Estrogen — Estrogen is a female hormone that is largely generated in the ovaries and has an important role in the development and function of reproductive organs.
It controls menstrual periods, stimulates endometrial growth, and is responsible for the development of secondary sex characteristics in females.
To prevent pregnancy, estrogen is mixed with other hormones in birth control tablets.
It inhibits ovulation and thickens cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to reach an egg.
Estrogen also helps regulate menstrual cycles, lowers the risk of ovarian and endometrial malignancies, and may give additional health advantages such as acne reduction and bone density improvement.
Side effects
The presence of estrogen in birth control tablets increases the risk of blood clots and stroke, particularly in women who smoke or have other risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Estrogen can potentially raise the chance of breast cancer, however the absolute risk is low.
Nausea and breast discomfort are two mild adverse effects of estrogen in birth control tablets.
These adverse effects are generally transient and disappear within a few weeks.
Other mild side effects include headaches, mood swings, and libido fluctuations.
Overall, the advantages of estrogen-containing birth control tablets exceed the dangers for the majority of women, but it is critical to discuss any concerns or potential side effects with a healthcare professional.
New findings
Active research is being conducted to develop birth control that is effective while having a lower amount of estrogen.
Using a mathematical model, researchers discovered that reducing the estrogen level in conventional contraceptives by 92% still has the ability to prevent conception.
The findings were reported in the April 13 issue of PLOS Computational Biology.
They claimed that a little dosage of progesterone, another contraceptive hormone, or a combination of the two hormones might be sufficient to inhibit ovulation.
The medications, however, would have to be administered during a vital period of the menstrual cycle.
Many highly effective contraceptives include enough estrogen to make them ineffective for some people, particularly those with a family history of high blood pressure or breast cancer.
Furthermore, demonstrating in clinical trials that lower dosages of the hormones block ovulation may increase access to estrogen-based contraceptives for patients who are at risk of severe adverse effects.
Read also: Abortion drug in contention for restriction
The mathematical model
Computational biologists Brenda Lyn Gavina and Aurelio de los Reyes from the University of the Philippines Diliman in the Philippines improved on an existing mathematical model of the menstrual cycle.
They used real-world data from 23 women ranging in age from 20 to 34.
The model captures the complexities of blood hormone levels from three key sources:
- The pituitary glands
- The ovaries
- Hormonal birth control
The researchers simulated the constancy of progesterone or estrogen dosages that blocked ovulation during a menstrual cycle.
They employed dosage levels seen in popular birth control methods.
The scientists then used optimal control theory, a mathematical method, to calculate the smallest quantity of estrogen or progesterone that might halt ovulation.
They discovered that giving 8% estrogen 11 days after the start of the menstrual cycle prevented the ovary from releasing the egg.
Gavina and de los Reyes also discovered that delivering a lower amount of estrogen and progesterone at that time period hindered ovulation.
The dosage might be supplied by injections or implants, according to the researchers.
“We did not only lower the dosage, but we also identified when to administer the contraceptive,” said de los Reyes.
A modest estrogen dose, according to Alison Edelman, a gynecologist at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, would certainly alleviate some unpleasant effects.
However, Edelman believes that the new findings will not be utilized to develop better contraception anytime soon.
The model assumes that estrogen from birth control remains constant and does not account for how the hormone is absorbed by the body over time.
It is likely to vary, affecting the drug’s efficacy.
“I want to assure people that [low-dose estrogen in birth control] is already being looked at,” said Edelman.
She stressed that people may now utilize hormone-based birth control techniques that are both safe and effective.
Gavina and de los Reyes stated a desire to collaborate with doctors such as Edelman in order to make their models more relevant to researchers developing low-dose birth control solutions.
Opinions expressed by CEO Weekly contributors are their own.
