Side effects of Ethinyl Estradiol
Side effects of Ethinyl Estradiol
All types of contraceptive medications contain some side effects including Ethinyl Estradiol; it is important to decide if the benefits of the contraceptive outweigh the risks. Smokers and women over the age of thirty five will have an increased risk of having side effects.
Melasma
Melasma is the slight discoloration in the face; most oral contraceptives including Ethinyl Estradiol contain this side effect. The discoloration will appear in brown patches on the cheeks and forehead. If you stop taking Ethinyl Estradiol you will not necessarily get rid of the brown patches.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Gastrointestinal side effects include nausea, vomiting, and an increased risk of gallbladder disease in post-menopausal women taking the hormone.
Other side effects
There are many other side effects associated with this hormone including nausea, vomiting, hair loss, acne, rash, breast tenderness, migraine, sore throat, corneal curvature, contact lens discomfort, weight gain, stomach cramps, and more.
Some women taking Ethinyl Estradiol have even had mental or mood swings, vaginal bleeding, flu like symptoms, severe headache, soreness in the legs, lumps in the breast, trouble breathing, chest pains, vision changes, and yellowing of the eyes and skin. These are considered the most dangerous and less common side effects; if you experience any other these you should contact your doctor immediately.
It is recommended you take Ethinyl Estradiol after dinner or before bedtime to help you remember to take it and to minimize stomach upset and nausea. It is important to take the medication at the same day everyday and you should start taking it on the first day of your period. It is also recommended that you use an alternative birth control method during the first week of taking Ethinyl Estradiol.
You should tell your doctor about your medical history and if you have a history of heart problems, gallbladder disease, stroke, high cholesterol, vaginal bleeding, diabetes, high blood pressure, migraines, seizures, any allergies, and depression. If you are near-sighted or wear contact lenses you may develop eye problems, if this occurs you should contact your eye doctor immediately. This hormone can be transferred through breast milk and can cause undesired effects on nursing infants; consult your doctor before breast feeding while taking Ethinyl Estradiol.
Drug interactions
It is possible for Ethinyl Estradiol to interact with some other medications including over the counter medications, prescription medications and some vitamins and herbal supplements. Some of these medications can decrease the potency of Ethinyl Estradiol and you can become pregnant while taking both. These medications include some antibiotics, medications used for HIV, many seizure medications, acetaminophen, and morphine. Because there are so many different types of medications that can affect the potency of Ethinyl Estradiol, it is very important to discuss your medications with your doctor.
There are many side effects associated with Ethinyl Estradiol, for a complete list ask your doctor or pharmacist. Ethinyl Estradiol can be very effective in preventing pregnancy if taken correctly. Always follow your doctors instructions when taking the hormone and discuss your medical history with your doctor.