Estelle birth control is a hormonal contraceptive designed to prevent pregnancy. It is a combined oral contraceptive (COC), meaning it contains two types of hormones that work together. This medication provides contraceptive efficacy and may offer additional benefits.
Understanding Estelle’s Composition
Estelle birth control is a combined oral contraceptive that includes two active hormones: drospirenone and estetrol. Drospirenone is a progestin, a synthetic hormone similar to progesterone naturally produced in the body. Estetrol is a naturally occurring estrogen, distinct from the synthetic ethinyl estradiol found in many other combined oral contraceptives.
Estetrol is a novel estrogen produced by the human fetal liver during pregnancy, making it “native.” This unique origin contributes to its specific pharmacological properties. Estetrol interacts with estrogen receptors in a tissue-selective manner.
How Estelle Prevents Pregnancy
Estelle prevents pregnancy primarily by inhibiting ovulation, stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg each month.
It also contributes to contraception through secondary mechanisms. It thickens cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to travel through the cervix and reach an egg. The medication also thins the lining of the uterus, which makes it less hospitable for a fertilized egg to implant. Estetrol’s unique tissue-selective activity contributes to these mechanisms.
Beyond Contraception: Additional Uses
Beyond preventing pregnancy, Estelle offers several non-contraceptive benefits. The drospirenone component, with its anti-androgenic properties, can help improve acne by reducing the effects of male hormones. This may lead to reduced skin oiliness and healing of existing acne lesions.
Estelle can also assist in managing symptoms associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Users may experience more regular and lighter periods, which can lead to a decreased risk of iron deficiency anemia. The medication can also help reduce period pain and greasiness of the hair and skin.
Important Considerations and Side Effects
Before starting Estelle, a thorough medical history review with a healthcare provider is important to determine if it is appropriate. Estelle should not be used by individuals with a history of blood clots or conditions that increase thrombosis risk. It should also not be used by those with a history of stroke, heart attack, severe liver disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or migraines with focal neurological symptoms. Women over 35 who smoke are advised to use a different contraceptive method due to increased risks.
Common side effects are generally mild and often improve over time. These include nausea, stomach pain or discomfort, changes in weight, headaches (including migraines), mood changes, and breast tenderness or pain. Breakthrough bleeding or spotting may also occur.
More serious, though rare, side effects can occur, such as blood clots, stroke, or heart attack. The risk of blood clots is higher in Estelle users than in non-users, though still less than the risk during pregnancy. This risk is highest during the first year of use or after a break of four weeks or more. Symptoms like sudden severe chest pain, sudden breathlessness, unilateral leg pain or swelling, or unusual severe headaches warrant immediate medical attention.
Certain medications, including some antibiotics, anti-seizure drugs, and herbal preparations like St. John’s wort, can interact with Estelle, potentially reducing its effectiveness or increasing side effects. It is important to consult a healthcare professional to discuss risks and benefits and to determine if Estelle is suitable for you.