Aside from the everyday challenges of health and wellness that face all adults, women are uniquely vulnerable to changes in their complex chemical make-up. While men generally maintain a consistent hormonal and chemical profile, a woman's anatomy involves a highly sensitive interplay of chemicals that affect her physical and emotional wellbeing each month throughout the childbearing years and beyond.
The Women's Health section of DesktopMD brings together medications and products that help women deal with the issues of fertility and conception, menstrual and premenstrual symptoms, and those troubling disruptions in the normal flora and fauna that can make you pretty miserable. Please discuss these medications with your physician to see which is best for you.
Alesse
ALESSE is an oral contraceptive (birth-control pills) used to prevent pregnancy. Estrogen and progestin are two female sex hormones. Combinations of estrogen and progestin work by preventing the release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation) and changing the cervical mucus and the lining of the uterus. Oral contraceptives are a very effective method of birth control, but they do not prevent the spread of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Apri
Mircette is effective as oral contraceptives (birth control pills or "the pill"). This product combines natural or synthetic estrogens and progestins, similar to the natural sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone) produced in a woman's body. Ethinyl estradiol is an estrogen and desogestrel is a progestin. These products can prevent ovulation and pregnancy. In general, a combination of estrogen and progestin works better than a single-ingredient product. Ethinyl estradiol/desogestrel tablets can also help regulate menstrual flow, treat acne or may be used for other hormone related problems in females. The type and amount of estrogen and/or progestin may be different from one product to another. For some formulations, a generic product is available.
Aviane
ALESSE is an oral contraceptive (birth-control pills) used to prevent pregnancy. Estrogen and progestin are two female sex hormones. Combinations of estrogen and progestin work by preventing the release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation) and changing the cervical mucus and the lining of the uterus. Oral contraceptives are a very effective method of birth control, but they do not prevent the spread of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Boniva
Boniva is a bisphosphonate used to prevent and/or treat osteoporosis (weak bones) in certain women. Boniva may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Cesia
This medicine is an estrogen/progestin combination used to prevent pregnancy. It may also be used to regulate the menstrual cycle and for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Climara
This medicine is an estrogen hormone used to provide female hormone when the body no longer produces enough. It is used to help reduce menopause symptoms (e.g., hot flashes, vaginal dryness), to prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) in people at high risk, and to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor. If you are only being treated for vaginal menopause symptoms, products applied locally such as vaginal creams, tablets, or rings should be considered before products taken by mouth or absorbed through the skin. There are several medicines (e.g., raloxifene or bisphosphonates) that are safe and effective to prevent or treat bone loss. These medicines should be considered for use before estrogen therapy. If you have other medical conditions as well and are prescribed estrogens for more than one condition, consult your doctor about your treatment plan and its options.
Clomid
This medicine is a fertility agent used to stimulate ovulation in women who want to become pregnant. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Cyclessa
Mircette is effective as oral contraceptives (birth control pills or "the pill"). This product combines natural or synthetic estrogens and progestins, similar to the natural sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone) produced in a woman's body. Ethinyl estradiol is an estrogen and desogestrel is a progestin. These products can prevent ovulation and pregnancy. In general, a combination of estrogen and progestin works better than a single-ingredient product. Ethinyl estradiol/desogestrel tablets can also help regulate menstrual flow, treat acne or may be used for other hormone related problems in females. The type and amount of estrogen and/or progestin may be different from one product to another. For some formulations, a generic product is available.
Cytotec
This medicine is a prostaglandin used to prevent stomach ulcers in certain patients. It is also used in combination with another drug to end pregnancy. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Depo-Provera
Depo-Provera is a progestin hormone used to prevent pregnancy. Depo-Provera may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Desogen
This medicine is an estrogen/progestin combination used to prevent pregnancy. It may also be used to regulate the menstrual cycle and for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Emla
This medicine contains a mixture of 2 local anesthetics ( an-ess-THET-iks) , lidocaine ( LYE-doe-kane) and prilocaine ( PRIL-oh-kane) . It is used to produce numbness or loss of feeling before certain painful procedures, such as injections, drawing blood from a vein, or removing small growths (warts, for example) from the skin.
