Flash. Reproductive. Estrogen/Progestins

They are primarily classified as hormonal contraceptives and hormone replacement therapies.

Thromboembolism, specifically deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and stroke.

Estrogens can promote the growth of estrogen-dependent tumor cells, potentially exacerbating the cancer.

Ensure that the patient takes the pill at the same time every day to maintain consistent hormone levels and prevent unintended pregnancy.

Smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular side effects, especially thromboembolic events, in patients taking estrogens.

They may need to discontinue the therapy several weeks before surgery to reduce the risk of thromboembolic complications.

Follow the specific guidelines provided by the medication insert or prescriber, which often involves taking the missed pill as soon as remembered.

Hormonal contraceptives can lead to elevated blood pressure. Regular monitoring helps detect any significant increase early on.

Some medications, such as certain antibiotics and antiseizure drugs, can decrease the effectiveness of estrogens, potentially leading to contraceptive failure.

A family history of thromboembolic disorders, certain cancers, or cardiovascular diseases might increase the patient's risk of developing these conditions while on therapy.

Combination oral contraceptives (containing both estrogen and progestin) and progestin-only pills.

Take the missed pill as soon as remembered, and if it's close to the time for the next dose, take both doses together. Backup contraception methods may be needed based on the number of missed doses.

Ideally, combination pills should be started on the first day of the menstrual cycle, while progestin-only pills can be started at any time but will require backup contraception for the initial 48 hours.

The patient should be advised to use a backup contraceptive method since gastrointestinal symptoms can reduce the absorption and effectiveness of the pill.

Some antibiotics may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, so patients should be advised to use a backup contraceptive method during antibiotic therapy and for a week after completing it.

Common side effects include nausea, breast tenderness, weight gain, and mood changes. However, these often diminish after the first few months of use.

Migraines with aura increase the risk of stroke, and this risk is further elevated when taking combination oral contraceptives.