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Hormonal birth control is a lifesaver for many women trying to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Of course, nonhormonal methods have their benefits too. But hormonal birth control, including the pill, some IUDs, implants, and patches, offer a range of benefits beyond pregnancy prevention.
It regulates menstrual cycles
Hormonal birth control methods may balance the hormonal fluctuations that happen throughout your cycle. This can help with a variety of menstrual issues, including irregular or heavy bleeding. It can even help with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) symptoms, including acne and excess hair. Learn more about the best birth control for PCOS.
It makes periods less painful
About 31 percent of women who use birth control pills cite menstrual pain as one of the reasons they continue to take them. Hormonal birth control prevents ovulation. When you do not ovulate, your uterus does not experience the painful contractions that cause cramps during ovulation.
If you have painful periods, hormonal birth control may also provide some relief for pain during menstruation.
It can banish hormonal acne
Hormonal fluctuations are often major acne triggers. That is why acne is usually at its worst during adolescence. By minimizing these fluctuations, hormonal birth control can help to tame hormonal acne.
Birth control pills that contain both estrogen and progesterone (known as combination pills) are the most effective acne fighters
It reduces your risk of uterine cancer
Hormonal birth control also has some long-term benefits. Women who take combination birth control pills are 50 percent less likely to get uterine cancer. These effects can last for up to 20 years after you stop taking the pill.
It can also reduce your risk of ovarian cancer.
It reduces your risk of ovarian cysts
Ovarian cysts are small, fluid-filled sacs that form in your ovaries during ovulation. They are not dangerous, but they are sometimes painful. Women with PCOS often have a large number of small cysts in their ovaries. By preventing ovulation, hormonal birth control can prevent these cysts from forming. They may also stop former cysts from regrowing.
Healthline
