Are hormonal drugs harmful to the body. Why are hormonal drugs dangerous for women? How to take birth control pills

Text: Evgeniya Bagma

Hormonal imbalance causes many problems in the body. And then hormonal therapy, which is widely used in medicine today, comes to the rescue. But at the same time, talk about the dangers of hormones for health does not stop. So what are hormones - panacea or harm?

The harm of hormones and their benefits

ABOUT the dangers of hormones first started talking in connection with hormone replacement therapy, which became widespread in the middle to the end of the last century, especially in the West. So, first of all, it began to be used to alleviate the symptoms of menopause, treat diseases such as dwarfism, hypothyroidism, Addison's disease, etc. Today, there are two opposing opinions: someone believes that hormone therapy is good for a person (especially for women) , others talk about the dangers of such and believe that such therapy can provoke many diseases, as well as obesity.

The last statement has a right to exist - it has already been established that hormones can increase the likelihood of breast cancer, increase the risk of thrombosis, etc. At the same time, medicine does not stand still, and hormonal drugs used several years ago differ from modern drugs - they are made using more advanced technologies, undergo a better degree of purification. Another example is hormonal therapy during menopause, which helps a woman to keep fit during this difficult period and not gain weight. On the one hand, hormones really cope with this task, but on the other hand, if a woman has already begun to recover, they can, on the contrary, only accelerate weight gain. As for the development of cancer cells, combined estrogen-gestagen preparations can cope with this side effect.

One of the reasons why some doctors are of the opinion about the harm of hormones is the ambiguity of the dosage. The level of certain hormones in the human body is not a constant value, since in the course of life and depending on various conditions, their content can fluctuate greatly. Therefore, treatment should be prescribed very carefully, taking into account individual characteristics, constantly monitoring the increase or decrease in hormone levels. But, often, neither patients nor doctors have the opportunity and time for such careful monitoring, therefore, in most cases, only average doses are prescribed, which can lead to excessive use of hormonal drugs, and the harm from such therapy will be unequivocal. At the same time, do not forget that our body is quite smart and is able to independently remove excesses of certain substances. But this happens only if all its internal systems work without failures, which, alas, is rarely to be expected. In addition, hormonal drugs can simply become addictive, and the endocrine glands simply become "lazy" to produce hormones on their own.

When is the risk of hormone harm justified?

Hormone therapy is perceived as an extreme, saving measure, used only when all other methods have failed, and the risk of complications or consequences of the disease is higher than the risk of complications from hormone treatment. It is very important that the medicines are correctly selected. The use of bioidentical hormones is recommended - they are a kind of "golden mean". As for hormonal contraceptives, they should also be selected individually, taking into account the characteristics of the woman, the state of her hormonal levels and under the supervision of her doctor. In diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract, gastritis and ulcers, hormonal patches or fast-absorbing tablets are recommended so that penetration into the stomach can be avoided. The risk of hormonal harm also greatly increases the indiscriminate and long-term use of drugs - usually a certain period is enough for the balance to return to normal. Continuous use of hormones is prescribed only if, for example, a woman has undergone an operation to remove an ovary.

The possible harm of hormones does not mean that they should be completely abandoned. They should simply be used only after consultation and under the supervision of a doctor, otherwise you may not only not help, but also greatly harm your body and worsen your health.

Instruction

Some people have a misconception about hormonal. For example, there is a widespread myth that these are only means. In reality, in the production of such drugs, various drugs are used. They affect not only the reproductive system, but also the immune, endocrine, nervous, etc. Another myth claims that hormonal agents are used for complex disorders in the body. This is wrong. In many cases, hormone therapy is prescribed by a doctor for mild illnesses, for example, to restore the functioning of the thyroid gland. In any case, before resorting to hormonal drugs, the doctor must conduct a thorough examination of the patient. Thus, following the recommendations of a specialist, you can avoid negative consequences.

To protect yourself and your loved ones from the negative effects of hormonal drugs, you must strictly follow the instructions that come with the drug. As a rule, such drugs are prescribed strictly by the hour. In some cases, the time of taking the hormonal agent is even clearly indicated, for example, from 6 to 8 in the morning. Reception of hormonal preparations cannot be interrupted and skipped.

