What is the mini pill for PCOS?

Author: Leonie Treutel  |  Last update: Sunday, June 1, 2025

The progestogen-only pill (or mini-pill as it is sometimes known) may help regulate periods and may also help manage the symptoms of PCOS. As some women can't use combined contraceptives (if you're a smoker over 35 for example), the progestogen-only pill may be a good alternative.

What is the best birth control for PCOS?

Progestin-only options

If you don't experience any of the androgenic symptoms (i.e. hair loss or increased body hair) the best birth control for your PCOS could be a progestin-only option like the Mirena IUD, the oral drug, Provera (medroxyprogesterone), or Depo-Provera which is administered as a shot every 3 months.

What is the best fertility pill for PCOS?

A medicine called clomifene may be the first treatment recommended for women with PCOS who are trying to get pregnant. Clomifene encourages the monthly release of an egg from the ovaries (ovulation). If clomifene is unsuccessful in encouraging ovulation, another medicine called metformin may be recommended.

What are the side effects of the mini pill?

Side effects of the minipill might include:
  • Irregular menstrual bleeding and spotting.
  • Acne.
  • Breast tenderness.
  • Decreased sex drive, also called libido.
  • Depression.
  • Headaches.
  • Nausea.
  • Ovarian cysts.

Does the mini pill make you gain weight?

Side effects of the progestogen-only pill

It can affect periods in different ways. Your periods may be lighter, more frequent or may stop altogether. You may get some bleeding (spotting) between periods. Some people may get acne, mood swings, weight gain or changes to sex drive (libido).

PCOS Q&A: TTC, Environmental Factors, Ovulation, Birth Control, Weight Loss and more!

Can the mini pill help you lose weight?

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews. Out of the 1349 reviews for progestogen-only / Mini pill, 68 people (5%) reported weight loss.

What does progestin do to the female body?

Progestins help other hormones start and stop the menstrual cycle. . To help a pregnancy occur during egg donor or infertility procedures in women who do not produce enough progesterone. Also, progesterone is given to help maintain a pregnancy when not enough of it is made by the body.

Is the mini pill good for PCOS?

A progestin-only pill (POP), also called a minipill, contains progestin but no estrogen. Like COCs, a POP can help manage hormonal imbalances in people with PCOS and has many of the same benefits. A person may need to take the POP continuously without a break.

Who should not take the mini pill?

The minipill may be harmful to people who have: Breast cancer or a history of breast cancer. Unexplained vaginal bleeding. Liver tumors.

Do you still get your period on the mini pill?

The most common side effect of using minipills is irregular menstrual bleeding. While many who take minipills have normal periods, others experience irregular bleeding, spotting between periods, or no period at all. Minipills come in packs of 28, and one is taken every day.

How to get rid of a PCOS belly?

Healthy ways for women with PCOS to reduce belly fat
  1. Speak with a doctor. ...
  2. Consume a high-fibre diet. ...
  3. Eat anti-inflammatory foods. ...
  4. Use complex carbohydrates to regulate your blood sugar. ...
  5. Prioritise protein. ...
  6. Add healthy fats. ...
  7. Manage stress and get enough sleep. ...
  8. Exercise.

What are the four stages of PCOS?

What Are The Four Types of PCOs?
  • Insulin-Resistant PCOS. This is the most common type of PCOS, characterized by insulin resistance. ...
  • Inflammatory PCOS. Low-grade inflammation is a hallmark of this type of PCOS. ...
  • Hidden-Cause PCOS. In this type, the underlying cause of PCOS is not immediately apparent. ...
  • Pill-Induced PCOS.

What is the best age to get pregnant with PCOS?

Best age to get pregnant with PCOS

The best time for women with PCOS to get pregnant is before they turn 30. It's possible to conceive up to the age of 37, but fertility declines after the age of 32 with steeper decline occurring after age 37.

What hormone is lacking in PCOS?

Reproductive system abnormalities — The cause of PCOS is not completely understood. With regards to the reproductive system, it is believed that abnormal levels of the pituitary hormone luteinizing hormone (LH) and high levels of male hormones (androgens) interfere with normal function of the ovaries.

What does a PCOS belly look like?

It's usually large and bloated but can also be small and round, depending on genes and other factors. It involves visceral fat accumulation in the lower abdomen and typically feels hard to touch. A PCOS belly is also characterized by a high waist-to-hip ratio of >0.87 (apple body shape).

What is the drug of choice for PCOS?

First-line agents for ovulation induction and treatment of infertility in patients with PCOS include metformin and clomiphene (Clomid), alone or in combination, as well as rosiglitazone (Avandia).

What is the best birth control pill for weight loss?

Yasmin, a brand of combination birth control pill, uses an alternative to progestin called drospirenone. Drospirenone acts as a diuretic, meaning you are less likely to have water retention, and, therefore, less likely to gain weight. Combination birth control pills are over 99 percent effective with correct use.

Do you still ovulate on the mini pill?

About 40% of people who take the mini pill will continue to ovulate. “For these people, they have ovulation symptoms because they are ovulating,” says Dr. Boyle.

Who cannot use progestin-only pills?

tell your doctor if you have unexplained abnormal vaginal bleeding; liver cancer, liver tumors, or other types of liver disease. Also tell your doctor if you have or have ever had breast cancer. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take progestin-only (norethindrone) oral contraceptives.

Is PCOS due to low progesterone?

Because of oligo/anovulation, patients with PCOS have low progesterone levels. Therefore, low progesterone levels in PCOS overstimulate the immune system, causing it to produce more estrogen, which leads to a variety of autoantibodies.

How to get pregnant with PCOS quickly?

Top tips on how to get pregnant with PCOS quickly
  1. Reverse any insulin resistance.
  2. De-stress.
  3. Follow an anti-inflammatory diet.
  4. Track your menstrual cycle.
  5. Confirm ovulation with test strips.
  6. Start taking supplements.

What are the disadvantages of progestin pill?

Disadvantages of the POP:

Adverse effects may occur, such as unscheduled bleeding and breast tenderness. Contraceptive efficacy is likely to be reduced in women using liver enzyme-inducing drugs. It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

What are signs of low progesterone?

What are the signs of low progesterone?
  • Irregular menstrual periods.
  • Headaches.
  • Difficulty conceiving.
  • Mood changes, anxiety or depression.
  • Trouble sleeping.
  • Hot flashes.
  • Bloating or weight gain.

What does progestin do to your mood?

Progesterone is known to increase the production of GABA, a neurotransmitter that promotes sleep and also enhances mood by inducing feelings of relaxation and well-being. A decrease in progesterone levels results in lower GABA levels, which can contribute to symptoms of anxiety, sadness, or depression.

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