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Does Nextstellis Have Estrogen?

Key Takeaways

  • Yes, Nextstellis is a birth control pill that contains two hormones: estetrol (an estrogen) and drospirenone (a progestin).
  • Because it includes both hormones, it is considered a combined oral contraceptive used for pregnancy prevention.
  • Unlike most combined oral contraceptives, Nextstellis uses estetrol instead of the more common estrogen ethinyl estradiol.
  • Hormonal contraceptives containing estrogen may carry risks such as blood clots, especially for people with certain medical conditions.
  • Anyone considering this birth control method should discuss potential side effects, drug interactions, and health risks with a healthcare provider.

The Hormones Found in Nextstellis

Nextstellis is an FDA-approved combined oral contraceptive pill that contains two active ingredients that work together to prevent pregnancy: estetrol and drospirenone.

Estetrol acts as the estrogen component, while drospirenone functions as the progestin. These sex hormones work together to stop ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, and change the lining of the uterus. These effects make it more difficult for sperm to reach an egg and reduce the chance of pregnancy.

Because Nextstellis includes both estrogen and progestin, it falls into the same general category as many other hormonal birth control pills.

Why Estetrol Is Different From Other Birth Control Estrogens

Many birth control pills contain ethinyl estradiol as their estrogen component. Nextstellis is different because it uses estetrol, a naturally occurring estrogen that is manufactured from a plant source for this product.

Estetrol interacts with estrogen receptors in the body and has a relatively long half-life. These characteristics help maintain stable hormone levels when the medication is taken daily.

This alternative estrogen distinguishes Nextstellis from many traditional combined oral contraceptive pills.

How the Active Ingredients Prevent Pregnancy

The active ingredients in Nextstellis work through several mechanisms that support pregnancy prevention.

Drospirenone suppresses ovulation, which prevents the ovary from releasing an egg. At the same time, drospirenone thickens mucus near the cervix, making it harder for sperm to travel through the reproductive tract.

Estetrol stabilizes hormone levels and helps regulate the uterine lining. Together, these hormonal changes reduce the likelihood that fertilization or implantation will occur.

When taken consistently, this oral contraceptive pill can be an effective birth control method for many individuals.

Common Side Effects of Nextstellis

Like many hormonal contraceptives, Nextstellis may cause certain side effects while the body adjusts to the medication.

Common side effects of Nextstellis may include:

  • Breast tenderness
  • Mood changes
  • Breakthrough bleeding or vaginal bleeding between periods
  • Changes in sex drive
  • Headaches
  • Mild weight gain in some people

These symptoms often improve after several months as the body adapts to the hormonal contraceptive.

Serious Side Effects and Safety Risks

Because Nextstellis contains estrogen, it carries risks similar to other combined oral contraceptives.

Serious side effects may include:

  • Blood clots or thrombosis
  • Pulmonary embolism
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • High blood pressure
  • Liver disease or abnormal liver enzymes
  • Severe headaches and migraine headaches
  • Gallbladder disease
  • Cholestasis (slowed flow of bile from the liver)
  • Increased potassium levels
  • Increased risk of certain cancers
  • Increased blood sugar

The risk of blood clots may increase in people with certain health factors, such as smoking, high BMI, hypertension, high cholesterol, or a history of thromboembolic (blood clotting) disorders.

Anyone experiencing symptoms like chest pain, severe headache, or shortness of breath should seek medical attention immediately.

Health Conditions That May Affect Safety

Nextstellis may not be recommended for people with certain medical conditions that increase the risk of complications.

Examples of possible contraindications include:

  • Breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive cancers
  • Liver disease
  • Gallbladder disease
  • Hypertriglyceridemia (high triglycerides) or high cholesterol
  • Pancreatitis
  • Uncontrolled hypertension
  • Kidney disease
  • Adrenal gland disorders

Drug Interactions to Be Aware Of

Certain medications and supplements can affect hormonal contraception and may alter how Nextstellis works.

Examples of possible drug interactions include:

  • Ritonavir, ombitasvir, dasabuvir, and other antiviral medications that may be used to treat hepatitis C or HIV
  • Some corticosteroid medications
  • Herbal supplements like St. John’s wort
  • Potassium supplements and other medications that affect potassium levels, like spironolactone

Anyone taking prescription drugs or supplements should review potential interactions with a healthcare provider before starting Nextstellis.

The Bottom Line

Yes, Nextstellis does contain estrogen. The birth control pill combines estetrol, a newer estrogen derived from a plant source, with the progestin drospirenone.

Because it contains both hormones, Nextstellis is classified as a combined oral contraceptive designed for pregnancy prevention. Like other hormonal contraceptives, it may cause side effects and carry certain health risks that should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of estrogen is in Nextstellis?
Nextstellis contains estetrol as its estrogen component. This hormone is different from the ethinyl estradiol used in many traditional combined oral contraceptives.

Is Nextstellis considered a combined oral contraceptive?
Yes, Nextstellis is classified as a combined oral contraceptive because it contains both estrogen and progestin. The combination of estetrol and drospirenone works together to prevent ovulation and reduce the likelihood of pregnancy.

Can Nextstellis increase the risk of blood clots?
Like other estrogen-containing birth control pills, Nextstellis may increase the risk of blood clots in some individuals. The risk can be higher for people with certain medical conditions, smoking history, or other cardiovascular risk factors.

Does Nextstellis affect hormone receptors in the body?
Yes, the estrogen component estetrol interacts with estrogen receptors in the body to produce contraceptive effects. This interaction helps regulate hormone levels involved in ovulation and the menstrual cycle.

Who should not take Nextstellis?
Nextstellis may not be appropriate for people with conditions such as liver disease, heart disease, breast cancer, or a history of blood clots. A healthcare provider can evaluate medical history and determine whether this birth control method is safe.

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