As a rule, hormone therapy is long enough. At the same time, hormones are not addictive and do not accumulate in the body. A long-term effect is associated with a long-term effect.

Doctor's prescriptions are checked online and are often not followed up. Hormonal drugs are especially “disliked”: “Doctor, not hormones!” How dangerous are these drugs? Let's figure it out.

case from practice

Young woman, 8 weeks pregnant. Elevated pituitary thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. I inform the patient that she has hypothyroidism - a decrease in thyroid function. I prescribe treatment, explain: a hormonal drug is needed for the normal development of the fetus. The patient appears already before childbirth. TSH is still high. He doesn’t take the medicine - the mother-in-law forbade: “These are hormones!”.

A few years later we meet by chance on the street, she leads her son by the hand: “Hello, doctor, this is my Mitya.” Mitya has an absent look, he does not speak yet, he is noticeably behind in development from his peers. His mother has a pale, swollen face, her voice has become rough, low: it seems that hypothyroidism is progressing. The outcome could have been different. But the “iron” argument came out against the doctor’s prescriptions - “I don’t want to drink hormones!”.

Set in motion

Hormones are produced by special endocrine glands. "Hormone" is translated from Greek as "I set in motion, excite, induce." Hormones act distally, that is, at a distance from the gland where they were formed, their effects are diverse and unique.

When there are few or many

We have many different hormones, and their production is subject to strict laws. But in some diseases, the formation of hormones is disrupted.

Sometimes the work of the endocrine glands is reduced. If the correct diagnosis is not made in time and the correct treatment is not started, trouble will happen. And what is the correct treatment for a lack of a particular hormone? Of course, compensation for the missing factor. Here are some examples.

Type 1 diabetes A disease in which the hormone insulin stops being produced. Without it, glucose does not enter the cells and the energy necessary for the body is not formed from it. Thanks to insulin preparations, people with diabetes live a full life.

Hypothyroidism- decreased thyroid function - requires compensation for the deficiency of levothyroxine, a thyroid hormone. It is inactive, but, getting into cells, it turns into active triiodothyronine, which is in charge of protein biosynthesis.

hypogonadism- insufficiency of the function of the sex glands. It occurs in both men and women. The main symptom is infertility. Treatment with drugs of sex hormones can solve the problem.

It happens the other way around: too many hormones are produced. The cause may be an adenoma of the endocrine gland or the appearance of stimulating antibodies that make the gland work in the “pot, cook!” mode.

An excess of hormones is no less dangerous than a deficiency: "a flood is no better than a drought." It is treated with drugs that block the gland or by removing the "naughty" gland.

From allergies to sclerosis

All of the above applies to diseases of the endocrine system and the principles of their treatment. However, the use of hormones in medicine is much wider. So, drugs similar to the hormones of the adrenal cortex (glucocorticoids) treat autoimmune diseases: bronchial asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and others.

Glucocorticoids quickly improve the patient's condition. But they are prescribed, observing certain principles, so that the therapeutic effect is optimal, and side effects are unexpressed.

female hormone preparations(estrogens and progestins) are used as effective and safe contraceptives, as well as for the treatment of perimenopausal symptoms.

Male hormone preparations, anabolic steroids, are used in the treatment of dystrophic conditions. Alas, these drugs are sometimes abused by athletes to increase muscle mass, forgetting about possible complications: damage to the liver, heart, sexual function.

Do not forget: any medicine, if used incorrectly, can be harmful. Drugs, including hormonal ones, are prescribed by a doctor who, when planning treatment, takes into account many different factors: your gender, age, weight, concomitant diseases, bad habits and previous allergic reactions, heredity.

Hormonal drugs are a group of medicines that are used for hormone therapy. The effect of such drugs on the body has been studied well enough so that it does not cause concern.

Such a broad group as hormonal drugs includes the following categories of drugs:

• Contraceptives.
• Therapeutic (drugs whose action is aimed at curing a disease caused by a lack of a hormone).
• Regulatory (for example, to normalize the menstrual cycle).
• Maintenance (insulin for diabetics).

All drugs affect the body of men and women in different ways. It all depends on the general condition of the body, the presence of serious diseases and the state of the immune system.

