Side effects are the flip side of any drug. Contraceptive pills also have their own characteristic "side effects", as evidenced by voluminous instructions for use. There is no need to be afraid of side effects! It is important to understand why they arise, and what measures a woman should take in a given situation. We will deal with this issue together with our wonderful consultant, Evgenia Konkova.
The side effects of birth control pills can be roughly divided into the following groups:
Side effects that disappear as you get used to the drug:
1. Nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain
Estrogen-dependent side effects that usually go away by the time you start the second pack of birth control pills. In such a situation, it is recommended to take the drug at night (not on an empty stomach), which will help to easily endure the habituation period or switch to a drug with a lower dose of estrogen.
3. Engorgement, breast tenderness
An estrogen-dependent side effect that occurs in the first 3-6 months of taking any birth control pill. It passes on its own, no treatment is required. Sometimes the doctor may recommend applying Progestogel gel to the breast area.
4. Changes in mood (tearfulness, depression, irritability)
The gestagenic component of the birth control pill alters the metabolism of tryptophan * in the body. In this regard, emotional, hypersensitive representatives of the fair sex during the adaptation period may feel a desire to cry, or vice versa, bouts of aggression and irritability.
* Tryptophan is an amino acid that is used by the brain along with vitamin B6, niacin, and magnesium to produce serotonin (the mood hormone).
If, after the adaptation period (about 3 months), the mood does not even out, then this is a reason to consult a doctor and pick up contraceptive pills with a different progestogen in the composition. If the replacement of the drug is not desirable due to the loss of the therapeutic effect, then an additional intake of vitamin B6 is required.
But sometimes it is difficult to determine the true causes of depression. These difficulties are due to the fact that, in our time, generous with stress, a woman may be in a state of "latent, asymptomatic depression" even before the appointment of hormonal drugs. Thus, with the start of taking contraceptives (especially when the instructions for them indicate that depression and mood disturbances can be possible side effects), the course of an already existing disease worsens. Consequently, we are dealing with a psychological factor that provokes the manifestation of symptoms of depression, not associated with hormonal changes.
5. Minor hair loss
This side effect is caused by hormonal changes in the body of a woman who is taking birth control pills. Sometimes there may be diffuse (even over the entire head) hair loss. Minor hair loss shouldn't be a concern. Without canceling the OK reception, you should consult a doctor in order to exclude the most common causes of hair loss: iron deficiency in the body, zinc deficiency, thyroid dysfunction, diseases of the nervous system.
ATTENTION!!!
If hair falls out in large quantities, you need to consult a doctor and decide on a replacement drug. In such a situation, it is usually advisable to switch to the antiandrogenic birth control pill.
6. Headache
If this side effect occurs, expectant management is recommended. If the headaches do not go away after the adaptation period (3-4 months), but rather intensify and significantly worsen the quality of life, you should consult a doctor and choose a drug with another progestogen.
7. Acne (pimples), oily skin
In the first months of taking contraceptive pills with an antiandrogenic (medical and cosmetic) effect, there may be a deterioration in the condition of the skin, acne rash. In this case, you need to be patient and wait for the end of the adaptation period. After 3-4 months, the antiandrogenic drug will "teach" the body to work properly and the skin will be cleansed. However, recent studies have shown that contraceptive pills do not have the expected effect with respect to hirsutism (excessive hair growth).
8. Pain in the muscles of the legs
The estrogens contained in birth control pills increase the concentration of Ca2 + in the blood plasma. A temporary change in the metabolism of minerals in the blood can cause pain in the muscles and joints of the legs. Women describe these pains as "aching, chewing, twisting." Usually, the pain disappears by the end of the second pack. You can help yourself cope with this temporary side effect by massaging your calf muscles with warming ointments.
There are also certain conditions associated with the use of contraceptives, which are not pathological and do not require discontinuation / replacement of the drug, but they are considered to be side effects:
Amenorrhea (absence of menstruation)
The absence of a menstrual reaction during the seven-day break between packages can occur while taking any contraceptive pill, but most often this phenomenon is observed when taking drugs containing dienogest. This progestogen reduces the proliferation (growth and thickening) of the endometrium, preventing it from growing thick enough for heavy menstruation.