Enpresse
This medicine is an estrogen and progestin combination contraceptive pill used to prevent pregnancy. It may also be used to regulate the menstrual cycle, treat symptoms of menopause, or treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Estrace
This medicine is a female hormone and is usually given to women who no longer produce the proper amount. It is used to reduce menopause symptoms (e.g., hot flashes, vaginal dryness), to prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) in people at high risk, or to treat certain cancers in men and women (e.g., certain types of metastatic breast cancer). It may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor. If you are only being treated for vaginal menopause symptoms, products applied locally such as vaginal creams, tablets, or rings should be considered before products taken by mouth or absorbed through the skin. There are several medicines (e.g., raloxifene or bisphosphonates) that are safe and effective to prevent or treat bone loss. These medicines should be considered for use before estrogen therapy for osteoporosis. If you have other medical conditions as well, and are prescribed estrogens for more than one condition, consult your doctor about your treatment plan and its options. Estrogen-containing products should not be used to prevent heart disease.
Estraderm
This medicine is a female hormone usually given to women who no longer produce the proper amount. It is used to reduce menopause symptoms such as hot flashes or vaginal dryness/discomfort or to prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) in those at high risk. This medicine may be use to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Estradiol
All of these products are used to reduce symptoms of menopause, including feelings of warmth in the face, neck, and chest; the sudden intense episodes of heat and sweating known as "hot flashes"; dry, itchy external genitals; and vaginal irritation.
Foradil
Foradil Aerolizer is a beta receptor stimulant used to prevent the symptoms of asthma, or obstructive pulmonary diseases (such as chronic bronchitis or emphysema). Foradil Aerolizer is usually used in combination with either inhaled or oral corticosteroids (such as beclomethasone, fluticasone, or prednisone). Foradil Aerolizer may also be used to prevent exercise-induced breathing difficulties (such as exercise-induced bronchospasm, EIB) or to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor. Foradil Aerolizer should not be used to treat a sudden asthma attack.
Jolessa
The protection and hormones are the same. The serious risks are the same. Even the once-daily routine is the same. But Jolessa® does something a little different – it extends time between your periods. While you get the convenience of 4 periods a year, you are also more likely to have spotting and breakthrough bleeding (which varies from slight spotting to a flow much like a regular period) than with a traditional monthly birth control pill. This is common and should decrease over time. During the first year, total bleeding days are similar to a traditional Pill. Ask your healthcare professional what Jolessa® and its extended regimen and fewer periods can mean for you.
Kariva
This medicine is an estrogen/progestin combination used to prevent pregnancy. It may also be used to regulate the menstrual cycle and for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Lessina
Triphasil is an oral contraceptive. Oral contraceptives are commonly known as 'the Pill'. Triphasil pills contain two active ingredients (levonorgestrel and ethinyloestradiol) that can stop you from becoming pregnant if taken correctly. They are similar to hormones your body normally produces.
Levbid
Hyoscyamine (Anaspaz®, Cystospaz®, Gastrosed®, Levbid®, Levsin®, Levsin/SL®, Levsinex®) treats different bowel problems including irritable bowel syndrome.
Levlen
This medicine is an estrogen and progestin combination contraceptive pill used to prevent pregnancy. It may also be used to regulate the menstrual cycle, treat symptoms of menopause, or treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Levlite
This medicine is an estrogen and progestin combination contraceptive pill used to prevent pregnancy. It may also be used to regulate the menstrual cycle, treat symptoms of menopause, or treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Levora
The protection and hormones are the same. The serious risks are the same. Even the once-daily routine is the same. But Seasonale® does something a little different – it extends time between your periods. While you get the convenience of 4 periods a year, you are also more likely to have spotting and breakthrough bleeding (which varies from slight spotting to a flow much like a regular period) than with a traditional monthly birth control pill. This is common and should decrease over time. During the first year, total bleeding days are similar to a traditional Pill. Ask your healthcare professional what Seasonale® and its extended regimen and fewer periods can mean for you.
Levsin
Hyoscyamine (Anaspaz®, Cystospaz®, Gastrosed®, Levbid®, Levsin®, Levsin/SL®, Levsinex®) treats different bowel problems including irritable bowel syndrome.
Loestrin
This medicine is an estrogen and progestin combination contraceptive pill used to prevent pregnancy. It may also be used to regulate the menstrual cycle, treat symptoms of menopause, or treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Lutera
This medicine is an estrogen and progestin combination contraceptive pill used to prevent pregnancy. It may also be used to regulate the menstrual cycle, treat symptoms of menopause, or treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Lybrel
Triphasil is an oral contraceptive. Oral contraceptives are commonly known as 'the Pill'. Triphasil pills contain two active ingredients (levonorgestrel and ethinyloestradiol) that can stop you from becoming pregnant if taken correctly. They are similar to hormones your body normally produces.
Mifeprex
Mifepristone (mif-i-PRIS-tone) is used to end a pregnancy that is less than 49 days in duration. It works by stopping the supply of hormones that maintains the interior of the uterus. Without these hormones, the uterus cannot support the pregnancy and the contents of the uterus are expelled.
