Can birth control pills treat PCOS in Indian Women?

Verified by Dr. Vaishali Sakpal Rane (MBBS, DGO Obstetrics and Gynaecology, DNB Obstetrics and Gynaecology)

With all the myths around birth control pills you must have wondered if birth control pills treat PCOS. An exceptionally high level of male sex hormones(androgens) is produced in women with PCOS due to a hormonal imbalance. This imbalance alters the way the ovaries operate and can result in the formation of several tiny cysts like formations. The symptoms can be controlled and may even diminish with therapy. 

Hormonal contraception has been defined as a "first-line medical therapy" for PCOS management. If they do not want to become pregnant soon, people with PCOS may benefit from taking birth control methods like:

• Hormonal pills

Advertisment

• The vaginal ring 

• The patch

• Intrauterine hormonal devices (IUDs) 

• These birth control methods have been shown to alleviate PCOS symptoms. 

Birth control pills that include oestrogen and progestin, two artificial female hormones, can reduce the symptoms. The most frequent and efficient method of treating PCOS symptoms is oral contraception. They might be combo tablets that include both progesterone and oestrogen.

Advertisment

Oral contraceptives' hormones may be useful for: 

• controlling menstrual flow 
• controlling hyperandrogenism 
• Acne and excessive hair growth are examples of symptoms. 
• minimising the chance of developing ovarian and endometrial cancer 

Oral contraceptive users may potentially benefit from additional health benefits such as: 

• a less heavy menstrual flow 
• less dysmenorrhea and anaemia 
• a reduced chance of ectopic pregnancy 
• sporadic menstrual migraines 
• fewer symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) 
• a lower risk of osteoporosis

Nausea, mood swings, breast soreness, headache, spotting, bloating, and spontaneous spotting or bleeding are all frequent adverse effects of using oral contraceptives. There is currently no cure for PCOS. A person with PCOS may utilise certain medicines and follow specific lifestyle advice to control their symptoms over time.

Although it is not the sole option, hormonal contraception can assist with PCOS symptoms. Changes in lifestyle, such as decreasing weight and increasing physical activity, may be beneficial. Although hormonal birth control can help manage your symptoms and has other health advantages, there is currently no known treatment for PCOS. If you have this illness, hormonal birth control can assist.

Advertisment