That is why menstruation while taking birth control pills is less abundant, and in some cycles it may be absent altogether, which is a variant of the norm. If all the tablets from the package were taken without gaps, and the pregnancy test was negative during the seven-day break, then the woman should calmly continue taking the drug further according to the scheme.
Weight gain
Detailed information on this unpleasant side effect can be found in the article "".
Side effects requiring replacement of the drug:
If the following side effects occur, you must definitely contact your gynecologist and decide on replacing the drug:
- Bloody discharge (bleeding) or breakthrough bleeding that continues after the end of the adaptation period, i.e. after 3-4 months of admission.
- Frequent headaches, dramatically impairing the quality of life, and requiring constant pain medication.
- Recurrent vaginal candidiasis (thrush), which manifested itself for the first time with the start of taking contraceptive pills and stubbornly refrains from traditional treatment with antifungal drugs.
- Fluid retention in the body (severe edema).
- A sharp decrease in libido (sex drive) and dryness of the vaginal mucosa.
- Severe hair loss.
Side effects requiring immediate discontinuation of the drug:
If the following side effects occur, the drug should be discontinued, immediately consult a doctor and conduct an additional examination.
- Sharp pain, tightness or tightness in the chest; difficulty breathing or rapid breathing; sudden shortness of breath.
- Sudden, severe headache for no apparent reason; fainting.
- Significant increase in blood pressure.
- Sudden change in vision, hearing, or speech.
- Severe forms of depression.
- The onset of persistent itching of the skin.
Also, taking contraceptive pills must be stopped 3 months before the planned pregnancy, and approximately 6 weeks before the planned surgical intervention, with prolonged immobilization.
If liver dysfunction occurs, it may be necessary to temporarily discontinue the drug until laboratory parameters are normalized.
- See also
ATTENTION!!!
In conclusion, most importantly, you should always adequately assess the benefits of taking birth control pills and the potential risk of harm to health. Many years of experience have shown that, with patience, you can choose the only drug that will be ideal.
From previous publications, we know about the abortive effect of hormonal contraceptives (GC, OC). Recently, in the media, you can find reviews of women affected by the side effects of OK, we will give a couple of them at the end of the article. To illuminate this issue, we turned to the doctor who prepared this information for the ABC of Health, and also translated for us fragments of articles with foreign studies of side effects of HA.
Side effects of hormonal contraceptives.
The actions of hormonal contraceptives, like other drugs, are determined by the properties of the substances they contain. Most birth control pills prescribed for routine contraception contain 2 types of hormones: one progestogen and one estrogen.
Gestagens
Gestagens \u003d progestogens \u003d progestins- hormones that are produced by the corpus luteum of the ovaries (formation on the surface of the ovaries that appears after ovulation - the release of the egg), in small quantities - by the adrenal cortex, and during pregnancy - by the placenta. The main gestagen is progesterone.
The name of the hormones reflects their main function - "pro gestation" \u003d "to [maintain] pregnancy" by restructuring the endothelium of the uterus in a state necessary for the development of a fertilized egg. The physiological effects of gestagens are grouped into three main groups.
- Vegetative effect. It is expressed in the suppression of the proliferation of the endometrium, caused by the action of estrogens, and its secretory transformation, which is very important for a normal menstrual cycle. When pregnancy occurs, gestagens suppress ovulation, lower the tone of the uterus, reducing its excitability and contractility ("protector" of pregnancy). Progestins are responsible for the "maturation" of the mammary glands.
- Generative action. In small doses, progestins increase the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which is responsible for ovarian follicular maturation and ovulation. In high doses, gestagens block both FSH and LH (luteinizing hormone, which is involved in the synthesis of androgens, and together with FSH provides ovulation and progesterone synthesis). Gestagens affect the center of thermoregulation, which is manifested by an increase in temperature.
- General action. Under the influence of gestagens, amine nitrogen in the blood plasma decreases, the excretion of amino acids increases, the secretion of gastric juice increases, and the secretion of bile slows down.
