How Long Does Desogen Take to Balance Hormones?
Desogen is prescribed for use as a birth control pill. Desogen can be used to treat other conditions in women, such as hormone imbalance, irregular periods and amenorrhea (a lack of menstruation).
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Hormone Balance in Women
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As a woman ages, her hormone levels change. With the onset of puberty, estrogen triggers her menstrual cycles to begin. During her childbearing years, estrogen and progesterone act together to maintain her fertility. As a woman approaches menopause, the level of estrogen in her body starts to drop. This drop can cause symptoms such as night sweats, weight gain and irregular periods.
Conditions That Cause Hormone Imbalance
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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause an imbalance of hormones in a woman's body. PCOS occurs when a woman's body produces an excess of the hormone androgen. Symptoms include an increase in facial hair, irregular periods, weight gain and a skin condition called acanthosis nigricans. Acanthosis nigricans is the development of dark, velvety-textured skin on the neck, in the armpits and on the inner thighs. This condition may be a sign of insulin resistance. Many women with PCOS develop type 2 diabetes.
Amenorrhea is defined as an absence of periods. If a girl's periods have not started by the time she reaches the age of 16, it is referred to as primary amenorrhea. Primary amenorrhea is usually caused by improper functioning of a girl's endrocine glands or a physical abnormality in her reproductive organs. Secondary amenorrhea is the term used to describe the condition when a woman's periods stop. It may be caused by the constant production of estrogen and androgen instead of the normal fluctuation that occurs during a woman's cycle or the onset of menopause.
Other causes of hormonal imbalance may be an underactive thyroid, pituitary tumors and eating disorders such as anorexia.
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How Does Desogen Work?
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The hormones contained in Desogen work by suppressing ovulation and changing the cervical mucus and lining of the uterus. Changing the thickness of the cervical mucus makes it harder for sperm to enter the uterus. Changing the lining of the uterus makes it harder for fertilized eggs to be implanted in the uterus.
When taken to balance hormones, the estrogen and estridol in Desogen help to supplement the decreased amount of these hormones in the body. This helps to balance the hormones and may help to relieve related symptoms.
How to Take Desogen
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Desogen comes in a 28-day pack. You have the choice to start your pack on the first day of your period or on any day of the week you choose. One pill a day is taken. For 21 days, you will take a pill that contains hormones. The seven remaining pills do not contain hormones, but they are necessary to keep you on the correct schedule. During this time you will have your period.
Do not skip doses. If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you realize it even if that means to take two pills in one day.
How Long Will Desogen Take to Balance My Hormones?
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It will take approximately seven days for Desogen to become effective for birth control. During this time, it is recommended that you use a backup method of birth control. If you are taking Desogen for hormone therapy, it may take longer for it to be effective. Your doctor will follow up with your initial prescription with periodic blood tests. These tests will measure the amount of hormones in your body.
Side Effects of Desogen
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All birth control pills carry the risk of side effects. These may include blood clots, increased risk of heart attack or stroke, weight gain, breast tenderness and an increase in blood pressure. Serious complications such as an increased risk of reproductive cancers may also occur.
Do not take Desogen if you may be pregnant. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption while on Desogen. Your best source of information about your risks associated with Desogen is your physician.
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