Pcos which pill

Taking the pill is the most common way that those who do not want to become pregnant but have PCOS to manage their non-period related symptoms. In addition to lighter or fewer periods, the hormones in pill can also reduce hair growth and acne breakouts. Most who use the pill to treat their PCOS a combination pill, containing estrogen and progestin, is the best choice. The hormones in this type of pill work to prevent ovulation, decrease ovarian cysts, and decrease the hormone related side effects from PCOS.

If someone is unable to take estrogen, progestin-only pills may also improve symptoms of PCOS. And while talking to a provider, remember to consider factors such as cost, desire to have children in the future, regular vs.

As our lives change, the ideal method for us may change too. We encourage you to go on a journey to find a method that works for you right now.

Check out our birth control explorer , learn more about the various methods, and find a clinic near you to talk to a provider about which method would work best for your right now.

Although PCOS is the leading cause of infertility , it affects every woman differently. Some women may become infertile at a young age, and others may find that pregnancy is still possible. If you decide to use birth control for PCOS management and want to reap the contraceptive benefits, there are a few things you should know. About oral contraceptives On average, the birth control pill is about 91 percent effective at preventing pregnancy. This means that about 9 out of every women using the pill will become pregnant each year.

If you miss a dose , your risk of pregnancy increases. Set a reminder on your phone to help you remember to take the pill at the same time every day. About the contraceptive patch and vaginal ring The contraceptive patch and vaginal ring are also about 91 percent effective. This means about 9 out of every women using either method will become pregnant each year.

Choosing the best option for you. If you have PCOS, talk to your doctor about what treatment option would be best for you. When you and your doctor work through your options, remember to consider: Ease of use: You should think about what type of oral contraceptive would be easier for you to use.

If it may be hard to take a pill every day, then the ring or patch may be a better option for you. Side effects: Most hormonal birth control options share similar side effects. Still, your doctor may be able to recommend one over another if you have concerns. However, when they do cause side effects, these can be the same. Combination birth control pills all work the same way. They prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg and so prevent pregnancy.

They also thicken the mucus of the cervix. If the ovaries were to release an egg, this thickened mucus could prevent pregnancy. The same hormones that prevent ovulation can also keep male hormone levels low and raise female hormone levels.

Combination pills for PCOS include:. Some pills, such as Loestrin, have lower estrogen levels. These low estrogen levels can reduce the severity of some side effects but may also be less effective against symptoms of PCOS. Someone with PCOS should talk to a doctor about the right amount of estrogen based on their symptoms and other risk factors. Women who get some relief from combination pills but who continue to experience painful or heavy periods may wish to switch to a pill that causes them to be less frequent.

Women who develop unpleasant side effects from taking a combination pill may wish to switch to a minipill. In some cases, doctors recommend that women try a minipill first. Women who smoke, who have a history of cardiovascular problems, who are very overweight, or who are diabetic may have fewer side effects with a progestin-only pill.

Combination and progestin-only pills are highly effective at preventing pregnancy. At typical usage rates, which are the imperfect way most women use these pills, they are about 91 percent effective. Birth control pills are not for everyone, as some women find it inconvenient to take a pill every day.

Non-pill combination options that blend progestin with estrogen tend to be the most effective. If a woman is not seeking to become pregnant, hormonal birth control most often birth control pills is a standard treatment. Birth control pills. This is a common treatment to regulate periods and limit excess hair growth and acne by lowering androgen levels and protecting the endometrium inner lining of the uterus against abnormal cell growth. Regulating your hormones can lower your risk of endometrial cancer.

Pills that contain estrogen and progestin decrease androgen production and regulate estrogen. Older types of birth control pills have a lower risk for dangerous blood clots and are preferable over new types of birth control pills.

Instead of pills, you might prefer to use a skin patch or vaginal ring that contains a combination of estrogen and progestin. Metformin is a medicine that makes the body more sensitive to insulin.

This can help lower elevated blood glucose levels, insulin levels, and androgen levels. People who use metformin may lose some weight as well. Many women who are diagnosed with PCOS are often automatically prescribed metformin.