The basis of hormonal contraception is the transport of hormones of artificial origin into the body. Although this material is not produced naturally - its action is similar to that of a woman's natural sex hormones.

Hormonal contraception usually uses preparations with two types of hormones:

• ethinylestradiol (a hormone from the oestrogen group),
• progestogens (a group of steroid hormones).

Important! The hormones released do not have a passive effect on the body - they have a significant impact on its functioning.

Over the years, there has been a sharp reduction in the amount of ethinyl estradiol in oral contraceptives. This was partly due to the fact that this oestrogen hormone (ethinyl estradiol) has been shown to increase protein synthesis and thus plasma coagulation factors in the liver and thus increase the risk of thrombosis in the venous system.

The pill is not for everyone

Unfortunately, not every woman can turn to hormonal contraception, which includes the two-component pill. Ladies with hypertension should definitely refrain from this form of pregnancy prevention. Taking the pill with diagnosed hypertension can result in a further increase in hypertension, which will not only affect the complications associated with its regulation, but will also affect the condition of the heart (putting a strain on it).

The group that should not take the pill also includes women with:

• venous insufficiency,
• heart muscle diseases.

Through the use of hormones, the body's lipid metabolism can be disturbed as a result of an increase in the amount of so-called "bad cholesterol" (LDL - low-density lipoprotein). As a result, the likelihood of venous thrombosis and, in some cases, heart attack increases.

Important! The risk of heart attack increases in women who smoke after the age of 35.

Generations of the contraceptive pill - characteristics

The contraceptive pill is divided into four generations - usually with an identical type of oestrogen (ethinylestradiol) in each. Generational affiliation is determined by the variety of progestogen used.

• Generation I (oldest) - this was a combination of oestrogen and progesterone (progestogen - chlormadinone) in high concentrations. This generation is no longer used today. The withdrawal was due to too many side effects and also to androgenisation (appearance of male characteristics).
• Generation II (progestogen - norethisterone acetate or levonorgestrel) - these agents stimulate two types of hormone receptors.
• GenerationIII (progestogen - gestodene or norgestimate) - these agents selectively stimulate androgen receptors.
• Generation IV (progestogen - dienogest) - the most modern agents, only stimulate progestogen receptors.

photo: panthermedia

Important! With regard to the constancy or variability of the hormonal composition, the pill is divided into monophasic (the most frequently used, having a constant steroid hormone composition throughout the monthly cycle), biphasic (withdrawn from use) and triphasic (variable hormonal composition, which is similar to the physiological hormone fluctuations during the monthly cycle).