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What is the dual effect of hormonal contraception? Uses beyond contraception!
Hormonal contraception, as the name suggests, is a method of achieving contraceptive effects by changing the body's endocrine system. Since the first oral contraceptive pill was launched in 1960, the industry has continued to grow, creating many different forms of contraception. Not only that, hormonal contraception actually has many potential uses beyond its main function to protect women's health.
Effectiveness of hormonal contraception
According to relevant data, hormonal contraceptives are quite effective. When used correctly according to doctor's instructions, the pregnancy rate can be less than 1% per year. The pregnancy rate for perfect medication is usually even lower, generally below 0.3%. These methods are mainly divided into two categories: one is a combined contraceptive method containing estrogen and progesterone, and the other is a contraceptive method containing only progesterone.
Combined contraceptive methods achieve contraceptive effects by inhibiting ovulation and increasing the consistency of cervical mucus, while single-hormonal methods rely more on changing cervical mucus.
The power of self-healing - the medical use of hormonal contraception
In addition to contraception, hormonal birth control is also widely used in other medical treatments, including the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome, menstrual abnormalities, and hirsutism. For example, many doctors prescribe oral contraceptive pills to patients with polycystic ovary disease to help balance hormones in the body, not only reducing symptoms but also effectively reducing ovarian hormone production.
Polycystic ovary syndrome
For women with PCOS, hormonal birth control is often recommended as a treatment option because of its properties in regulating hormones and improving ovulatory function. This medication reduces the effects of excess male hormones, thereby reducing symptoms associated with the condition, such as irregular menstruation and weight gain.
Menstrual pain and heavy menstruation
For patients with menstrual pain or heavy menstruation, hormonal contraceptive methods such as birth control pills and contraceptive patches can significantly reduce pain and bleeding. This not only improves the quality of life, but also reduces anemia caused by excessive blood loss.
hirsutism
For patients with hirsutism, oral contraceptives can effectively control related symptoms by reducing the production of male hormones in the ovaries. These drugs also encourage the liver to produce a protein that binds to androgens and inhibits their activity.
Side effects and risks of hormonal contraception
Hormonal birth control is not without risks, however. Among them, side effects associated with the use of estrogen-containing contraceptives include deep vein thrombosis, cardiovascular disease, etc. These side effects may be exacerbated in women with an underlying cardiovascular history and care should be taken in choosing an appropriate contraceptive method.
Some research points out: "The use of combined oral contraceptives slightly increases the risk of breast cancer, but after stopping use, the risk returns to the level of non-users within ten years."
Long-term effects of hormonal contraception
Although there are certain risks and side effects during the long-term use of hormonal contraception, its protective effect on preventing ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer is significant. This suggests that safe and effective hormonal contraceptive methods can reduce unwanted pregnancies while improving women's overall health.
Conclusion
As an effective method of contraception, hormonal contraception not only helps women manage their fertility plans, but also shows its important value in treating other medical problems. In the future, as research deepens and technology advances, more new hormonal contraceptive methods may emerge and continue to serve women’s health. So, have you ever considered the potential benefits of these birth control methods beyond contraception?