Oral contraceptives contain various gestagens. For a while, it was believed that there was no difference between progestins, but it is now known for sure that the difference in molecular structure provides a variety of effects. In other words, progestogens differ in spectrum and in the severity of additional properties, but the 3 groups of physiological effects described above are inherent in all of them. The characteristics of modern progestins are shown in the table.
Pronounced or very pronounced gestagenic effect is inherent in all progestogens. The gestagenic effect refers to the main groups of properties that were mentioned earlier.
Androgenic activity not characteristic of many drugs, its result is a decrease in the amount of "good" cholesterol (HDL cholesterol) and an increase in the concentration of "bad" cholesterol (LDL cholesterol). As a result, the risk of developing atherosclerosis increases. In addition, virilization symptoms (male secondary sexual characteristics) appear.
Explicit antiandrogenic effect only three drugs have. This effect has a positive meaning - improving the condition of the skin (cosmetic side of the issue).
Antimineralocorticoid activity associated with an increase in urine output, sodium excretion, and a decrease in blood pressure.
Glucocorticoid effect affects the metabolism: there is a decrease in the body's sensitivity to insulin (the risk of diabetes mellitus), the synthesis of fatty acids and triglycerides increases (the risk of obesity).
Estrogens
Another ingredient in birth control pills is estrogen.
Estrogens - female sex hormones, which are produced by ovarian follicles and the adrenal cortex (and in men, also by the testes). There are three main estrogens: estradiol, estriol, estrone.
Physiological effects of estrogen:
- proliferation (growth) of the endometrium and myometrium by the type of their hyperplasia and hypertrophy;
- development of genitals and secondary sexual characteristics (feminization);
- suppression of lactation;
- oppression of resorption (destruction, resorption) of bone tissue;
- procoagulant effect (increased blood clotting);
- increasing the content of HDL ("good" cholesterol) and triglycerides, reducing the amount of LDL ("bad" cholesterol);
- sodium and water retention in the body (and, as a result, an increase in blood pressure);
- providing the acidic environment of the vagina (normal pH 3.8-4.5) and the growth of lactobacilli;
- strengthening the production of antibodies and the activity of phagocytes, increasing the body's resistance to infections.
Estrogens in oral contraceptives are needed to control the menstrual cycle; they do not take part in protecting against unwanted pregnancy. Ethinyl estradiol (EE) is the most common form of tablets.
Mechanisms of action of oral contraceptives
So, given the main properties of gestagens and estrogens, the following mechanisms of action of oral contraceptives can be distinguished:
1) inhibition of the secretion of gonadotropic homones (due to gestagens);
2) a change in the pH of the vagina to a more acidic side (the effect of estrogen);
3) increased viscosity of cervical mucus (gestagens);
4) the phrase "egg implantation" used in instructions and manuals, which hides from women the abortive effect of HA.
Gynecologist's comment on the abortive mechanism of action of hormonal contraceptives
When implanted into the wall of the uterus, the embryo is a multicellular organism (blastocyst). An egg (even a fertilized one) is never implanted. Implantation takes place 5-7 days after fertilization. Therefore, what is called an egg in the instructions is actually not an egg at all, but an embryo.
Unwanted estrogen ...
In the course of a thorough study of hormonal contraceptives and their effect on the body, it was concluded that undesirable effects are associated to a greater extent with the influence of estrogens. Therefore, the less the amount of estrogen in the pill, the fewer side effects, but it is not possible to completely eliminate them. It was these conclusions that pushed scientists to the invention of new, more advanced drugs, and to replace oral contraceptives, in which the amount of the estrogen component was measured in milligrams, came pills with estrogen content in micrograms ( 1 milligram [ mg] \u003d 1000 micrograms [ mcg]). There are currently 3 generations of birth control pills available. The division into generations is due to both a change in the amount of estrogens in the preparations and the introduction of newer progesterone analogues into the tablets.
The first generation of contraceptives includes "Enovid", "Infecundin", "Bisekurin". These drugs have been widely used since their discovery, but later their androgenic effects were noticed, manifested in coarsening of the voice, growth of facial hair (virilization).
