What are the uses, benefits, and side effects of Marvelon?

Generally speaking, Marvelon refers to desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets. The effects and benefits of desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets include contraception, regulation of menstrual cycle, relief of dysmenorrhea, improvement of acne, and prevention of functional ovarian cysts. Side effects include nausea and vomiting, breakthrough bleeding, weight changes, mood alterations, and thrombosis risk. Detailed analysis is as follows:

I. Effects and Benefits

1. Contraception

Desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets mainly work by inhibiting ovulation, preventing the ovaries from releasing eggs during medication use, thereby preventing the combination of sperm and egg and achieving effective contraception.

2. Regulation of Menstrual Cycle

This medication helps regulate the menstrual cycle, stabilizing it at around 28 days, while also normalizing menstrual flow and reducing irregularities such as excessive or scanty bleeding.

3. Relief of Dysmenorrhea

The medication inhibits endometrial growth, thereby reducing pain-inducing substances such as prostaglandins released during endometrial shedding, effectively alleviating menstrual pain and improving women's comfort during menstruation.

4. Improvement of Acne

The medication can regulate hormone levels in the body, especially reducing androgenic stimulation of sebaceous glands, thereby decreasing sebum secretion and improving acne symptoms, resulting in clearer and healthier skin.

5. Prevention of Functional Ovarian Cysts

By inhibiting ovulation and regulating hormone levels, this medication reduces the risk of abnormal follicular development and formation of functional ovarian cysts, thereby decreasing the likelihood of abdominal pain and masses caused by functional ovarian cysts.

II. Side Effects

1. Nausea and Vomiting

Desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets contain estrogen and progestin. Estrogen may stimulate the chemoreceptor trigger zone in the gastrointestinal tract. Once activated, this area can induce nausea and vomiting reflexes through neural transmission.

2. Breakthrough Bleeding

During medication use, fluctuations in hormone levels may cause hormonal imbalance in the endometrium. Some endometrial tissue may not maintain a stable growth state, leading to breakthrough bleeding, manifested as light vaginal bleeding outside the menstrual period, disrupting the regular menstrual cycle.

3. Weight Changes

Estrogen in the medication can increase sodium and water reabsorption in the kidneys, leading to fluid retention and weight gain. At the same time, progestin may affect fat metabolism, promoting redistribution and accumulation of body fat. These two factors together can lead to weight gain.

4. Mood Alterations

Hormonal components in desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets can affect the neurotransmitter system, such as altering the levels and activity of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Serotonin plays an important role in emotional stability. When serotonin levels fluctuate due to medication, it can easily trigger depression, anxiety, and significant mood swings, thereby affecting interpersonal relationships in daily life.

5. Thrombosis Risk

Estrogen in the medication can increase coagulation factors while decreasing anticoagulant factors, leading to a hypercoagulable state in the blood. For women with existing high-risk factors for thrombosis such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or obesity, vascular endothelial damage and high blood viscosity may already exist. Combined with the drug's effects on the coagulation system, this significantly increases the risk of venous thrombosis, potentially leading to severe conditions such as pulmonary embolism or cerebral embolism.

When taking desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, it is important to strictly follow medical advice and take the medication on time every day, preferably at the same time each day, to avoid missed doses, ensuring the drug works effectively and minimizing side effects.