Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) occurs when ovaries in the female reproductive system produce abnormal amounts of male sex hormones, also known as androgens. The condition is also characterised by the development of small fluid-filled sacs or cysts on the ovaries, which contain follicles or immature eggs that fail to release eggs.
While the most common symptoms of PCOS include irregular periods, weight gain, abnormal hair growth, and acne formation, there are women who do not develop any symptoms. In fact, up to 70% of those with PCOS don’t know they have it, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, early diagnosis is the only key to receiving timely and effective treatment.
One of the treatment options involves taking birth control as directed by a doctor. While it is deemed effective, we asked an expert whether everyone with PCOS needs to take the pills.
Also Read: PCOS, Obesity, And Infertility: Expert Explains Their Connection And What You Should Know
Role Of Birth Control In Managing PCOS
Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Dhivya Chandrasekar, Consultant – Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Sarjapur, Bengaluru, says, "Birth control pills play a major role in managing PCOS, which includes menstrual cycle regulation, lessening of symptoms, and prevention of long-term health effects."
While there is no cure for PCOS, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) suggests that birth control pills can be used for long-term treatment in women who do not wish to get pregnant.
"The type of birth control used for treating PCOS is combined hormonal birth control pills, meaning the pills contain both oestrogen and progestin. The hormones in birth control pills may help regulate menstrual bleeding. The pills also may help reduce excessive hair growth and acne," the health body explains.
Some of the ways birth control pills work in PCOS management include:
Regulating menstrual cycle: Birth control pills are commonly known as oral contraceptives, and they contain artificial hormones (oestrogen and progesterone) to control the menstrual cycle. Oftentimes, women with PCOS have abnormal menstrual cycles, and using birth control pills makes their cycle more predictable, says Dr Chandrasekar.
Reducing androgen levels: Women with PCOS frequently have elevated levels of androgens, which can cause acne and excessive hair growth or hirsutism. Birth control tablets can reduce the ovarian synthesis of androgens, which minimises these symptoms.
Preventing endometrial hyperplasia: Missed periods in women with PCOS are associated with thickening of the lining of the uterus, which in some cases can increase the chances of endometrial cancer, according to the doctor. Birth control pills help to get regular menstrual cycles, preventing endometrial hyperplasia.
Ovulation suppression: Contraceptive pills are effective in preventing ovulation, and this is particularly useful in managing ovarian cysts.
Not All Women With PCOS Need To Take Birth Control
In general, birth control pills regulate hormones, consequently altering many of the hormonal symptoms of PCOS while eliminating long-term health effects. However, Dr Chandrasekar highlights that not all women with PCOS need to take birth control pills.
She says, “Birth control pills for PCOS are usually intended for the treatment of symptoms including irregular periods, acne, and hirsutism. Contraceptive pills make menstrual cycles manageable, decrease androgen levels, and control birth in cases of necessity. However, overall management of PCOS is highly individualised depending on the symptoms and treatment objectives.”
Other Effective Management Strategies For PCOS
PCOS treatment involves more than just taking birth control pills. There are various strategies that can help manage the condition effectively and more naturally. These include:
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet that includes lots of whole grain products, additional lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats.
- Indulging in a total-body workout that comprises aerobic activities and weight lifting.
- Doing yoga and meditation to manage stress and anxiety.
- Getting enough sleep.
- Resorting to supplements such as inositol, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D, as guided by a healthcare professional.
Other than birth control pills, you can also consult your doctor about other treatment options, such as progestin treatment, which involves consuming progestin for 10–14 days every 1-2 months to get normal periods, or metformin, a type 2 diabetes medication used orally to decrease insulin resistance while also lowering insulin levels, the doctor adds.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your expert if you are dealing with any health issues to get the necessary treatment.]