The second generation drugs include "Microgenon", "Rigevidon", "Trigol", "Triziston" and others.
The most commonly used and widespread drugs are the third generation: "Logest", "Merisilon", "Regulon", "Novinet", "Diane-35", "Zhanin", "Yarina" and others. A significant advantage of these drugs is their antiandrogenic activity, which is most pronounced in Diane-35.
The study of the properties of estrogens and the conclusion that they are the main source of side effects from the use of hormonal contraceptives led scientists to the idea of \u200b\u200bcreating drugs with an optimal reduction in the dose of estrogen in them. It is impossible to completely remove estrogens from the composition, since they play an important role in maintaining a normal menstrual cycle.
In this regard, the division of hormonal contraceptives into high-, low- and micro-dosage drugs has appeared.
High-dose (EE \u003d 40-50 μg per tablet).
- "Non-ovlon"
- Ovidon and others
- Not used for contraceptive purposes.
Low-dose (EE \u003d 30-35 mcg per tablet).
- "Marvelon"
- "Janine"
- "Yarina"
- "Femoden"
- "Diane-35" and others
Microdose (EE \u003d 20 μg per tablet)
- "Logest"
- Mercilon
- "Novinet"
- "Minisiston 20 Fem" "Jess" and others
Side effects of hormonal contraceptives
Side effects from the use of oral contraceptives are always detailed in the instructions for use.
Since the side effects from the use of various contraceptive pills are about the same, it makes sense to consider them, highlighting the main (severe) and less severe.
Some manufacturers list conditions that should be stopped immediately if they occur. These conditions include the following:
- Arterial hypertension.
- Hemolytic uremic syndrome, manifested by a triad of symptoms: acute renal failure, hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia (decreased platelet count).
- Porphyria is a disease in which hemoglobin synthesis is disrupted.
- Hearing loss due to otosclerosis (fixation of the ossicles, which should normally be mobile).
Almost all manufacturers refer to thromboembolism as rare or very rare side effects. But this grave condition deserves special attention.
Thromboembolism is a blockage of a blood vessel by a thrombus. This is an acutely emerging condition that requires qualified assistance. Thromboembolism cannot occur out of the blue, it requires special "conditions" - risk factors or existing vascular diseases.
Risk factors for thrombosis (the formation of blood clots inside the vessels - thrombi - interfering with the free, laminar blood flow):
- age over 35;
- smoking (!);
- high level of estrogen in the blood (which occurs when taking oral contraceptives);
- increased blood clotting, which is observed with a deficiency of antithrombin III, proteins C and S, dysfibrinogenemia, Markiafava-Micelli disease;
- trauma and extensive operations in the past;
- venous congestion with a sedentary lifestyle;
- obesity;
- varicose veins of the legs;
- lesions of the valve apparatus of the heart;
- atrial fibrillation, angina pectoris;
- diseases of the cerebral vessels (including transient ischemic attack) or coronary vessels;
- arterial hypertension of moderate or severe degree;
- connective tissue diseases (collagenosis), and primarily systemic lupus erythematosus;
- hereditary predisposition to thrombosis (thrombosis, myocardial infarction, impaired cerebral circulation in close blood relatives).
When these risk factors are present, a woman who is taking hormonal birth control pills has a significantly increased risk of developing thromboembolism. The risk of thromboembolism increases with thrombosis of any localization, both present and past; with myocardial infarction and stroke.
Thromboembolism, whatever localization it may be, is a serious complication.
| … Coronary vessels → | myocardial infarction | |
| … Cerebral vessels → | stroke | |
| … Deep veins of the legs → | trophic ulcers and gangrene | |
| ... pulmonary artery (PE) or its branches → | from lung infarction to shock | |
| Thromboembolism ... | ... hepatic vessels → | liver dysfunction, Budd-Chiari syndrome |
| ... mesenteric vessels → | ischemic bowel disease, intestinal gangrene | |
| ... renal vessels | ||
| ... retinal vessels (retinal vessels) |
In addition to thromboembolism, there are other, less severe, but still uncomfortable side effects. For example, candidiasis (thrush)... Hormonal contraceptives increase the acidity of the vagina, and fungi thrive in an acidic environment, in particular Candidaalbicans, which is a conditionally pathogenic microorganism.
