, testosterone, etc.

Pancreatic hormones

The absorption of carbohydrates by the human body occurs thanks to pancreatic hormones. Glucagon releases glucose into the blood, and insulin distributes it throughout the cells. The optimal ratio between these two hormones ensures an even supply of nutrients to all tissues. It also prevents glucose from being converted into fat, which causes obesity.

Artificial administration of insulin or other thyroid hormones for weight loss is unacceptable, as this leads to disastrous consequences. Special preparations containing these substances are used only in cases of disturbances in the functioning of the pancreas.

You can independently normalize the level of these hormones in order to activate the breakdown of fats using proper nutrition and physical activity. It is recommended to eat food in such a way that there is an alternate increase and decrease in blood glucose levels. It is best to eat sugar after intense physical activity and two more times throughout the day. At other times, food should be low glycemic index, which prevents a spike in blood glucose.

The drugs do not cause tumor formation. However, if there is oncological diseases such drugs can stimulate their further development. Therefore, before you start taking pills, go through the full examination. Please note that hormone therapy requires caution.

As is known, endocrine system each of us is a kind of “hormonal skeleton” of our body, while all the glands that produce hormones, regardless of their location, are in close interconnection, providing everything essential functions, both physical and psycho-emotional.

Our mental abilities, general well-being, appearance, mood, proper digestion, sleep, etc. depend on the coordinated work of these glands.

If for any reason a hormonal imbalance occurs in the body, in which the production of hormones is disrupted in one direction or another, then the person is prescribed appropriate treatment.

When planning a pregnancy

Lack of hormones is especially dangerous in situations where a woman dreams of motherhood, but, unfortunately, the lack of female hormones estrogen can become an obstacle to conception and normal development fetus

For this reason, in the case when desired pregnancy does not occur, the woman needs to be examined by an endocrinologist, and this must be done even when all other physical indicators are within normal limits.

In some cases, a woman may be prescribed hormones that serve as a stimulator for egg maturation. Hormone therapy can prevent or minimize the likelihood of miscarriage.

Of course, before using hormonal therapy, you should contact more simple ways, capable of intensifying work endocrine glands, after all, it is likely that the functional failure is insignificant.

Sometimes it is enough to normalize your diet, ensure sufficient physical activity, visit more fresh air etc., that is, to lead healthy image life.

It is necessary to remain calm, as fatigue, chronic stress reduce the chance of conception by half. The fact is that these factors negatively affect the functioning of the adrenal glands, which, in turn, begin to produce hormones that are not necessary for the maturation of the egg.

For contraceptive purposes

One cannot fail to mention the category of women who use hormonal therapy to prevent unwanted pregnancy.

Moreover, oral contraceptives can be purchased in our pharmacies without much difficulty, and their low content of hormones can prevent not only pregnancy, but also help in solving problems with overweight, liver, blood vessels.

Of course, no one can give an absolute guarantee that pregnancy can occur, but gynecologists still admit that birth control pills are one of the most reliable means.

By the way, such oral hormonal drugs are often prescribed for gynecological problems, for example, ovarian dysfunction, absence of menstruation (amenorrhea) in adolescence and so on.

However, there is one significant “but”: long-term use Drugs of this kind can “wean” the body from working independently, as a result of which it simply stops producing the necessary hormones in the required quantities.

Ultimately, this development of events is fraught with ovarian dysfunction, and, as a consequence, premature aging. For this reason important To determine “your” drug, you need to consult a specialist and conduct an examination, which involves performing the necessary tests.

If you start taking one or another uncontrollably oral contraceptive, then this can cause serious gynecological problems, including problems with conception.

If at this time it is determined that the body continues to function normally without taking medications, then you can return to their further use.

If you want to prolong youth

During the period of declining reproductive function, in order to prolong youth, some women also resort to hormone replacement therapy.

This method was especially popular in the USA and Great Britain in the sixties of the last century. But, at present, experts are skeptical about this method of prolonging youth, since, in their opinion, the use hormonal drugs can provoke the development of breast and ovarian cancer, and also promotes the process of blood clots.

At the same time, some researchers are inclined to believe that the entry of additional amounts of estrogens into female body is a good prevention of the development of osteoporosis, because this hormone prevents the leaching of calcium from the body. These arguments are put in opposition to those who argue that hormone therapy can cause more harm than good.

Nevertheless, if you, for whatever reason, decide to use hormonal therapy, first of all, clearly understand for yourself for what purpose you need it. So, for example, in the case of a complex course of menopause, accompanied by hot flashes, excessive sweating, emotional swings, taking medications of this kind is completely justified.

But if the motives are only to postpone impending old age indefinitely, then in this case it will be more effective and safer to visit a psychologist and conduct a course of psychotherapy.

