Of course, hormonal birth control and family planning go hand in hand. While these contraceptives use synthetic hormones to prevent pregnancy, they can serve double duty to help manage your overall baseline health.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation’s 2024 Women’s Health Survey, 34% of women using birth control rely on it either partially or entirely for non-contraceptive reasons.

The following are three of the key health benefits women can experience when using hormonal birth control.

Pain Management & Cycle Regulation

Heavy bleeding (menorrhagia), intense period-related cramps (dysmenorrhea), or a combination of both can be debilitating symptoms of menstruation. Talk about a one-two punch. However, there’s a way to help deflect the blow. A progesterone-like hormone found in birth control pills thins the lining of the uterus, resulting in lighter bleeding during menstruation. Additionally, ovulation is prevented, which lowers the production of prostaglandins, the chemicals that cause painful uterine contractions or cramps.

Treatment for Hormonal & Reproductive Disorders

Physicians often use hormonal birth control as a powerful treatment tool for chronic conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis. PCOS happens when the ovaries produce higher-than-normal levels of male hormones, which can cause irregular periods. Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, and it can become inflamed and cause pain. Hormonal birth control regulates irregular periods caused by PCOS and suppresses the monthly hormonal spikes that cause the tissue growth in endometriosis patients.

Long-Term Preventive Health & Cancer Risk Reduction

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) guidelines on noncontraceptive uses of hormonal contraceptives point toward an array of preventive health benefits. In fact, studies say the consistent use of combined oral contraceptives can significantly lessen the risk of developing certain colorectal, ovarian, and endometrial cancers.

Q&A Overview

Q: Does using hormonal birth control have additional health benefits?
A: Yes! The benefits are many. Notable uses include pain management and cycle regulation; hormonal and reproductive disorder treatment; and long-term preventive health and cancer risk reduction.

Q: What dual benefits do birth control pills provide for individuals experiencing both menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea?
A: Birth control pills deliver a two-fold benefit: the progesterone-like hormone thins the uterine lining to lighten heavy bleeding, while the prevention of ovulation reduces prostaglandin production to minimize painful cramping.

Q: What two chronic conditions do physicians frequently treat using hormonal birth control?
A: Physicians frequently use hormonal birth control as a treatment tool for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis.

Q.: Which specific types of cancer can consistent use of combined oral contraceptives help prevent?
A: Consistent use can significantly lessen the risk of developing colorectal, ovarian, and endometrial cancers.

Learn More About the Benefits of Hormonal Birth Control

Consult an Avant Gynecology provider to see if the hormonal birth control is right for you. To learn more, schedule an appointment online.