Are oral contraceptive pills bad for PCOS?

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

Oral contraceptive tablets include two forms of synthetic female hormones, progesterone and oestrogen. The ovaries produce similar hormones naturally. PCOS has no known cure (polycystic ovary syndrome) but it can be managed effectively by many lifestyle modifications and right guidance. Birth control tablets, on the other hand, can be used for long-term therapy in women who do not want to become pregnant. Here are few things that can be regulated by taking birth control pills.

Periods that are regular and lighter: Oral contraceptive pills can assist to manage your menstrual cycle so that your period occurs every 28 days or less often on extended pill cycles. The Pill is also known to help getting lighter periods. This is significant because not having your periods may result in excessive development of the endometrium, the lining inside your uterus. Excessive growth can cause extended and heavy periods, as well as endometrial hyperplasia. The endometrium must be shed on a daily or cyclical basis since this is a precursor to endometrial cancer.

Less Unwanted Hair: Oral contraceptives can lower androgen hormone levels, reducing unwanted hair growth (commonly known as "hirsutism"). It might take up to 6 months to see a reduction in unwanted hair on the face, chest, back, and stomach. 

Advertisment

Clearer Skin: Oral contraceptives can help with acne. Most kinds of the Pill contain hormones that can help prevent acne from occurring. However, it may take many months to observe an improvement. 

Fewer, milder, or no cramps: Oral contraceptives can assist to reduce menstrual cramps.

Other Medical Advantages: Because oral contraceptive pills induce less monthly bleeding, females who use them are less likely to develop anaemic. Oral contraceptives also reduce your risk of developing endometrial (uterine lining) cancer, ovarian cancer, and ovarian cysts. 

The oral contraceptive pill has no known negative effects in the majority of women, however it is possible to experience irregular menstrual cycles, nausea, headaches, or weight change. Each form of oral contraceptive pill might have a varied effect on a woman. Spotting may happen in the first one to three weeks after beginning the Pill, or if you forget to take a dose. When you initially start taking the Pill, you may have nausea, which will usually go away within a few days. Headaches can be caused by stress at school or at home, a lack of sleep, sinus infections, or migraines. Headaches can be made better or worse by taking the Pill. Remember to consult a gynaecologist before taking any medication or contraceptive pills.