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Can birth control pills have a detrimental effect on the treatment of PCOS?
by Dr. Mary Shackleton - Medical Director of Insulite Labs - Learn more about PCOS Many women with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) are often prescribed oral contraceptives to regulate their menstrual cycle and balance their hormones. However, this does not treat the underlying cause of PCOS and once the oral contraceptives are discontinued the symptoms of PCOS will reappear.
Contraceptive pills can also have a detrimental effect on the treatment of PCOS. According to a recent study published in the Journal of Endocrine Regulations, oral contraceptives may actually make you gain weight. (1)
The study looked at 19 non-obese women with PCOS who were evaluated before and after taking Diane 35, an oral contraceptive used in many countries. Diane 35 is a combination birth control pill containing ethinylestradiol and cyproteroneacetate.
After the women had used the pill for 7 months, researchers noticed a significant increase in weight and elevated cholesterol levels. The weight gain in these women negated the benefits of using the birth control pills to lower the elevated testosterone levels found in PCOS sufferers.
This is an interesting finding because many women with PCOS already have issues with weight gain and elevated cholesterol levels. These symptoms could be exacerbated by a course of action often prescribed to help treat PCOS. However, PCOS is not the exclusive preserve of women who are overweight or obese. Up to 50% of PCOS sufferers may be of normal weight or lean.
Therefore, women should be aware of the benefits and risks before deciding to go on oral contraceptives for PCOS. It is important to be pro-active about your health and learn as much as possible about the treatments that you are being prescribed.
(1) Vrbikova J, Dvorakova K, Hill M, Starka L., Weight change and androgen levels during contraceptive treatment of women affected by polycystic ovary. Endocr Regul. 2006 Dec;40(4):119-23. PMID: 17201585
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