Oral contraceptives (OCPs), also known as “birth control pills”, have long been considered a viable option for the treatment of women with polycystic ovary syndrome who suffer from irregular or absent menstrual cycles. Despite its advantages, the birth control pill has nevertheless been associated with negative effects on women’s health, even in adolescence emergency contraception pill.
Experts today are debating whether oral contraceptives are just a “patch” in the treatment of PCOS and not address the root cause of the syndrome. In fact, women who stop taking the pill still have irregular or absent menstrual cycles. If you are the parent of a girl with PCOS or are a teenage girl, the question is whether the pill is really a good idea.
Here is a summary of some of the risks and benefits of taking oral contraceptives for young women with PCOS, and of any alternative treatments.
Benefits of oral contraceptives
A big plus is that birth control pills can reduce testosterone levels and improve the balance of reproductive hormones. Additionally, women with PCOS who take the pill have regular cycles and a reduction in unwanted dermatological and endocrine symptoms such as acne and hirsutism. Finally, regular menstrual sequences can also lessen the hazard of formulating endometrial hyperplasia by avoiding the uterine line from evolving too thick.
Health Risks of Oral Contraceptives
Despite the benefits, recent studies indicate that oral contraceptives should be taken with caution, especially in adolescents with PCOS. What is the reason? In adolescents with PCOS, oral contraceptives are responsible for increased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of heart disease and the inflammatory system. It has also been shown that oral contraceptives increase LDL (the “bad”) cholesterol levels in adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome. Additionally, elevated triglyceride levels and a possible increase in insulin resistance have been associated with the use of the birth control pill.