A significant side effect is sodium retention, and with it water, in the body. This can lead to edema and weight gain... Reduced carbohydrate tolerance, as a side effect of hormone pills, increases the risk of diabetes mellitus.
Other side effects, such as decreased mood, mood swings, increased appetite, nausea, upset stools, fatigue, swelling and soreness of the mammary glands and some others, although not severe, however, affect the quality of life of a woman.
In the instructions for the use of hormonal contraceptives, in addition to side effects, contraindications are listed.
Contraceptives without estrogen
Exist gestagenic contraceptives ("Mini-drank")... In their composition, judging by the name, only progestogen. But this group of drugs has its own indications:
- contraception for lactating women (they should not be prescribed estrogen-progestogen drugs, because estrogen suppresses lactation);
- prescribed for women giving birth (since the main mechanism of action of "mini-pili" is suppression of ovulation, which is undesirable for nulliparous);
- in late reproductive age;
- if there are contraindications to the use of estrogens.
In addition, these drugs also have side effects and contraindications.
Particular attention should be paid to “ emergency contraception "... These drugs contain either a gestagen (Levonorgestrel) or an antiprogestin (Mifepristone) in a large dose. The main mechanisms of action of these drugs are inhibition of ovulation, thickening of cervical mucus, acceleration of desquamation (desquamation) of the functional layer of the endometrium in order to prevent the attachment of a fertilized egg. And Mifepristone has an additional effect - increasing the tone of the uterus. Therefore, a single use of a large dose of these drugs has a very strong one-time effect on the ovaries, after taking the pills for emergency contraception, there can be serious and prolonged menstrual irregularities. Women who regularly use these drugs are at great risk to their health.
Foreign studies of side effects of GC
Interesting studies on the side effects of hormonal contraceptives have been carried out in foreign countries. Below are excerpts from several reviews (translated by the author of the article fragments of foreign articles)
Oral contraceptives and the risk of venous thrombosis
May 2001
CONCLUSIONS
Hormonal contraception is used by over 100 million women worldwide. The number of deaths from cardiovascular diseases (venous and arterial) among young, low-risk patients - nonsmoking women from 20 to 24 years of age - is observed worldwide in the range from 2 to 6 per year per one million, depending on the region of residence, assumed cardiovascular -vascular risk and the volume of screening studies that were carried out before prescribing contraceptives. While the risk of venous thrombosis is more important in younger patients, the risk of arterial thrombosis is more relevant in older patients. Among older women who smoke using oral contraceptives, the number of deaths ranges from 100 to just over 200 per million each year.
Reducing the estrogen dose decreased the risk of venous thrombosis. Third-generation progestins in combined oral contraceptives have increased the incidence of adverse hemolytic changes and the risk of thrombus formation, so they should not be prescribed as first-choice drugs for newcomers to hormonal contraception.
Reasonable use of hormonal contraceptives, including avoidance of their use by women who have risk factors, in most cases is absent. In New Zealand, a series of deaths from PE was investigated, and often the cause was an unreported risk.
Reasonable prescribing can prevent arterial thrombosis. Almost all women who had myocardial infarction while using oral contraceptives were either of the older age group, smoked, or had other risk factors for arterial diseases - in particular, arterial hypertension. Avoiding the use of oral contraceptives in such women can lead to a decrease in the incidence of arterial thrombosis, as reported by recent studies in industrialized countries. The beneficial effect that third-generation oral contraceptives have on the lipid profile and their role in reducing the number of heart attacks and strokes has not yet been confirmed by controlled studies.
To avoid venous thrombosis, the doctor asks if the patient has ever had a venous thrombosis in the past to determine if there are contraindications to oral contraceptive use and what the risk of thrombosis is while taking hormonal drugs.
Non-dosed progestogenic oral contraceptives (first or second generation) were associated with a lower risk of venous thrombosis than combination drugs; however, the risk in women with a history of thrombosis is not known.
