Oral contraceptives are by far one of the most common and effective methods of preventing unwanted pregnancies. Millions of women around the world take oral contraceptives. But, like any other hormonal drugs, oral contraceptives have an effect not only on the reproductive system of the female body, but also on many other systems, which must be taken into account by practicing gynecologists when prescribing oral contraceptives to each individual patient.
Knowing the effect of oral contraceptives on the organs and systems of the body, as well as taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient's body, will help you choose the most effective contraceptive and prevent the development of complications and unwanted side effects when taking hormonal drugs.
Effect of oral contraceptives on the cardiovascular system
Estrogens affect the myocardium in the same way as cardiac glycosides: they stimulate the work of the myocardium, while reducing the amount of hemoglobin and blood viscosity. While taking oral contraceptives, the osmotic pressure of the blood plasma increases, which leads to an increase in the volume of circulating blood.
In some cases, taking hormones for contraception can provoke the onset of arterial hypertension. In addition, factors such as smoking, obesity, diabetes mellitus, advanced age of the woman, and disorders of carbohydrate and fat metabolism in combination with oral contraceptives increase the risk of myocardial infarction and thromboembolism.
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Influence of oral contraceptives on carbohydrate and fat metabolism
The estrogen component of oral contraceptives tends to disrupt a woman's body's tolerance to glucose, while the severity of these changes may increase or decrease depending on the selected hormonal drug.
Changes in carbohydrate metabolism are transient, depend on the duration of oral contraceptives and disappear immediately after the withdrawal of hormonal drugs. Lipid metabolism disorders while taking oral contraceptives are exactly the same as in late pregnancy. There is a relationship between the dose of the estrogen component included in oral contraceptives and the level of low-density lipoprotein.
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Effect of oral contraceptives on liver function
In almost 20% of women, when taking hormones for the purpose of contraception, an increase in cholesterol levels is observed and the incidence of cholelithiasis increases. In addition, while taking oral contraceptives, the level of conjugated bilirubin may increase, cholestatic jaundice may develop, and the level of alkaline phosphatase and transaminases may change.
The simultaneous administration of sulfonamides, antibiotics, barbiturates, analgesics and tranquilizers in combination with hormonal drugs affects the effectiveness of the latter, which is associated with the peculiarities of their metabolism in the liver.
Influence of oral contraceptives on the hemostasis system
The use of oral contraceptives can cause activation of the blood coagulation system, leading to thromboembolic complications. The combination of a high level of estrogen in hormonal preparations and obesity significantly increases the risk of thrombosis, while the duration of oral contraceptives does not affect this.
A decrease in the fibrinolytic activity of the blood is also determined, which increases the risk of thrombus formation in the vessels up to their complete occlusion. Smoking and other bad habits exacerbate the negative impact of oral contraceptives on the hemostasis system.
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