Endometriosis and the Birth Control Pill

According to statistics, around 20% of the female population ages 20 to 40 in the United States are affected with endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition that involves the growth of endometrial-like cells outside of the uterus. The growth covers the fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus and sometimes forms in the pelvic area. There is no certain cure for endometriosis but there are so many ways to control it. One of these is by taking birth control pills.

Endometriosis starts when the hormone estrogen is released during the first half of a woman’s menstrual cycle. Birth control pills which have low estrogen and high progesterone content are the ones prescribed for mild to moderate endometriosis. The pills work by stopping the hormonal cycle, slowing down endometriosis until the woman gets pregnant or until she reaches menopause. With a lowered estrogen level, the endo does not get enough of the hormone needed for it to grow.

If a woman chooses to use birth control pills for her endometriosis, she has to take the pills continuously. However, only the active pills are taken not the placebo pills. She will not have her period however she will experience spotting as her body adjusts to the pills. Pills are also used to prevent re-growth of endo after surgical removal. A woman should take the active pills followed by four days of the placebo pills. She will have a shorter than normal period.

Taking birth control pills also entails experiencing side effects such as facial hair growth, acne and weight gain. In cases of mild endometriosis, side effects of using birth control pills are much worse than the symptoms one feels from the condition itself.