Obesity is considered a risk factor for venous thrombosis, but it is not known whether this risk is increased with oral contraceptive use; thrombosis is rare among obese people. Obesity, however, is not considered a contraindication to the use of oral contraceptives. Superficial varicose veins are not a consequence of pre-existing venous thrombosis or a risk factor for deep venous thrombosis.
Heredity may play a role in the development of venous thrombosis, but its sensitivity as a high risk factor remains unclear. A history of superficial thrombophlebitis can also be considered a risk factor for thrombosis, especially if it is combined with a burdened heredity.
Venous thromboembolism and hormonal contraception
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, UK
July 2010
Do combined hormonal contraception methods (pills, patch, vaginal ring) increase the risk of venous thromboembolism?
The relative risk of venous thromboembolism is increased with the use of any combined hormonal contraceptive (pill, patch, and vaginal ring). However, the rarity of venous thromboembolism in women of reproductive age means that the absolute risk remains low.
The relative risk of venous thromboembolism increases in the first few months after starting the use of combined hormonal contraception. As the duration of the use of hormonal contraceptives increases, the risk decreases, but as a background it remains until the termination of the use of hormonal drugs.
In this table, the researchers compared the incidence of venous thromboembolism per year in different groups of women (per 100,000 women). It is clear from the table that in non-pregnant women (non-pregnantnon-users), an average of 44 (with a range from 24 to 73) cases of thromboembolism per 100,000 women is registered per year.
Drospirenone-containingCOCusers - users of drospirenone-containing COCs.
Levonorgestrel-containingCOCusers - using levonorgestrel-containing COCs.
Other COCs not specified - other COCs.
Pregnantnon-users - pregnant women.
Strokes and heart attacks when using hormonal contraception
New England Journal of Medicine
Massachusetts Medical Society, USA
June 2012
CONCLUSIONS
Despite the fact that the absolute risks of stroke and heart attack associated with the use of hormonal contraceptives are low, the risk was increased from 0.9 to 1.7 when using drugs containing ethinyl estradiol at a dose of 20 μg and from 1.2 to 2.3 - with the use of drugs containing ethinylestradiol at a dose of 30-40 mcg, with a relatively small difference in risk depending on the type of progestogen included in the composition.
Risk of thrombosis of oral contraception
WoltersKluwerHealth is a leading provider of qualified health information.
HenneloreRott - German doctor
August 2012
CONCLUSIONS
Different combined oral contraceptives (COCs) have different risks of venous thromboembolism, but the same unsafe use.
COCs with levonorgestrel or norethisterone (called second generation) should be the drugs of choice, as recommended by the national contraceptive guidelines in the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Norway and the United Kingdom. Other European countries do not have such guidelines, but they are badly needed.
For women with a history of venous thromboembolism and / or with known defects in the blood coagulation system, the use of COCs and other contraceptive drugs with ethinyl estradiol is contraindicated. On the other hand, the risk of venous thromboembolism during pregnancy and the puerperium is much higher. For this reason, such women should be offered adequate contraception.
There is no reason to abstain from hormonal contraception in young women with thrombophilia. Pure progesterone drugs are safe in relation to the risk of venous thromboembolism.
The risk of venous thromboembolism among those using drospirenone-containing oral contraceptives
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
November 2012
CONCLUSIONS
The risk of venous thromboembolism is increased among those using oral contraceptives (3-9 / 10,000 women per year) compared with non-pregnant women who do not use these drugs (1-5 / 10,000 women per year). There is evidence that drospirenone-containing oral contraceptives have a higher risk (10.22 / 10.000) than drugs containing other progestins. However, the risk is still low and much lower than during pregnancy (about 5-20 / 10.000 women per year) and in the postnatal period (40-65 / 10.000 women per year) (see table).
Tab. Thromboembolism risk. 
Patients rarely tell gynecologists about attacks of fear, depression while taking hormonal contraceptives. Women are shy and do not take seriously the changes in the mental sphere of their body, therefore they do not share with doctors.
However, with the advent of psychologists in antenatal clinics, more and more reports of so-called panic attacks began to appear.