Medications

This group is used for hormone therapy and is available in the form of tablets and ointments. Tablets treat serious diseases caused by deviations in the hormonal sphere, and ointments have a local effect.

In girls who lack hormone production, the skin suffers from cracks and wounds in the winter, as the synthesis of new cells is disrupted. To deal with such an annoyance. The doctor prescribes creams, ointments and lotions containing hormones. Usually corticosteroids are included in the ointment, which are absorbed into the blood after a few hours.

Such drugs can seriously affect the body. Therefore, it is important to maintain the dosage and, when prescribing, immediately determine the duration of the course, since one wrong step can lead to complications of existing problems.

Regulatory drugs

Due to the peculiarities of the lifestyle of a modern woman, deteriorating nutrition and polluted ecology, many of the fair sex are faced with menstrual irregularities. This can affect not only the sexual sphere of the body, but also the general condition of the body. Hormonal disorders can lead to the development of breast cancer, as well as infertility. The action of hormonal drugs can help solve problems.

However, before admission, it is necessary to conduct examinations and tests. First, a blood test is performed for certain substances. He will be able to identify the lack of certain hormones or their excess. Such tests are quite expensive, but in order to solve problems, it is necessary to start treatment in a timely manner. After detecting a deficiency or excess of hormones, regulation of their content begins. For this, courses of injections or tablets are prescribed. Properly selected oral contraceptives will help normalize the cycle without harm to health.

Any remedy containing hormones requires scrupulousness in determining the dosage, since it is quite simple to cross the line of the required dose. For example, excess progesterone can lead to hair loss, swelling and pain in the mammary glands.

Hormonal preparations can be made on the basis of hormones of natural origin or they are synthetically produced substances. In case of endocrine diseases, the course of hormonal therapy is aimed at normalizing the hormonal background and normalizing metabolic processes. Depending on the functional state of a particular gland, hormone therapy is conditionally divided into replacement, stimulating and blocking.

Negative effects of hormones

For the body of both men and women, the use of hormonal drugs can cause such unpleasant consequences as:

• osteoporosis and ulcers of the mucous membrane of the duodenum and the stomach itself when taking glucocorticoids;
• weight loss and cardiac arrhythmia when taking thyroid hormone preparations;
• too sharp a decrease in blood sugar when taking insulin.

The effect of hormonal ointments on the body

Preparations containing hormones for external use can vary greatly in the degree of impact on the body. Ointments and creams are considered the most powerful, gels and lotions contain lower concentrations. Hormonal ointments are used to treat skin diseases and allergic manifestations. Their action is aimed at eliminating the causes of inflammation and irritation on the skin.

However, if we compare ointments with tablets or injections, then their harm is minimal, since absorption into the blood occurs in small doses. In some cases, the use of ointments can lead to a decrease in the productivity of the adrenal glands, but after the end of the course of treatment, their functionality is restored on their own.

The effect of hormonal contraceptives on the body of a woman

Features of the influence of hormonal drugs on the human body are that many factors are perceived purely individually. The use of such drugs is not only an interference with natural physiological processes, but also an impact on the functioning of body systems during the day. Therefore, the decision to prescribe hormonal drugs can only be made by an experienced doctor based on the results of a comprehensive examination and analysis.

Hormonal contraceptives can be produced in various forms and dosages:

• combined;
• mini-drank;
• injections;
• plasters;
• subcutaneous implants;
• postcoidal drugs;
• hormone rings.

Combination preparations contain substances similar to female hormones produced by the ovaries. To be able to choose the optimal medicine, all groups of drugs can be monophasic, biphasic and triphasic. They differ in the proportions of hormones.

Knowing about the properties of gestagens and estrogens, certain mechanisms of action of oral contraceptives can be distinguished:

• decrease in the secretion of gonadotropic hormones due to the effects of progestogen;
• increased acidity of the vagina due to the influence of estrogens;
• increased viscosity of cervical mucus;
• in each instruction there is the phrase "implantation of the egg", which is a veiled abortive effect of drugs.

In the time that has passed since the appearance of the first oral contraceptives, the debate about the safety of the use of drugs does not subside, and research in this area continues.

