Mestranol

Mestranol is a synthetic estrogen that was previously a common ingredient in birth control pills. However, its use has declined due to the availability of safer alternatives. Here's a breakdown of what you should know about Mestranol:

What it was used for:

• Mestranol functioned as the estrogenic component in combination oral contraceptives.
• Estrogen, along with progestin, works by preventing ovulation (the release of an egg) and regulating menstrual cycles.

How it worked:

• Mestranol acts like the natural female hormone estradiol.
• It binds to estrogen receptors in the body, influencing various processes related to the reproductive system and menstrual cycle.

Why it's less common now:

• While effective, Mestranol has been largely replaced by newer, lower-dose estrogens in birth control pills.
• This is because Mestranol can carry a slightly higher risk of side effects compared to newer options, such as:
  • Increased blood clot risk
  • Higher blood pressure
  • Certain types of headaches

Current options:

• There are various combination birth control pills available that use different estrogens with a lower risk profile than Mestranol.
• These medications can be just as effective for preventing pregnancy with potentially fewer side effects.