REFERENCE:
Panic attacks are sudden and recurring bouts of intense fear. These attacks are accompanied by all the changes in the state of health characteristic of anxiety - sweating, increased heart rate and breathing, pallor, etc. Usually, such an attack lasts less than an hour, occurs 2-3 times a week. Such seizures can occur in various situations, but in most patients, seizures occur in public transport, crowded places, and confined spaces. At the same time, there are no apparent reasons for alarm - i.e. the life and health of the patient and his loved ones is not directly threatened.Seizures arise "like a bolt from the blue."
There are also quite a few messages in the professional literature on this topic:
“A 27-year-old woman experienced a sense of unreality and fear after taking hormonal contraceptives. After she stopped taking the drug, she started having panic attacks, ”according to the Scandinavian journal of obstetrics and gynecology, Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand (1992 Jan; 71 (1): 78-80).
In the instructions for hormonal contraceptives (for example, Rigevidon), mental disorders are sometimes indicated as side effects. These are usually depression and anxiety disorders. Anxiety attacks or panic attacks are not always listed separately, because they are often reduced to simply anxiety disorders. Although they deserve special attention and can greatly ruin the life of a woman using contraceptives.
“According to research carried out by the Royal Society of General Practitioners, women taking hormonal contraception have an increased risk of mental illness, neurotic depression (10-40%), psychosis, and suicide. Aggressiveness increases, changes in mood and behavior are noted. It is possible that this factor has a significant impact on the life of the family and society.
"The use of hormonal drugs leads to mental disorders, in particular, the level of endogenous depression doubles, and libido also decreases, up to a complete loss." Many studies have revealed the pharmacological effects of estrogens and progesterone derivatives in the brain, the effect on the activity of the central nervous system due to the specific action on neurotransmitters.
If we take into account that women's mood is influenced even by the normally observed fluctuations in the levels of endogenous hormones during the menstrual cycle (for example, according to data from France and England, 85% of crimes committed by women occur in their premenstrual period), it becomes clear why when taking HA aggressiveness and depression increase by 10-40% ”.
(Boyko, N.N., obstetrician-gynecologist, "Hormonal contraception and women's health", http://plodnost.narod.ru/hc.htm)
“Estrogens can disrupt the exchange of one of the amino acids and vitamin B6. This affects the central nervous system and can cause irritability and depression, sometimes very severe. "
Effects of hormonal contraception on female libido
Under the influence of contraception, the level of the hormone testosterone, which is responsible for sexuality, is significantly reduced. Women taking hormonal contraceptives often complain of lack of desire, lack of sex drive, and difficulty in getting an orgasm.
It is known that with prolonged use of hormonal contraceptives, irreversible changes in the field of sexuality and libido can occur.
By blocking testosterone in very young girls using contraceptives, there is sexual coldness, often anorgasmia.
20 years old, student.
For health reasons, she was forced to take hormonal pills for almost a year. During the reception, a lot of troubles appeared: anxiety, suspiciousness, excessive nervousness, emotionality. At first she did not pay attention to it, attributed it to possible side effects, at first did not tell the doctor.
It has been more than two weeks since the pills have been canceled, but everything continues. Lately, like two months, even now, after the cancellation, it is getting worse every day. I can not stop. I can't help myself, I roar like a little girl. And over such trifles that I would laugh, but I cannot.
The main question: is it worth contacting a specialist or wait until the effect of the pills completely disappears and the hormonal system is restored? If you turn to a specialist of what kind?
What was and remains:
I don’t realize where I am and who I am, I don’t understand that the actions performed by me were reproduced by me.
I don't feel the time. I am not aware of my own age, season (sometimes for this I need to look out the window and remember the month), how much time has passed.
Constantly tense, but at the same time passive. At the same time, my head is empty, I can not concentrate on anything. I can’t finish reading the book, lately I’ve only reread it, because otherwise I don’t keep up with the plot. This is especially acute against the background of the fact that earlier it was easy to read two or three books at once and read in a week without getting confused in the head.
The head just doesn't work well. Peak - I couldn't even read the problem for the second grade, I understood its meaning only after the sixth reading, and what action needs to be performed to solve it - after two more. My head is just empty, I turn my thoughts, as if it were barely wetted clay.