What hormones are in contraceptives

Typically, hormonal contraceptives use progestogens, which are also called progestins and progestogens. These are hormones that are produced by the corpus luteum of the ovaries, in small amounts by the adrenal cortex, and during pregnancy by the placenta. The main gestagen is progesterone, which helps prepare the uterus in a state favorable for the development of a fertilized egg.

Another component of oral contraceptives is estrogen. Estrogens are female sex hormones produced by the ovarian follicles and the adrenal cortex. Estrogens include three main hormones: estradiol, estriol, and estrogen. These hormones are needed in contraceptives to normalize the menstrual cycle, but not to protect against unwanted conception.

Side effects of hormonal drugs

Each drug has a number of side effects that can occur when a decision is made to immediately stop the drug.

The most frequently recorded cases of side effects of hormonal drugs:

• Hemolytic-uremic syndrome. It is manifested by such disorders as anemia, thrombocytopenia and acute renal failure.
• Porphyria, which is a violation of the synthesis of hemoglobin.
• Hearing loss due to otosclerosis.

All manufacturers of hormonal drugs indicate thromboembolism as a side effect, which is extremely rare. This condition is a blockage of the vessel by a thrombus. If the side effects outweigh the benefits of the medication, it should be discontinued.

Side effects of oral contraceptives are:

• amenorrhea (absence of menstrual flow);
• headache;
• blurred vision;
• change in blood pressure;
• depression;
• weight gain;
• soreness in the mammary glands.

Studies on the side effects of oral contraceptives

In foreign countries, studies are constantly being conducted on the side effects of hormonal drugs on a woman's body, which revealed the following facts:

• Hormonal contraceptives are used by more than 100 million women in different countries.
• The number of deaths from venous and arterial diseases is fixed at 2 to 6 per million per year.
• The risk of venous thrombosis is important in younger women
• Arterial thrombosis is relevant for older women.
• Among female smokers taking OCs, the number of deaths is about 100 per million per year.

The effect of hormones on the male body

The male body is also seriously dependent on hormones. The male body also contains female hormones. Violation of the optimal balance of hormones leads to various diseases.

Excess or lack of estrogen leads to a decrease in testosterone production. This can cause problems:

• in the cardiovascular system;
• with memory;
• age-related gynecomastia;
• decrease in immunity.

If the balance of hormones is disturbed, a course of hormone therapy is necessary, which will help to avoid further deterioration in health.

Progesterone has a calming effect on the male nervous system and helps men suffering from premature ejaculation to solve sexual problems.

The normal content of estrogens in the male body has a number of useful properties:

• maintaining optimal levels of "good cholesterol";
• pronounced muscle growth;
• regulation of the nervous system;
• libido improvement.

With an excess of estrogen, it is noted:

• inhibition of testosterone production;
• body fat according to the female type;
• gynecomastia.
• Erectile dysfunction;
• decreased libido;
• depression.

Any of the symptoms is extremely unpleasant, so do not hesitate to visit the doctor. A competent specialist will be able to conduct a complete examination and prescribe a course of medications that will significantly improve the condition of the body.

Bibliography

1. Sudakov K.V., Normal Physiology. - M .: LLC "Medical Information Agency", 2006. - 920 p.;
2. Kolman Ya., Rem K. - G., Visual biochemistry // Hormones. Hormonal system. - 2000. - pp. 358-359, 368-375.
3. Berezov T.T., Korovkin B.F., Biological chemistry // Nomenclature and classification of hormones. - 1998. - pp. 250-251, 271-272.
4. Grebenshchikov Yu.B., Moshkovsky Yu.Sh., Bioorganic chemistry // Physical and chemical properties, structure and functional activity of insulin. - 1986. - p.296.
5. Orlov R. S., Normal physiology: textbook, 2nd ed., corrected. and additional - M.: GEOTAR-Media, 2010. - 832 p.;
6. Tepperman J., Tepperman H., Physiology of metabolism and the endocrine system. Introductory course. - Per. from English. - M.: Mir, 1989. - 656 p.; Physiology.

Many belong to hormone treatment with fear and distrust. It is believed that the consequence of such treatment may be excessive fullness. So what to be prepared for, what you need to know and what to fear if hormone treatment is prescribed?

What role do hormones play?