Mircette
Mircette is effective as oral contraceptives (birth control pills or "the pill"). This product combines natural or synthetic estrogens and progestins, similar to the natural sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone) produced in a woman's body. Ethinyl estradiol is an estrogen and desogestrel is a progestin. These products can prevent ovulation and pregnancy. In general, a combination of estrogen and progestin works better than a single-ingredient product. Ethinyl estradiol/desogestrel tablets can also help regulate menstrual flow, treat acne or may be used for other hormone related problems in females. The type and amount of estrogen and/or progestin may be different from one product to another. For some formulations, a generic product is available.
Naprosyn
Naprosyn is an anti-inflammatory drug. It relieves pain and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and juvenile (childhood) arthritis. Naproxen is also effective in treating other mild to moderate pain, including menstrual pain, headache, toothache, and temporarily reduces fever. Naproxen should only be used in children who are over 12 years old. Generic Naproxen tablets are available.
Neoral
Cyclosporine and cyclosporine (modified) are used with other medications to prevent transplant rejection (attack of the transplanted organ by the transplant recipient's immune system) in people who have received kidney, liver, and heart transplants. Cyclosporine (modified) is also used alone or with methotrexate (Rheumatrex) to treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (arthritis caused by swelling of the lining of the joints) in patients whose symptoms were not relieved by methotrexate alone. Cyclosporine (modified) is also used to treat psoriasis (a skin disease in which red, scaly patches form on some areas of the body) in certain patients who have not been helped by other treatments. Cyclosporine and cyclosporine (modified) are in a class of medications called immunosuppressants. They work by decreasing the activity of the immune system.
Nordette
This medicine is an estrogen and progestin combination contraceptive pill used to prevent pregnancy. It may also be used to regulate the menstrual cycle, treat symptoms of menopause, or treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Ortho-Cept
Mircette is effective as oral contraceptives (birth control pills or "the pill"). This product combines natural or synthetic estrogens and progestins, similar to the natural sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone) produced in a woman's body. Ethinyl estradiol is an estrogen and desogestrel is a progestin. These products can prevent ovulation and pregnancy. In general, a combination of estrogen and progestin works better than a single-ingredient product. Ethinyl estradiol/desogestrel tablets can also help regulate menstrual flow, treat acne or may be used for other hormone related problems in females. The type and amount of estrogen and/or progestin may be different from one product to another. For some formulations, a generic product is available.
Ortho Tri Cyclen, introduced in 1992, is the only oral contraceptive cleared in the U.S. for the treatment of moderate acne vulgaris in women 15 years of age or older, who have no known contraindication to oral contraceptive therapy, who desire contraception, who have begun menstruation and who are unresponsive to topical anti-acne medications. It is also indicated for the prevention of pregnancy in women who elect to use oral contraceptives as a method of contraception.
Ortho-Tri-Cyclen-Lo
Ortho Tri Cyclen, introduced in 1992, is the only oral contraceptive cleared in the U.S. for the treatment of moderate acne vulgaris in women 15 years of age or older, who have no known contraindication to oral contraceptive therapy, who desire contraception, who have begun menstruation and who are unresponsive to topical anti-acne medications. It is also indicated for the prevention of pregnancy in women who elect to use oral contraceptives as a method of contraception.
Ovantra
Statistically speaking, more women than men suffer from a reduced sex drive. A number of factors such as stress, diet, age, hormonal fluctuations, and occupation contribute to this startling problem. Ovantra is designed specifically for women and is formulated to provide a number of positive results to those problems. Ovantra produces results that are truly amazing; increased desire & libido, enhanced sensuality & lubrication, improved energy levels, and more intense orgasms.
Ovcon
This medicine is progesterone and estrogen combination contraceptive pill used to prevent pregnancy. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Parlodel
Parlodel is a dopamine agonist used to treat menstrual and infertility disorders, and to treat Parkinson's disease. Parlodel may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Plan-B
This medicine is a progestin used to prevent pregnancy after known or suspected contraceptive failure or unprotected intercourse.