And if, for one reason or another, you have to take hormonal drugs for a long time, then you must first undergo a full examination, which in the future must be repeated every six months. The total duration of hormone replacement therapy should not exceed three to five years.

So when hormonal treatment caution should still be exercised. Some gynecologists advise giving preference not to tablets, but to patches, suppositories, and gels, since these products contain fewer hormones.

For treatment wide range diseases, various hormonal drugs are very often used, which, in addition to high efficiency, have a number of side effects.

If used incorrectly, they can be very dangerous and can also aggravate the patient's condition.

Harm of hormonal drugs: truth or myth^

Hormones are products internal secretion, which are produced by special glands or individual cells, are released into the blood and spread throughout the body, causing a certain biological effect.

In a healthy person, hormones are continuously produced by the endocrine glands. If a malfunction occurs in the body, synthetic or natural analogues come to the rescue.

Why you shouldn’t be afraid of hormones: benefits and harms

Treatment with hormones has been used in medicine for more than a century, but people still treat it with fear and mistrust. Despite the fact that the use of drugs containing hormones can reverse the course of a serious illness and even save lives, many consider them harmful and dangerous.

Patients of endocrinologists are often panicky about the word “hormones” and unreasonably refuse to take hormonal medications, fearing side effects such as excess weight gain and hair growth on the face and body. Such side effects actually occurred during treatment with first-generation drugs, since they were of low quality and contained too much large doses hormones.

But all these problems are a thing of the past - pharmacological production does not stand still and is constantly developing and improving. Modern medicines are becoming better and safer.

Endocrinologists, in accordance with the test results, select the optimal dose and regimen for taking the hormonal drug, which imitates the function of the gland as in a healthy person. This allows you to achieve compensation for the disease, avoid complications and ensure wellness patient.

Today, hormonal preparations are produced, both natural (having a structure similar to natural hormones) and synthetic (having an artificial origin, but having a similar effect). Depending on their origin, they are divided into several types:

  • Animals (derived from their glands);
  • Vegetable;
  • Synthetic (similar in composition to natural ones);
  • Synthetic (not similar to natural ones).

Hormonal therapy has three directions:

  1. Stimulating - prescribed to activate the glands. Such treatment is always strictly limited in time or applied in intermittent courses.
  2. Blocking - necessary when the gland is too active or when unwanted tumors are detected. Most often used in conjunction with radiation or surgery.
  3. Replacement - required for diseases that inhibit the production of hormones. This type of treatment is often prescribed for life, as it does not affect the cause of the disease.

The most common misconceptions about hormone therapy

Truths and myths about the dangers of hormones

Myth-1: Hormonal drugs are prescribed only as contraceptives

In fact, these drugs effectively combat many pathologies: diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, skin diseases, infertility, cancer and other ailments.

Myth-2: If your health improves, you can stop taking hormones

This misconception is often countered long work doctors and provokes a rapid return of the disease. Any changes to the dosage schedule must be agreed with your doctor.

Myth-3: Hormone therapy is prescribed as last resort in the treatment of serious illnesses

In modern pharmacology, there are many drugs of similar composition to get rid of diseases that do not pose a threat to the patient’s life, for example, acne in teenagers or erectile dysfunction in men.

Myth-4: During pregnancy, taking any hormones is contraindicated.

In reality, expectant mothers are so medicines are prescribed quite often, and refusing them on your own can lead to serious consequences. For example, when carrying out tocolytic measures or with hypofunction of the thyroid gland (replacement therapy).

Myth-5: During replacement therapy, hormones accumulate in tissues

This opinion is also incorrect. A correctly calculated dosage does not allow an excess of these substances in the body. But in any case, they are easily destroyed and cannot remain in the blood for long.

Myth-6: Hormones can be replaced with other medications

If a deficiency of a certain hormone is diagnosed, then it is this hormone that needs to be taken to restore health. Some plant extracts have a similar effect, but they cannot fully replace endocrinological drugs. Moreover, their long-term exposure undesirable due to the risk of allergic reactions.

Myth-7: Hormones make you fat

Excessive fatness does not arise from hormones, but from hormonal imbalance and metabolic disorders, which result in nutrients begin to be absorbed by the body incorrectly.

Myth-8: In spring, the level of sex hormones increases

Human endocrine functions are subject to both seasonal and daily cycles. Some hormones are activated at night, others during the day, some during the cold season, others during the warm season.

According to scientists, the level of human sex hormones does not have seasonal fluctuations, however, with increasing daylight hours in the body, the production of GnRH, a hormone with an antidepressant effect, increases. It is he who can evoke feelings of love and euphoria.

