Interactions with other drugs
The interactions in hormone therapies also vary greatly depending on the preparation. Many hormones are converted by the liver and can therefore lose their effect if antibiotics or other drugs are taken. This is a risk, for example, for contraceptive safety when using the pill. Some hormone therapies can also increase or decrease the effect of other drugs and thus lead to poisoning. Whether or not the individual medication is tolerated should be discussed with the doctor treating the patient.
Incompatibility of hormone preparations
Hormone therapy should not be used if there is an intolerance to components of the preparations. Important hormone therapies, for example as a component of cancer therapies, may also be used in cases of serious risks. However, preparations such as the pill should be treated more strictly, as there are alternatives.
For example, overweight women with blood-clotting disorders and smokers should not necessarily use the Pill as the likelihood of thromboses increases. Estrogen preparations should not be used if breast or ovarian cancer is known to exist, as this can increase tumor growth. Some hormone therapies, such as insulin for type 1 diabetics, have no alternative, even if there are intolerances.
Hormone preparations and alcohol – is that possible?
With the contraceptive pill there are numerous alternative methods of contraception which do not require hormones at all. These include condoms, copper coils and many other possibilities. For menopausal symptoms, natural preparations often also help.
Hormone therapies for cancer are not always successful and alternatives include radiation, chemotherapy and surgery. However, some hormone therapies are without alternative. These include insulin for type 1 diabetes and thyroid hormones after complete removal of the thyroid gland.
Intake during pregnancy and lactation
During pregnancy and lactation, all medications should be administered with caution. Sex hormones can have a direct influence on maintaining a pregnancy. Many hormones can pass into both the placenta and breast milk, thus posing a danger to the child.
Some hormones can also stop the flow of milk and thus make breastfeeding impossible. Hormones, such as thyroid preparations and insulin, have no alternative in pregnancy. With these children, it must be checked immediately after birth whether further steps are necessary.