Portia
This medicine is an estrogen and progestin combination contraceptive pill used to prevent pregnancy. It may also be used to regulate the menstrual cycle, treat symptoms of menopause, or treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Premarin
Premarin is a female hormone and is usually given to women who do not produce the proper amount. Premarin is used to reduce menopause symptoms (such as vaginal dryness). Premarin may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Premphase
Premphase is a combination of hormones (estrogen and progestin) used to treat menopausal symptoms (e.g., hot flashes, vaginal dryness). Premphase is also used to prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) in people at high risk. If you are only being treated for vaginal menopause symptoms, products applied locally such as vaginal creams, tablets, or rings should be considered before products taken by mouth or absorbed through the skin. There are several medicines (e.g. raloxifene or bisphosphonates) that are safe and effective to prevent or treat bone loss. These medicines should be considered for use before estrogen/progestin HRT for osteoporosis. If you have other medical conditions as well and are prescribed estrogen/progestin HRT for more than one condition, consult your doctor about your treatment plan and its options.
Prempro
Prempro is a combination of hormones (estrogen and progestin) used to treat menopausal symptoms (e.g., hot flashes, vaginal dryness). Prempro is also used to prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) in people at high risk. If you are only being treated for vaginal menopause symptoms, products applied locally such as vaginal creams, tablets, or rings should be considered before products taken by mouth or absorbed through the skin. There are several medicines (e.g. raloxifene or bisphosphonates) that are safe and effective to prevent or treat bone loss. These medicines should be considered for use before estrogen/progestin HRT for osteoporosis. If you have other medical conditions as well and are prescribed estrogen/progestin HRT for more than one condition, consult your doctor about your treatment plan and its options.
Provera
This medicine is a progestin used to treat menstrual disorders. This medicine may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor. Progestins lower the risk of estrogen-related cancer of the uterus. This medicine used in combination with estrogen (hormone replacement therapy - HRT) should not be used to prevent heart disease.
Reclipsen
This medicine is an estrogen/progestin combination used to prevent pregnancy. It may also be used to regulate the menstrual cycle and for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
RU-486
Mifepristone (mif-i-PRIS-tone) is used to end a pregnancy that is less than 49 days in duration. It works by stopping the supply of hormones that maintains the interior of the uterus. Without these hormones, the uterus cannot support the pregnancy and the contents of the uterus are expelled.
Seasonale
The protection and hormones are the same. The serious risks are the same. Even the once-daily routine is the same. But Seasonale® does something a little different – it extends time between your periods. While you get the convenience of 4 periods a year, you are also more likely to have spotting and breakthrough bleeding (which varies from slight spotting to a flow much like a regular period) than with a traditional monthly birth control pill. This is common and should decrease over time. During the first year, total bleeding days are similar to a traditional Pill. Ask your healthcare professional what Seasonale® and its extended regimen and fewer periods can mean for you.
Solia
Mircette is effective as oral contraceptives (birth control pills or "the pill"). This product combines natural or synthetic estrogens and progestins, similar to the natural sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone) produced in a woman's body. Ethinyl estradiol is an estrogen and desogestrel is a progestin. These products can prevent ovulation and pregnancy. In general, a combination of estrogen and progestin works better than a single-ingredient product. Ethinyl estradiol/desogestrel tablets can also help regulate menstrual flow, treat acne or may be used for other hormone related problems in females. The type and amount of estrogen and/or progestin may be different from one product to another. For some formulations, a generic product is available.
Sronyx
Triphasil is an oral contraceptive. Oral contraceptives are commonly known as 'the Pill'. Triphasil pills contain two active ingredients (levonorgestrel and ethinyloestradiol) that can stop you from becoming pregnant if taken correctly. They are similar to hormones your body normally produces.
Tri-Levlen
This medicine is an estrogen and progestin combination contraceptive pill used to prevent pregnancy. It may also be used to regulate the menstrual cycle, treat symptoms of menopause, or treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Triphasil
Triphasil is an oral contraceptive. Oral contraceptives are commonly known as 'the Pill'. Triphasil pills contain two active ingredients (levonorgestrel and ethinyloestradiol) that can stop you from becoming pregnant if taken correctly. They are similar to hormones your body normally produces.
Trivora
Triphasil is an oral contraceptive. Oral contraceptives are commonly known as 'the Pill'. Triphasil pills contain two active ingredients (levonorgestrel and ethinyloestradiol) that can stop you from becoming pregnant if taken correctly. They are similar to hormones your body normally produces.
Vagifem
Vagifem is a female hormone and is usually given to women who do not produce the proper amount. Vagifem is used to reduce menopause symptoms (such as vaginal dryness). Vagifem may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Velivet
This medicine is an estrogen/progestin combination used to prevent pregnancy. It may also be used to regulate the menstrual cycle and for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Yasmin
Yasmin is an estrogen and progestin combination contraceptive pill used to prevent pregnancy. Yasmin may also be used to regulate the menstrual cycle, treat symptoms of menopause, or treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
