HOW A COMBINED ORAL CONTRACEPTIV PILL CAN HELP YOU
Many women think that the only benefit of the combined OCP is the reliable protection against unwanted pregnancy and yet it may also confer other benefits and may be prescribed to help women with various gynaecological and hormonal problems. Let us take a look at some of the other effects of this pill upon your body.
1. Your menstrual bleeding will usually be controlled and regular. If you prefer to miss a period because of some special event, this is easy to plan simply by skipping the usual seven day break (or substitute sugar pills) between pill packets. In the vast majority of women on the combined OCP, menstrual bleeding becomes lighter and less painful and a complete relief of period cramps may often be obtained.
2. Your chances of pelvic infection from certain bacteria (such as gonorrhoea) may be less, although this does not apply to all pelvic infections and, in particular, the pill does not reduce your chances of infection with chlamydia.
3. Your chances of forming cysts on your ovaries will be 50% to 80% less and mid-cycle pains due to ovulation will usually be cured by the combined OCP. Mild cases of endometriosis can often be controlled by the combined OCP with beneficial effects upon future fertility.
4. The combined pill may help some women with pre-menstrual syndrome or pre-menopausal symptoms due to imbalances or deficiencies in their own sex hormones. This is because it supplies a steady amount of synthetic hormones which suppress or compensate for unpleasant hormonal highs and lows. Pre-menopausal women may find that their vaginal lubrication and sexual function is helped by the combined OCP and it certainly protects their bones against calcium loss. Once the menopause arrives, the OCP should be replaced with natural Hormone Replacement Therapy. Women over 45 who have not had a natural menstrual period for over twelve months can generally be considered menopausal although this should be confirmed with blood tests. Other favourable hormonal effects of the combined OCP may be an improvement in some types of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid disease.
5. Many women will be delighted to know that a special4 'tailor-made'' combined OCP can cure acne, pimples, oily hair and excessive facial and body hair. An ideal tailor-made pill for these problems consists of two separate hormones — oestrogen in the form of ethinyl oestradiol (Estigyn) 30 to 50mcg daily and cyproterone acetate (Androcur) 2.5mg to 5 mg daily. Both of these hormones are taken together for three weeks on and one week off.
Women in Europe and New Zealand are able to obtain a contraceptive pill called 'Diane' containing both Estigyn and Androcur combined in one pill and in these countries Diane is the most popular type of pill prescribed. Why not take an OCP that promotes feminine skin and hair if given the choice?
Hopefully, Diane or a similar OCP will soon be available for Australian women. If you suffer with more severe degrees of acne or superfluous hair, higher doses of Androcur will be required, at least initially.
6. In women anxious about the small size of their breasts, the OCP, particularly brands with a higher oestrogen content, often produces a desirable increase in breast size.
7. Many women with infrequent menstruation can benefit by taking the combined OCP. Generally speaking, women who often miss their periods for several months to six months at a time (a condition known as amenorrhoea) have a problem with the function of their ovaries. They may have too little oestrogen production from their ovaries (especially if they are underweight and sportive), or too much oestrogen and male hormone production from their ovaries (especially if they are overweight with skin problems). Those with too little oestrogen run an increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures of the spine and hips while those with too much oestrogen face an increased risk of uterine cancer. By correcting these hormonal imbalances, the combined OCP prevents osteoporosis and uterine cancer if taken regularly in women with infrequent menstruation. Of course, when they start the combined oral contraceptive pill their menstruation becomes regular.
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