Is Birth Control the only option for treating period issues?
Treatment for painful, irregular, or heavy periods doesn’t have to be a one-size-fits-all approach
What is birth control?
Birth control is a medical means of preventing pregnancy before it begins. There are many different types of birth control including barrier methods, sterilization, hormonal medications, and hormonal and non-hormonal devices. Hormonal contraceptives can be single hormone (progestin only), or more commonly a combination of synthetic estrogen and progesterone. Although birth control in all forms is a very useful technology for many purposes (especially contraception), in regards to period issues, it isn’t your only option.
Birth control as treatment for period issues
Approximately ¾ of Canadian females have used oral contraceptives in their lifetime – either for contraception or for control of hormonal symptoms.
Hormonal contraceptives in the form of pills, patches, IUDs (intrauterine devices) and rings are common and effective prescriptions for period pain, irregular periods, and contraception. They are often prescribed for period issues like PMS, painful cramps, heavy periods, or PCOS. For many folks this works like a charm – and in conditions like endometriosis it can even help prevent reduced fertility that can come along with endometriosis. However, it isn’t the solution for everybody.
Why birth control for period issues isn't a fix for many
There are many reasons why hormonal contraceptives may not work for everybody –
One of the primary reasons is that hormonal birth control is a contraceptive…so it may be a great solution to control period pain while you are NOT looking to get pregnant, but it isn’t a viable option when conception is a desired outcome.
Just like any other treatment (natural or pharmaceutical), hormonal contraceptives also have side effects. Some of the effects that can be experienced by birth control users are acne, spotting, depression or mood changes, headache, fatigue, higher blood pressure, nausea, mood swings, tenderness, vomiting, weight gain, etc. In addition to these, there are less common more serious side effects such as blood clots, heart attack, liver cancer, stroke, and gallbladder disease.
Alternatives to hormonal contraception for treatment of period issues
Hormonal contraceptives aren’t your only option!
Exercise: Studies have found that regular exercise causes decreased amounts of menstrual pain, mood disturbances, and cramps. It is thought that this is via endorphins released in the process, but other factors may also be at play.
Diet: There is a growing body of evidence that consuming a low-fat, high-fiber diet can significantly reduce estrogen levels, and as a result, painful cramps and heavy periods. Consuming foods that reduce inflammation can also be very beneficial. Some of these include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seeds, nuts, and legumes. Foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids like fish have been proven to help with PMS as well.
Supplements: Lastly, there are often supplements that are taken which can be helpful for problematic period problems, however, these would be specific to each person and the problems they are facing.
Have more questions about alternatives to birth control for period issues?
If you’re curious to learn more, you can book a 15 min meet and greet with me!
Sources:
Birth Control: Forms, Options, Risks & Effectiveness. (2022). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11427-birth-control-options
Exercise, diet & periods. (2023). The Royal Women’s Hospital. https://www.thewomens.org.au/health-information/periods/healthy-periods/exercise-diet-periods
Gebel Berg, E. (2015). The Chemistry of the Pill. ACS Central Science, 1(1), 5–7. https://doi.org/10.1021/acscentsci.5b00066
Oral contraceptive use among women aged 15 to 49: Results from the Canadian Health Measures Survey. (2015). Statcan.gc.ca. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-003-x/2015010/article/14222-eng.htm
Rafie, S., Kroon, L., & Schweitzer, P. (2021). Access To Birth Control At Community Pharmacies. Health Affairs, 40(1), 178–178. https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2020.0158