I always want to sleep. More precisely, the only state suitable for me is lying in bed under the covers. I don't want to do anything. For six months I came home from school, took out a blanket and a pillow and just went to bed, although I had a good night's sleep. Or I can just lie there without moving.
Nervousness. In the last six months, she cried more than in her entire adult life. Previously, I could barely cry twice a year, there were never hysterics, but now they are all the time and out of the blue. Recently, I burst into tears after dropping a fork. Previously, she was like an impenetrable armored train, which she was proud of: she was calm for the most difficult exams, she also took the troubles for granted and looked for a way out of the problem, and did not talk it over. Now I just sit and do nothing.
They are haunted by thoughts that I am useless, that I do not have enough brains for further training. Just because the thoughts are confused or not. Which is especially offensive after my friend and I were the best students on the course in the first years. Now it's a shame to be around her.
And memory problems. Huge. I can easily remember huge poems, but it is difficult to remember what happened in the morning or what I need to do, or what I did a minute ago and why I came to this room. It takes a long time to restore actions from memory. It's almost impossible to remember what I was told yesterday.
I eat a lot. But if before I ate because of the taste, just to feel something pleasant, now even the taste has become insipid. The most favorite products now cause only bouts of nostalgia, but they just do not bring the expected, that very taste. But I still eat a lot and constantly, although I don't feel hungry.
Some of the above was some time before the pills, but not so much.
Hormonal drugs are rightfully considered the most reliable method of preventing pregnancy. A huge number of women trust this type of contraception. But at the same time there are constant debates about whether they are harmful or useful, what are their pros and cons. Many women report that they become depressed from the contraceptive pill. Let's try to understand this in more detail.
Depression is a pathological condition in which not only a decrease in mood is noted, but also the ability to rejoice is lost. It is characterized by anhedonia, apathy and motor retardation. This is a very formidable pathology that requires compulsory treatment.
Why is there depression when taking contraceptives?
Contraceptive medications contain either one or two hormones. It is usually a combination of estrogen and progesterone. However, there are medicines that contain only one progesterone - mini-drank. It is the latter substance that can provoke the onset of a depressive state in a woman.
Usually, the depression from combined contraceptive drugs does not occur. However, if a woman already had a manifestation of a depressive state before using the drug, then its course may worsen in the future. However, this side effect is extremely rare.
Contraceptive Pill Depression - Major Symptoms
If you experience mood swings, you cannot control yourself, you do not want to work and you constantly feel tired - these are all signs of a depressive syndrome. Often it is not associated with the use of a contraceptive. However, the possibility that the disorder is caused by progesterone should not be ruled out. Hormonal drugs can cause a lack of vitamin B6, which also negatively affects the psycho-emotional state of a woman.
What to do if depressive syndrome develops while taking a contraceptive?
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If the symptoms are pronounced, then the help of a psychotherapist is required to correct the woman's condition. If there is depression from contraception, then you should stop taking them. A gynecologist can offer another way to prevent unwanted pregnancy - the introduction of an IUD or a barrier method (condoms, spermicides). If the symptoms are not pronounced and do not cause any particular inconvenience to the woman, then you should dwell on combined type contraceptives, in which the content of progesterone is much less.
To prevent the onset of depressive syndrome, it is recommended to take daily a complex of B vitamins.
Hormone-based contraceptives affect the female body in completely different ways. In order to detect all the undesirable effects of such drugs, it is necessary to consult your doctor twice a year.
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Reviews and comments
Andrei - 27 Feb 2018, 20:26
Katya, don't say "don't blame everything on pills." You reason in a strange way, you remembered that you had such a depressed state before, and everything went away. This means that you have not encountered hormonal depression, you cannot wish this to the enemy, you went through it yourself. Above, Love absolutely accurately painted. And many scientists have long proven that OCs cause depression and changes in the brain.
Dasha - 15 Feb 2018, 18:46
I have been taking Yarina for the second month, 5th day, 5th pill, my chest hurts and swells and my mood is bad, and the sun is out in the street and spring has almost come.