If the human body can be represented as a harmoniously playing orchestra, then hormones play the role of "conductors". Hormones are produced at the required intervals and in the right proportions. As a result, the body works well, and the person does not get sick. But, if the functioning of any gland is disturbed, then hormonal failure occurs in the body. To restore hormonal balance, hormonal treatment is prescribed.

Hormone treatment is prescribed for endocrine diseases, infertility in women and men, menopause, both female and male, osteoporosis, renal failure, psoriasis, bronchial asthma, coronary heart disease, skin diseases, acne. To prevent unwanted pregnancy, hormonal contraceptives are prescribed.

The action of hormones

When ingested, hormones are broken down into chemical compounds that act on certain organs. For example, hormonal contraceptives block the release of an egg from the ovaries, as a result, pregnancy does not occur.

Hormones in the body do not accumulate, but after about a day they are excreted. But, since they start a mechanism that continues to work even after removing them from the body. Therefore, in order to maintain the functioning of this mechanism, hormones must be taken regularly. Hormonal treatment can last several weeks, months and even years. In the latter case, the doctor prescribes breaks in treatment.

Do hormones cause cancer?

To date, it has already been proven that a high concentration of estrogen provokes the growth of breast tissue, and this can lead to. In men, especially if a man smokes, estrogen contributes to lung cancer.

During menopause, hormone therapy increases the risk of developing ovarian and breast cancer if taken for more than 10 years. 2-3 women per thousand fall into the risk zone.

Excess estrogen in men increases the risk of developing benign prostate enlargement, heart attack, and stroke.

How to take hormones

Before prescribing hormonal treatment, the doctor must conduct an examination, prescribe tests for the content of hormones in the body. He also assesses the state of the body as a whole, taking into account existing diseases. If the doctor boldly writes out a prescription without prescribing tests, beware.

At taking hormonal drugs strictly observe the dosage and frequency. To maintain the desired level of hormones in the blood, hormonal preparations are prescribed clearly by the hour, since after a certain time the effect of the drug ends, and it is necessary to take it again.

The instructions for hormonal preparations indicate the recommended time for taking them.

In order for the treatment to be effective, you should never skip taking the pills.

Consequences of hormonal treatment

At the same time, the reaction to taking hormones each person has an individual. But the most common consequences of taking hormonal drugs are: slight weight gain, active hair growth, skin rashes, dizziness, and digestive disorders. Taking male hormones can increase blood pressure and cause fluid retention in the body.
It is impossible to take hormonal drugs uncontrollably. For example, remedies for psoriasis and other skin diseases that relieve itching will not cure the underlying disease, but can cause addiction for life.

When not to be treated with hormones

Female homon estrogen should not be prescribed during pregnancy, malignant neoplasms, liver diseases.

You can not prescribe hormonal treatment to obese women, heavy smokers, people with vein diseases, fibroadenoma or cyst in the mammary gland, predisposition to trombones. If a breast tumor is suspected, hormones are urgently canceled. It is also impossible to take hormonal drugs after removal of the tumor.

If during the course of treatment an allergic reaction occurs, weight begins to rapidly gain, problems with blood vessels arise, hormonal treatment is stopped.

If during the course of treatment hormone therapy does not bring the desired result, the patient feels a deterioration in the condition, then the drug is changed or completely stopped. Do not expect relief immediately after giving up hormonal treatment, it will come after some time, when the mechanism launched by hormones ceases to operate.

Pros of Hormones

Local hormonal preparations (ointments, sprays, drops) quickly alleviate the condition and relieve symptoms.

Modern hormonal contraceptives not only protect against unwanted pregnancy, but also improve the skin, remove acne.

In men, hormone therapy facilitates the course of menopause, which occurs after 45 years. In men at this age, there is a decrease in the level of testosterone in the blood, which leads to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and coronary heart disease. A properly selected course of hormones will protect against the occurrence of these diseases, increase physical activity, sexual desire, relieve fatigue, irritability, which men suffer from during this period of life.

Do not be afraid hormonal treatment. Some diseases can only be treated with hormones. Be sure to undergo an examination before treatment, strictly adhere to the recommendations and in no case self-medicate. Then you will achieve recovery with minimal consequences.