Hormonal birth control is one of the most effective and convenient methods available for women who want to prevent unwanted pregnancy. The pill is the most common and popular form of hormonal birth control, but there are a few other contraceptive options that use hormones for pregnancy prevention, including certain IUDs, implants, and the patch.
For many women, the appeal of hormonal birth control goes beyond contraception. This type of birth control offers a wide range of health benefits to improve your quality of life. As you’re figuring out which contraception methods will work best for you, consider these additional advantages to a hormonal birth control option!
1) Regulates Your Period
One of the top reasons women seek out hormonal birth control, aside from pregnancy prevention, is its ability to help regulate their menstrual cycle. This contraception helps balance the hormonal fluctuations you experience during your cycle, making your period more consistent and predictable.
When you take the birth control pill, you’ll also have more control over when you get your period. You choose when you take active hormone pills vs. the placebo pills, enabling you to decide when and how often you menstruate.
2) Treats Heavy and Painful Periods
Hormonal birth control works by preventing ovulation and regulating hormone production. Menstrual pain and cramping happen when your uterus contracts, caused by a high production of the hormone prostaglandin. The pill and other hormonal contraceptives reduce your body’s prostaglandin production, reducing period pain. The pill also stops ovulation resulting in a lighter flow, making it a great option for women who struggle with heavy menstrual bleeding.
3) Can Help Manage Endometriosis
Endometriosis is the growth of the uterine tissue lining (endometrium) outside of the uterus. Symptoms of endometriosis can be very painful and debilitating for women. The hormones in birth control help slow the growth of the endometrium, which eases these painful symptoms. The pill also facilitates lighter periods and gives women the ability to skip them altogether, which helps manage endometriosis.
4) Treats Symptoms of PMS and PMDD
Premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysmorphic disorder cause physical and emotional symptoms associated with the onset of your period that can be disruptive to everyday life. PMDD is a more severe version of PMS. These symptoms often include:
- Breast tenderness
- Bloating
- Acne
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Mood Swings
Hormonal birth control can help by reducing the hormone fluctuations that cause these symptoms and making the symptoms themselves less severe.
5) Reduces Acne and Abnormal Hair Growth
In women, the production of male hormones, called androgens, can cause acne, hair loss, and unwanted hair growth. Hormonal birth control lowers your androgen production levels and helps treat these symptoms. By treating hormonal fluctuations, birth control reduces abnormal hair growth and can lower the frequency and severity of your breakouts.
6) Relieves Menstrual Migraines
Many women experience menstrual migraines triggered by hormonal changes associated with their cycle. Experts believe these result from the drop in estrogen production that precedes your period. Hormonal birth control allows you to skip this part of your cycle and keep your estrogen levels consistent.
7) Reduces Risk of Anemia
Some women experience very heavy bleeding during their periods. This can increase the risk of anemia. People with anemia don’t have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen around their bodies, which can cause weakness and fatigue. Hormonal birth control methods that allow you to skip your period can help to prevent period-related anemia.
If you’re interested in learning more about your options for hormonal and other types of birth control, reach out to the medical team at South Avenue Women’s Services. We welcome women of all ages looking to learn about reproductive health and safe contraceptives.
Contact us today at (585)271-3850 to schedule a private consultation with a women’s health professional!