Mestranol is mainly used as a contraceptive. In combination with other medications it can also be used for other purposes, for example to treat abnormal uterine bleeding or symptoms of endometriosis.
What is Mestranol?
Mestranol is a derivative of ethinyl estradiol, a synthetic form of the hormone estradiol. Once modified by the liver, it interacts with estrogen receptors present on the target cells (including the female reproductive tract, the mammary gland, the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland), thus activating them.
Taken in combination with progestin, it reduces the secretion of various hormones and proteins involved in female reproduction.
How should Mestranol be taken?
Mestranol is administered orally in tablet form in which it is combined with other active ingredients.
Side effects associated with Mestranol
The possible adverse effects of oral contraceptives containing Mestranol may include:
- Mild nausea (especially at the beginning of intake)
- Vomiting
- Swelling
- Abdominal cramps
- Sensitivity or swelling of the breasts
- Leaks from the nipple
- Freckles or darker facial skin
- Increased hair growth
- Hair loss
- Changes in weight or appetite
- Problems with contact lenses
- Itching or vaginal discharge
- Changes in menstrual cycle
- Problems in the sexual sphere
It is important to contact a doctor immediately if taking Mestranol triggers any of the following symptoms:
- Urticaria
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat
- Sudden numbness or weakness, especially one side of the body
- Sudden headache, confusion, vision problems, difficulty speaking or maintain balance
- Pain or tightness in the chest, pain radiating to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling
- Coughing, wheezing, rapid breathing, blood in the sputum
- Pain, swelling, warmth or redness in the legs
- Change in the type or severity of headaches
- Nausea, pain in the upper stomach, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice
- Swelling of the hands, ankles or feet
- Breast lumps
- Symptoms of depression
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Mestranol
Before starting treatment with Mestranol it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients, other medicines or any food or substance
- You are taking other medications, herbal remedies and supplements, citing in particular bosentan, antibiotics, medicines against tuberculosis, hepatitis C, HIV or AIDS, phenobarbital or other barbiturates, hypericum, anticonvulsants, dantrolene, tizanidine and tranexamic acid
- You suffer (or have suffered) from any diseases or health disorders
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
