|  | Family Health | Womens Health

Birth Control Pills Good for PCOS

Polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, impacts a woman's menstrual cycles and her ability to have children, with abnormal hormone levels causing infertility problems. Some women who are diagnosed with this syndrome do not experience normal periods. Oral contraceptives commonly are used to treat PCOS by helping control the menstrual cycle and balance hormone levels.

  1. Birth Control Benefits

    • Birth control pills are recommended for PCOS patients. Taking a birth control pill simulates normal levels of hormone production, something PCOS patients do not experience. Combinations of progesterone and estrogen hormones are included in these pills. They also can help clear acne on the skin, male-type hair growth, and male-type pattern hair loss. Menstrual cycles are necessary for the uterus to shed the lining. Lack of normal menstrual cycles can increase your risk of uterine cancer.

    Birth Control Options

    • A brand of birth control pill known as Yasmin is a perfect option for PCOS patients. Yasmin contains progestin, which includes levels of antiandrogen. Antiandrogens fight the effects of male-patterned hormones. Treatment for PCOS using birth control pills is very common and easy, but there are other forms of treatment that include vaginal rings or skin patches.

    Fertility Treatment Option

    • Women who experience trouble with fertility and inconsistent menstrual cycles will use birth control pills in combination with metformin, estrogen or progesterone. After two to three months of fertility medications, birth control pills are used for one to two months to stimulate a menstrual cycle and begin the next cycle of treatment.

    Advantages of Using Birth Control

    • In addition to treating PCOS, birth control pills increase bone density. Birth control pills assist in increasing the possibility of fertility, decrease levels of male hormones, decrease endometrial effects and even reduce the risk of uterine or ovarian cancer.

    Disadvantages of Using Birth Control

    • Although most cases in which birth control pills are used to treat PCOS have positive results, it is possible that negative side effects can worsen the disease. These disadvantages include possible weight gain, problems with regulating levels of insulin and risk of stroke by patients that smoke.

Womens Health - Related Articles