Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) happens because of a hormonal imbalance that leads to your body producing more androgens, such as testosterone, than is typical.
PCOS has no cure, but you can manage it with treatment. One of the treatment options is birth control methods that help balance hormone levels. These birth control methods include birth control pills, patches, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and vaginal rings.
Each of these birth control methods can help treat PCOS, a condition that affects up to 15% of women in the world. But keep in mind that each method may not have the same effect on everybody — the best treatment option will depend on individual factors, such as age, coexisting conditions, and genetics.
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article uses the terms “female” and “women” when discussing people who are assigned female at birth to reflect language that appears in source materials.
How hormonal birth control can help
People with PCOS produce more androgens than normal. These are hormones, such as testosterone, that are typically predominant in males. Overproduction of these leads to symptoms such as:
- irregular periods
- hair loss
- hair growing on the face, chest, and back
- difficulty becoming pregnant
- changes in weight
- ovarian cysts
PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility in females.
Healthcare professionals often recommend hormonal birth control methods to treat PCOS because they can help balance a woman’s hormone levels.
All of the birth control methods mentioned below help with PCOS symptoms by balancing hormone levels and reducing the amount of androgens produced. In people with PCOS who don’t want to get pregnant, hormonal birth control can also help:
- regulate ovulation and menstrual cycle
- lower the risk of endometrial cancer
- reduce acne
- reduce hair growth on the face and other areas
Options to try
Hormonal birth control comes in several forms, including pills, skin patches, IUDs, and vaginal rings.
Oral contraceptives
Birth control pills are one of the most common contraceptive methods — 25% of females in the United States ages 15–44 take birth control pills.
Birth control pills can help people with PCOS regulate their periods and lower the production of androgens. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says that combined birth control pills can help women with PCOS manage the condition long term.
Combination pills, also known as combined pills or simply “the pill,” contain the hormones estrogen and progestin. These include:
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IUDs
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) that release hormones can also help with PCOS. These devices are made of plastic and a healthcare professional inserts them into your uterus.
Hormonal IUDs — which usually last for 3–5 years — release a daily amount of progestin and work similarly to combination pills. They ease PCOS symptoms by regulating your menstrual cycle and lowering the production of androgens.
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A healthcare professional places the birth control patch on your skin. The patch then releases hormones into your body that help regulate your period and reduce the production of androgens.
The skin patch usually lasts 1 week, and you’d need to change it every 3 weeks. You can place the patch on your upper arm, shoulder blade, buttocks, or belly. There are two brands of birth control patches: Xulane and Twirla.
Vaginal ring
The vaginal ring, known under the brand name NuvaRing, is a soft, plastic ring that’s placed in your vagina. The ring releases estrogen and progestin.
The ring lasts for a month, after which you’d have to get it replaced.
Other treatments for PCOS
Other treatments for PCOS include:
- Medication: Because people with PCOS develop insulin resistance, a medication taken to treat the condition is metformin (Riomet), usually prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes.
- Surgery: Surgical procedures such as ovarian drilling can help regulate ovulation. If other options don’t work, healthcare professionals consider surgery.
- Lifestyle strategies: Some lifestyle practices and natural remedies can help with your PCOS symptoms, such as:
- exercising
- eating a balanced diet
- maintaining a moderate weight
- getting enough sleep
- trying alternative treatments like acupuncture
Summary
PCOS leads to a hormonal imbalance that can result in irregular periods, unwanted hair growth, and ovarian cysts.
One treatment option for PCOS is hormonal birth control methods, such as the pill, IUDs, contraceptive patches, and vaginal rings.
All these methods release hormones into your body that can help regulate your menstrual cycle and reduce the amount of male hormones produced.
Talk with a healthcare professional about the best PCOS treatment option that suits your needs and lifestyle.
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