Endometriosis occurs when tissue, similar to that lining the uterus, grows outside of it. It is typically marked by extremely painful menstruation, chronic pelvic pain, potential fertility issues, etc. Such intense pain can become burdensome, negatively affecting one’s quality of life. Various treatments are available to manage the pain and symptoms associated with endometriosis. Doctors often prescribe hormonal birth control to manage endometriosis symptoms. Let’s discuss the benefits and risks of hormone-based medication.
Hormones That Encourage the Growth of Endometriosis
Hormones play a pivotal role in our bodies; they influence a range of central functions, reproduction being one of them. Oestrogen helps the uterus lining thicken during the menstrual cycle. Subsequently, oestrogen levels drop, leading to menstruation and the shedding of the uterus lining. In the case of endometriosis, the endometrial-like tissue goes through a similar process. In addition, oestrogen plays a vital role in the growth of endometrial-like tissue and the associated inflammation and pain. By reducing or eliminating the amount of oestrogen in the body, symptoms may ease, and endometriosis may grow more slowly or stop altogether.
Hormones That Slow the Growth of Endometriosis
Progesterone effectively counters the effects of excess oestrogen, helping to manage endometriosis symptoms. For this reason, progestin (the synthetic form of progesterone) is often recommended as a hormone-based treatment for endometriosis. When taken continuously, progestin thins the uterus lining, stopping regular periods or making them lighter depending on the medication. As a result, the endometrial-like tissue is also potentially prevented from thickening during the menstrual cycle.
Types of Hormonal Birth Control Used toTreat Endometriosis
Doctors may prescribe hormonal birth control, a combination of oestrogen and progestin, or progestin-only birth control. GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) agonists can also be prescribed to suppress the release of ovarian-stimulating hormones and reduce oestrogen levels. However, this medication does not serve as hormonal birth control. The doctor will prescribe hormone-based medication considering factors such as age, severity of symptoms, and family planning needs.
Hormonal birth control options for managing endometriosis include:
- Oral contraceptive pill
- Intrauterine device (IUD)
- Contraceptive injection
- Contraceptive implant
- Progestin-only pill
The Benefits of Using Hormonal Birth Control to Manage Endometriosis
The aim of prescribing hormonal birth control to women with endometriosis is to reduce pelvic pain and heavy bleeding. Medication treatments can be an alternative to surgeries as they are not invasive and require no recovery.
The Risks of Using Hormonal Birth Control to Manage Endometriosis
Hormonal birth control is not recommended for individuals who smoke, are prone to blood clots, or have conditions like coronary artery disease, lupus, cancer, or a history of strokes or heart attacks. Potential side effects include irregular bleeding, headaches, nausea, bloating, breast tenderness, mood changes, weight gain, and decreased libido. Hormonal birth control is also used to manage the symptoms of endometriosis, but importantly it doesn’t eliminate the endometrial-like tissue.
If you’ve been diagnosed with endometriosis, your doctor will discuss treatment options, balancing the risks and benefits. They may recommend lifestyle changes or surgery, but hormonal treatments are also a good option depending on the type, location, and severity of the endometriosis. Hormonal birth control is commonly prescribed because the risks are low, and it is non-invasive. If you think hormonal birth control may be a good option, discuss it with your doctor at your next appointment.
Most importantly, arrange a deep endometriosis ultrasound, get a diagnosis and then make an individualised plan for yourself.