Myth-9: Hormonal disbalance young people are not in danger

Violation hormonal balance in the body can occur at any age. There are various reasons: stress and excessive loads, past illnesses, unhealthy lifestyle, taking the wrong medications, genetic problems and much more.

Myth-10: Adrenaline is a “good” hormone, its sharp release benefits a person

Hormones cannot be good or bad - each is useful in its own time. The release of adrenaline really stimulates the body, allowing it to cope faster. stressful situation. However, the feeling of a surge of energy is replaced by a state nervous exhaustion and weaknesses, because adrenaline directly affects nervous system, sharply bringing it into combat readiness, which necessarily causes a “rollback” later.

Suffering and the cardiovascular system: blood pressure rises, pulse quickens, and there is a risk of vascular overload. That is why frequent stress, accompanied by an increase in adrenaline in the blood, can lead to a stroke or cardiac arrest.

What are the types of hormonal drugs?

According to the method of action, hormonal drugs are divided into:

  • Steroids: act on sex hormones and substances produced by the adrenal glands;
  • Amine: and adrenaline;
  • Peptides: insulin and oxytocin.

Steroid drugs are the most widely used in pharmacology: they are used to treat serious illnesses and HIV infections. They are also popular among bodybuilders: for example, Oxandrolone and Oxymethalone are most often used to give the body definition and burn subcutaneous fat, and Stanozolol and Methane are used to gain muscle mass.

In both cases healthy people the drugs cause irreparable harm, so it is not recommended to take them without indications. AAS are based on the hormone testosterone, and for women they are most dangerous: with long-term use, they may develop primary male sexual characteristics (virilization), and the most common side effect is infertility.

What side effects can occur from taking hormones?

Most often, side effects of hormonal drugs appear in the first two weeks after starting treatment in the form of the following ailments:

  • Dizziness and nausea;
  • Sweating;
  • Shortness of breath, lack of air;
  • Tides;
  • Candidiasis;
  • Drowsiness;
  • Deterioration of blood composition;
  • Virilization (when women take steroids);
  • Hypertension;
  • Intestinal dysfunction.

Very in rare cases Long-term use of “hormones” or their abuse can cause the development of cancer. To avoid this, you need to periodically undergo tests and do liver tests to monitor your health.

Side effects of hormonal drugs in women: what to watch out for ^

Side effects of hormonal contraceptives

When choosing hormonal method contraception, it is important to take into account all the features hormonal status women. Find out which hormone levels predominate in the body: estrogen or progesterone, whether there is hyperandrogenism ( higher level male sex hormones), which are accompanying illnesses etc..

This method of contraception is used by women quite often, because considered one of the most effective. In most cases negative reactions does not occur, but there are side effects of birth control pills that can occur with prolonged or incorrect reception in violation of instructions:

  • Arterial hypertension;
  • Anemia;
  • Acute renal failure;
  • Porphyria;
  • Hearing loss;
  • Thromboembolism.

Most popular birth control pills considered: Claira, Regulon, Jess, Tri-regol. On the contrary, Duphaston is most often used to treat infertility.

Microdosed hormone pills

Side effects of hormonal ointments

Most often, such ointments are used to treat skin diseases: dermatitis, vitiligo, psoriasis, lichen, as well as allergies with the manifestation external signs. What side effects may occur due to ointments:

  • Striae, acne;
  • Atrophy of the skin treated with the product;
  • Dilatation of blood vessels;
  • The appearance of spider veins;
  • Skin discoloration (temporary).

Prednisolone, which is available in the form of tablets or ointments, is considered the safest and most effective.

Hormonal drugs for menopause

Hormonal therapy during menopause helps improve lipid metabolism, soften hot flashes, reduce anxiety, increase libido and prevent the development of atherosclerosis, but should only be done under the supervision of a doctor. Which negative impacts may occur during self-treatment:

  • Sudden weight gain;
  • Fluid retention in the body, the appearance of edema;
  • Breast engorgement;
  • Severe headaches;
  • Stagnation of bile.

Hormonal drugs for bronchial asthma

Treatment of this disease hormones are prescribed in very rare cases for several reasons:

  • May appear hormonal dependence and withdrawal syndrome upon cessation of therapy;
  • Immunity is noticeably reduced;
  • Increased bone fragility;
  • The production of insulin and glucose is destabilized, which is fraught with the development of diabetes mellitus;
  • Concerned about hair loss;
  • Muscles weaken;
  • Intraocular pressure increases;
  • Fat metabolism is disrupted.

Of course, such a side effect does not always occur, but to avoid it, it is best to start treatment with weaker medications.

It is worth noting that almost all hormonal agents affect thyroid or adrenal hormones, so their use should be agreed with a specialist. In general, if you follow the dosage regimen side effect occurs very rarely, but such drugs without emergency are still not assigned.