- Oral contraceptives (OCs) are medications taken by mouth to prevent pregnancy.
- Oral Contraceptives typically contain a combination of estrogens and progestins or progestin-only formulations.
Types:
- Combined Oral Contraceptive (COCs): Contain both estrogen and progestin (e.g., ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel).
- Progestin-Only Pills (POPs): Contain only progestin (e.g., norethindrone).
Advertisements
Mechanism of Action:
- Inhibition of Ovulation: Suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis prevents the mid-cycle surge of luteinizing hormone (LH).
- Thickening of Cervical Mucus: Impedes sperm penetration.
- Endometrial Changes: Make the uterine lining less receptive to implantation.
Clinical Uses:
- Contraception: Preventing unintended pregnancy.
- Menstrual Regulation: Treating irregular menstrual cycles, dysmenorrhea.
- Acne Management: Particularly with certain progestins.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Managing hormonal imbalances.
- Endometriosis: Reducing menstrual flow and pain.
Advertisements
Side Effects of Oral Contraceptives:
- Common: Nausea, weight gain, breast tenderness, mood changes, spotting between periods.
- Serious: Increased risk of thromboembolism, stroke, myocardial infarction, especially in smokers and women over 35.
- Other: Elevated blood pressure, liver dysfunction, increased risk of certain cancers with long-term use.
Thank you for reading from Firsthope's notes, don't forget to check YouTube videos!
Advertisements
