Progestin-Only Pills: For women with certain health conditions or who cannot take estrogen.
Brief information about it:
Progestin-only pills are a type of oral contraceptive that contains only progestin, a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone. They are often used by women who cannot take estrogen, such as those with a history of blood clots, high blood pressure, or breast cancer.
Uses:
· Birth control: Progestin-only pills are primarily used to prevent pregnancy.
· Menstrual cycle regulation: They can help regulate menstrual cycles, reduce menstrual bleeding, and treat endometriosis.
· Postpartum bleeding control: They may be used to control postpartum bleeding.
Mechanism of action:
Progestin-only pills work by:
- Thickening cervical mucus: The thickened mucus acts as a barrier to sperm, preventing them from reaching the egg.
- Altering the uterine lining: The lining of the uterus becomes less receptive to a fertilized egg.
- Preventing ovulation: In some cases, progestin-only pills may prevent ovulation, but this is not always the case.
Elimination half life:
The elimination half-life of progestin varies depending on the specific type of progestin-only pill. However, on average, it takes about 24 hours for half of the medication to be eliminated from your body.
Route of Administration:
Progestin-only pills are taken orally, usually once a day.
Side effects:
Progestin-only pills may cause some side effects, including:
- Breakthrough bleeding: Spotting or bleeding between periods
- Mood changes
- Weight gain
- Headaches
- Breast tenderness
- Increased risk of blood clots
Dose:
The appropriate dose of progestin-only pills will depend on your individual needs and medical history. Your healthcare provider will determine the best dose for you.
Precautions:
Before taking progestin-only pills, it’s important to discuss any potential risks with your healthcare provider. Some precautions include:
- History of blood clots: If you have a history of blood clots, you may be at increased risk.
- Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of blood clots, especially in women over 35.
- Liver disease: If you have liver problems, progestin-only pills may need to be adjusted.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Progestin-only pills should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
