Why is ethinyl estradiol prescribed? What is this hormone?

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 required quantities. Its deficiency and associated clinical manifestations require the appointment of hormone therapy.

Ethinyl estradiol - what kind of hormone is it? What effect do you expect when taking medications?

The hormone is used in cases of a lack of natural estradiol diagnosed by laboratory methods, which occurs when the sex glands are deficient. Synthetic drugs help to fill the deficit and ensure the consistency 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 to normalize the development of secondary sexual characteristics, if there is a delay in this process. Among the additional effects of drugs of this hormone - the delay of sodium, and with it and water, as well as a slight anabolic effect. In addition, there is a decrease in the level of cholesterol in the blood, which is the prevention of atherosclerotic lesions. Ethinyl estradiol promotes the absorption of calcium, resulting in the formation of calcium depots in the bones. For consultation, contact the Women's Health Center.

Among the indications for the use of such drugs are the following:

• Decreased function of the ovaries;
• Underdevelopment of secondary sexual characteristics;
• infertility;
• Hypogonadism;
• Secondary estrogen deficiency;
• Menopausal 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. The price of it (in the composition of drugs) is approximately 300-400 rubles.

When is ethinylestradiol contraindicated?

Preparations of this hormone should not be used in a number of pathologies. First of all, it is contraindicated in endometriosis, estrogen-dependent formations, vaginal bleeding, unspecified etiology. With admission, there is an increase in blood coagulability, so the hormone can not be administered to patients with thrombosis and thromboembolism, as well as certain diseases of the cardiovascular system. Among the contraindications are sickle cell anemia and hepatic insufficiency of a serious degree. Its use in pregnant and lactating women is not welcome.

Some pathologies allow the reception of a hormone, but the treatment should be strictly controlled by a doctor. Among these diseases - bronchial asthma, epilepsy, migraine, some renal pathologies and vascular disorders. With caution ethinyl estradiol is used for hypercalcemia and systemic pathologies such as lupus erythematosus and multiple sclerosis.

Application Features

Preparations of ethinylestradiol can be prescribed only by a specialist after a laboratory test that confirms the lack of estradiol. If there are other indications, it is also necessary to consult a doctor, since hormonal medications with incorrect admission can cause serious restructuring in the body. Dosage and duration of treatment depend on the clinical case, you can not independently prescribe drugs if you suspect any pathology: self-medication can end badly (it is better to visit the center of female health).

Therapy is performed taking into account drug interactions. It is able to reduce the effectiveness of certain drugs - anticoagulants and antihypertensive drugs. This should be taken into account when administering 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.

Adverse events

The drug causes a number of changes in the body, but with a properly controlled admission, they usually do not arise. Among them:

• Increase clotting of blood, which is fraught with the formation of thrombi;
• Headache and dizziness;
• Edema due to water retention, weight gain;
• Change in libido;
• Decreased glucose tolerance;
• Increased mammary glands;
• Hyperpigmentation of the skin.

«Femoden»

As active substances, it contains gestodene and ethinyl estradiol. Preparations ("Femoden" and analogues) are used mainly as contraceptives. They can also be prescribed for menstrual disorders and heavy bleeding. It helps to inhibit ovulation.

"Divigel"

The drug is a drug for external use, aimed at replenishing the deficiency of estradiol. It contains synthetic ethinyl estradiol. What kind of hormone is described above. After application, the gel gets partially into the systemic bloodstream, the rest accumulates in the subcutaneous tissue, after which it is also absorbed. The drug is applied transdermally, which helps to avoid the stage of hepatic metabolism. "Divigel" is prescribed as a substitute therapy. Effectively its use for the treatment of climacteric syndrome. The medicine has a large list of contraindications, so before using, you should consult your doctor. Among them are the same ones described above, and additionally - pituitary tumors, inflammatory processes in the genital organs, liver tumors, cerebral circulation pathologies, congenital hyperbilirubinemia, diabetes mellitus, retinopathy.

Drospirenone - ethinyl estradiol: combination

The first drug contains a spironolactone derivative, which provides for progestagen and antimineralocorticoid action. Combined drug can eliminate some of the side effects of synthetic sex hormones. With the delay of sodium and water, such symptoms as weight gain, the appearance of edema and the soreness of the mammary glands are associated. Increase the excretion of water and sodium ions, and therefore, and eliminate the characteristic clinical manifestations will help drospirenone. Ethinyl estradiol helps to eliminate the deficiency of natural estradiol.

Lack of sexual hormone leads to severe consequences for the woman's body. Synthetic analogues help to fill the gap. It allows to normalize the activity of the reproductive system precisely ethinyl estradiol. What is this hormone and how does it work? The answer is like natural estradiol. Before using the drugs of this group, a diagnostic test should be performed to determine the level of natural estradiol in the blood. If necessary, hormone therapy is prescribed, which should be controlled by a specialist.