most women will use birth control pills at some time in their lives. but many women don’t know that birth control pills also can be used to treat a variety of female problems and can have some surprising health benefits. birth control pills are made of synthetic (laboratory derived) versions of the two ovarian hormones: progesterone and estradiol. also birth control pills can contain synthetic forms of both hormones or progesterone (progestin) only. progestin-only pills are best for women who should not or do not want to take estrogen but are not used as much because they have a higher rate of causing unpredictable vaginal bleeding for at least the first year. to understand how birth control pills affect periods it is helpful to understand how the normal menstrual cycle works. a menstrual period takes place when the uterus (womb) sheds its lining; this process is controlled by the hormones made by the ovary (estrogen and progesterone). a menstrual cycle begins with the first day of the period lasts for about one month and is divided into two halves by ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary). during the first half of the cycle only estrogen is made. under the influence of estrogen the uterine lining grows to prepare for a potential pregnancy. during the second half of the cycle after ovulation progesterone is also made. progesterone stops the lining from growing and prepares it for implantation of an embryo. if pregnancy does not occur progesterone and estrogen levels fall which triggers the shedding of the uterine lining and the next period begins. some common uses include regulation of menstrual periods treatment of irregular periods treatment of painful periods and treatment for acne hirsutism (excess hair) and alopecia (hair loss). you can find more information from the american society for reproductive medicine on this topic here: <link> yes. birth control pills can help manage severe acne (acne that is worsened by hormonal swings) in women (of course) birth control pills can help regulate the menstrual cycle in women who have terrible unpredictable crampy or heavy periods. a regular predictable cycle for these women is a blessing. girls who are competitive athletes appreciate the predictability of regular periods. birth control pills prevent ovulation so women who have a tendency to get painful ovarian cysts or have ovulation pain can benefit from not ovulating for a while. finally birth control pills help some parents sleep better. if you have a daughter who may be secretly sexually active or may become sexually involved in the near future the birth control pill is a highly effective contraceptive for those teens who do not. or forget to use condoms. preaching abstinence has its limitations so parents sleep better knowing that the chance of an unintentional pregnancy is very very remote.
are there reasons to take birth control pills besides preventing pregnancy?