Birth control pill (Estrogen and progestin) for PCOS

Overview
Birth control pills are prescription drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent pregnancy. A birth control pill containing both an estrogen and a progestin may be referred to as a combination pill. In women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), birth control pills may be prescribed to help regulate the menstrual cycle and balance hormone levels. Since birth control pills are not FDA-approved to treat PCOS, this usage may be considered “off-label.”

Examples of brand names for combination birth control pills include Apri, Aviane, Azurette, Beyaz, Gianvi, Junel, Kelnor, Levora, Low-Ogestrel, Microgestin, MonoNessa, Necon, Nortrel, Ocella, Ortho-Novum, Portia, Safyral, Trivora, Yasmin, Yaz, Zarah, and Zovia. Examples of drug names for combination pills include Levonorgestrel/Ethinyl estradiol and Norethindrone/Ethinyl estradiol.

Estrogen is an important hormone in the female reproductive system. Progestins are synthetic forms of hormones known as progestogens. Combination birth control pills work by stopping ovulation, thinning the lining of the uterus, and thickening cervical mucus. Birth control pills also change the level of other hormones in the body.

How do I take it?
Birth control pills are taken once a day, every day.

Side effects
Birth control pills cause common side effects including headache, dizziness, nausea, weight gain, breast tenderness, bloating, changes in the menstrual cycle, and spotting or bleeding.

Rarely, birth control pills can cause serious side effects including migraines, bone loss, and blood clots.

For more details about this treatment, visit:
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/p...

PCOS: The Oral Contraceptive Pill – Center for Young Women’s Health
http://youngwomenshealth.org/2014/02/25/pcos-an...

Combination birth control pills – Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/comb...

Birth Control Pills (Oral Contraceptives) – Drugs.com
https://www.drugs.com/article/birth-control-pil...