7 additional benefits of birth control pills

In fact, according to Sloan Shah, MD, a practising gynaecologist with more than 20 years in adolescent gynaecology, hormonal and menstrual disorders, menopause transition, and minimally invasive surgery, although they are called birth control pills, most time they are used as hormonal pills.

How they work

Female hormones are controlled by four body organs (pituitary gland, thyroid gland, adrenals, and ovaries) and if one of them is not functioning well, an imbalance is created.

Introducing hormonal pills can override the body such that each month a woman receives a set amount of estrogen and progesterone per day to restore balance.

Safety

Oral contraceptives carry the least risks. However, if you have a history of blood clots, high blood pressure, migraine or smoking, seek advice from your doctor before taking the pill. And even when you are cleared to take it, visit a nurse practitioner, midwife or ob-gyn for a usage review if you experience side effects and unusual issues that may arise.

Here are seven benefits of the hormonal content of the birth control pill other than pregnancy prevention:

1. Saves money on foundation and waxing

Saves money on foundation and waxing Pulse

Pimples and unwanted hair growth, on the chin for example, can be cleared up by contraceptives. When you are on birth control pills, the liver makes a protein that restricts testosterone from fluctuating in your bloodstream thus lowering your risk of acne and stray hairs.

2. Reduces migraines

Reduces migraines Pulse

The pill can keep estrogen levels consistent for the duration of the cycle and eventually prevent hormone headaches. The hormone headaches are migraines that come on before or during the menstrual period caused by a drop in estrogen.

3. Staying healthy during flu season

Stay healthy during flu season Pulse

Women on oral birth control pill with estrogen have more protection from the flu virus than other people, according to the American Journal of Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology.

Research indicates that the estrogen from the pills reduced the replication of the flu virus in infected cells by 1000 times. In male participants the increase in estrogen did not have the same effect since men have lower estrogen than women.

However, due to fluctuating estrogen levels in pre-menopausal women throughout their cycle, simply being female does nor guarantee flu protection. It is also not recommended to use oral contraceptives to protect oneself from the flu.

Protection from the flu comes as an added benefit of taking estrogen pills for other reasons, like birth control.

4. Ease painful periods

Ease painful periods Pulse

The pill can reduce the release of prostaglandins which is responsible for painful menstrual cramps before and during your period.

Dysmenorrhea is a medical condition in the lining of the uterus releases high levels of prostaglandins which makes the contractions of the uterus to expel the lining more painful.

The pills cannot get rid of prostaglandins but can cause thinning of the uterus lining thus reducing their effect.

5. Helps with Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Helps with Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Pulse

A week or two before their period, over 90 percent of women experience the symptoms of PMS which are caused by drastic changes in hormones. The symptoms include fatigue, mood swings, bloating, irritability and breast tenderness.

The hormones in the pill restore balance which is upset due to the change or drop in hormones during the first and second halves of the cycle.

6. Conserves your blood

The pill helps in thinning the lining of the uterus which reduces the amount of blood released when the uterus contracts.

You can experience lighter and shorter periods which can prevent anemia indicated by low energy and fatigue.

7. Protection against cancer

Protection against cancer Pulse

Taking the pill for 15 years has potential to cut your risk of ovarian cancer by 50 percent and for endometrial cancer by over 70 percent, according to a study in Best Practice and Research Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Stopping ovulation creates protection against ovarian cancer. The idea is that repetition of ovulation over the years increases the chances of getting ovarian cancer. This also applies to the prevention of uterine cancer. Since the pill brings about thinning of the uterine lining, this means that there is less build up of tissue which lowers the risk of developing cancer.

However, due to increased levels of estrogen, you have an increased risk of developing cervical and breast cancers.