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