Hormone patches are not only a type of contraception, but are also recommended for hormone therapy patients. The patches are offered to women who, due to their lifestyle, may not remember to take the tablets regularly. They are convenient in application, have a different form than tablets and, unlike oral application, are administered less frequently.
Hormone patches are an alternative to birth control pills. They can be used interchangeably, but the patches are considered a safer form of therapy because they bypass the liver. What side effects can the patches cause? Can they be used by any woman?
Hormone patches – advantages
Hormone patches are a solution for women who are not able to remember about the systematic daily application of contraceptive pills. Hormones in the form of patches are easier to apply because they are usually applied once a week. The frequency of applying the patch is determined by the gynecologist, who should also choose the type of patches for the patient. The patches, like other forms of hormonal contraception, must be adjusted to the current results of sex hormones. In disturbed hormone levels, the doctor may decide to change more often, for example every four days. Hormone patches release hormones that go straight into the bloodstream, bypassing the liver, which is why they are safer for the body. The hormone content in the patches is the same as in the tablets.
Hormone patches – disadvantages
The patches are more expensive than the contraceptive pill. Their application is easy, but unfortunately they can peel off, manufacturers try to prevent the patches from falling off, for example in the bath, but the problem may appear during the holiday season, when it is hot and the body is often sweaty. Another disadvantage is their aesthetics, after a few days they may already be dirty at the edges. The patches do not stick to all parts of the body, most often they are applied to the arm, thigh and shoulder. Another disadvantage mentioned by specialists and women practicing this type of therapy is the higher concentration of hormones taken because they enter the blood directly. Not every woman reacts positively to a higher dose of hormones, so any disturbing symptoms and ailments should be reported to the gynecologist.
The patches cannot be used by all women, what are the contraindications for taking hormones? First of all, chronic diseases such as, for example, diabetes, epilepsy, problems with blood clotting, high cholesterol. Hormone patches should not be used by women diagnosed with obesity.
Like other forms of hormone treatment, the patches can cause troublesome side effects at the beginning of use. Taking hormones can result in:
- mood swings
- intermenstrual bleeding
- nausea
- breast pain
Side effects result from the fact that the body tries to adapt to the new situation. Most often, the symptoms may disappear after a few months of use, if persistent symptoms do not improve, and even worsen, report it to your doctor, who may decide to discontinue hormonal tablets. Of course, it is important to know that patches can protect a woman against an unplanned pregnancy, but this does not apply to sexually transmitted diseases. Hormones cannot be used by women who are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer, ovarian cancer or any other type of cancer of female organs.