What Are the Benefits of Hormone Pills?

Most hormone pills, also known as combination or birth-control pills, contain estrogen and progestin. These are hormones that are usually made by a woman's ovaries. There are also progestin-only pills, often called a mini-pill. Hormone pills have other benefits besides preventing pregnancy.

Cancer and Cysts

Taking hormone pills lessens the risk of getting ovarian cancer and cysts, as well as cancer in the lining of the uterus. Women taking these pills are also les likely to get Pelvic Inflammatory Diease or have an ectopic pregnancy. It can also be beneficial for women who have a condition known as Endometriosis.

Osteoporosis

Taking hormone pills may also help prevent osteoporosis. Osteoporosis causes your bones to become brittle and prone to breaks or fractures.

Breast Lumps

Hormone pills may help decrease the incidence of cysts, fibroadenomas and pseudo lumps. All of these are harmless, but may be alarming to you or may change the look or feel of your breast.

Acne and Menstrual Cycle

Hormone pills may also help reduce the appearance of acne and put your menstrual period into remission. Of course, neither of these are harmful to you, but being without them may make you more comfortable and confident. Menstrual cramps may not be as painful as they once were, your periods may become more regular and the chance of post-period anemia will be lessened.

Considerations

Side effects of hormone pills include nausea, headache, mood swings and weight gain.

References

• Continuous Hormonal Pills for the Treatment of Endometriosis: A Guide for Teens
• Birth-Control Pills: A Guide for Teens