Yasmin

What is it?

Composition

• Drospirenone: is a synthetic progestin that helps regulate hormonal balance and has antiandrogenic properties. It reduces the activity of male hormones in the body, which can reduce the symptoms of acne and oily skin.
• Ethinyl estradiol: is a synthetic form of estrogen that is often used in birth control. It maintains stable hormone levels, preventing the release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation).
• Additional components: The drug also contains inactive ingredients that are necessary to form a tablet, but do not have a direct effect on the process of preventing pregnancy.

This combined composition allows the drug not only to prevent ovulation, but also to change the cervical mucus, which makes it difficult for sperm to penetrate the uterus, and also to change the structure of the endometrium, reducing the likelihood of implantation of a fertilized egg.

How to use?

1. You should take your first tablet on the first day of your period or on the first Sunday after your period starts, depending on what your doctor has told you. This helps to synchronise your tablet-taking with your cycle.
2. You should take your tablets at the same time every day, preferably no more than 24 hours apart. This helps to maintain stable hormone levels in your body and reduces the risk of missing a dose.
3. Yasmin comes in blister packs of 21 or 28 tablets. If you have a pack of 21 tablets, you should take a 7-day tablet-free period after finishing it before starting a new pack. If you have a pack of 28 tablets, you should continue to take your tablets every day, including the 7 inactive (placebo) tablets that are included in the pack.

If you miss a dose, it is recommended that you take it as soon as possible, even if this means taking two tablets in one day. If you miss more than one tablet in a row, you should use additional contraception and consult your doctor for further advice.

How does it work?

Yasmin works as a combined hormonal contraceptive that uses two main mechanisms to prevent pregnancy. It contains drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol, which work together to suppress ovulation and change the lining of the womb and cervical mucus.

Firstly, Yasmin prevents the release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation). This is the main way it prevents pregnancy, and is typical of most combined oral contraceptives. Secondly, it changes the composition of the cervical mucus, making it thicker, making it harder for sperm to reach the egg. It also changes the structure of the endometrium (the lining of the womb), making it less likely for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterine wall if ovulation does occur.

Indications

Yasmin is usually prescribed to prevent unwanted pregnancy, but it has other medical indications that may be useful for certain groups of women. The drug is also used to treat a variety of gynecological and hormonal disorders, making it a popular choice among patients seeking hormonal correction.

• Regulation of the menstrual cycle: Yasmin is often used to normalize irregular cycles in women who have hormonal imbalances.
• Reduction in the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): The drug can reduce the intensity of symptoms such as mood swings, irritability, and pain.
• Treatment of acne: Due to the antiandrogen properties of drospirenone, Yasmin can reduce breakouts and improve the skin condition in women prone to acne.
• Prevention of anemia: Use of Yasmin can reduce the amount and duration of menstrual bleeding, which reduces the risk of anemia in women with heavy periods.
• Reduction in the risk of certain cancers: There is evidence that long-term use of combined oral contraceptives may reduce the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer.

Contraindications

Yasmin has a number of contraindications that should be considered before starting the drug. Since it is a combined oral contraceptive, its use may not be safe for women with certain health conditions or risk factors. It is important to consult with your doctor before starting treatment to avoid potential complications.

• Presence of blood clots or susceptibility to their formation: Women with a history of venous thromboembolism, stroke or myocardial infarction should not take Yasmin, as it increases the risk of blood clots.
• Heart problems: Diseases such as uncontrolled hypertension, coronary heart disease or other cardiovascular pathologies are serious contraindications.
• Liver diseases: If you have liver failure, hepatitis or liver tumor, the use of Yasmin may worsen the condition.
• Smoking over the age of 35: Smoking in combination with taking Yasmin significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and myocardial infarction.

Side effects

There are various side effects that may occur when using Yasmin that you need to be aware of. Although many women tolerate the drug well, there are certain reactions that may occur while using it. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is worth discussing them with your doctor.

• Nausea and vomiting: These are some of the most common side effects that may occur when you first start taking the pill.
• Headaches and migraines: These may occur, especially if you have a history of migraines before starting Yasmin.
• Breast tenderness or soreness: Some women notice increased breast tenderness while taking the pill.
• Mood changes and decreased libido: Mood swings, irritability, and decreased sexual desire may occur.
• Changes in the menstrual cycle: Irregular or missed periods may occur, especially in the first months of using the pill.
• Increased risk of blood clots: Blood clots may develop, especially in women over 35, who smoke, or who have a history of heart disease.