Hormonal contraceptives have helped women of almost all ages. It is estimated that about 80% of women in the country take hormonal contraceptives during their reproductive years. Hormonal contraceptives come in – IUDs, pills, a patch or vaginal rings that are used by women for family planning and pregnancy prevention. You might have heard both good and bad effects that hormonal contraceptives have on your body.  Here are some benefits of hormonal contraceptives.

Alleviating menstrual pain
Hormonal contraceptives help relieve severe menstrual cramps and associated pain. Muscle contraction causes pain as prostaglandin levels increase in the body. This chemical is produced by the body to slowly break down the walls of the uterus. Hormonal contraceptives reduce the production of these chemicals and thus prevent excessive muscle contraction and pain.

Reducing the risk of anemia
Many women experience extremely heavy periods leading to excessive blood loss every month. This might increase the risk of anemia. When you have anemia, you have fewer red blood cells or hemoglobin and your body will not get enough oxygen. You will feel weak and tired all the time. Progesterone hormonal birth control pills make the uterus lining thin which does not lead to heavy blood flow. You get shorter and lighter periods.

Treating Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition when the uterus lining attaches itself to ovaries, fallopian tubes or other parts of the cervical cavity and not the uterus. Women suffering from this condition might experience infertility as ovulation can become obstructed. Hormonal contraceptives reduce the uterine build up, and also stop uterine growth in other parts of the cervical cavity. It not only relieves endometriosis-related pain but gives women the freedom to choose when to get pregnant.

Treating PCOS
A polycystic ovarian syndrome is a result of hormonal imbalance. It can lead to excessive facial hair, irregular periods, infertility, obesity and ovarian cysts. The combination of estrogen and progesterone in hormonal contraceptives helps fight hirsutism or excessive hair growth and acne. So, PCOS symptoms subside and period flow also becomes regular.

Treating uterine fibroids
Majority of women develop fibroids during their fertile year. Though uterine fibroids are benign, they do cause complications. They can lead to heavy bleeding and cause a lot of pain during pregnancy. But hormonal pills help reduce heavy bleeding and help fibroid-related symptoms. They also limit the growth of the fibroid.  

Lowering the risk of certain types of cancers
Studies have shown that women who have estrogen-progesterone combo pills for 15 years have a low risk of developing ovarian and endometrial cancers by about 50%. Hormonal contraceptives block ovulation and help prevent hormonal imbalances.

Preventing acne
Testosterone makes your skin prone to acne and breakouts. Contraceptive pills help to reduce testosterone in the body. Hormonal contraceptives do a lot more for women’s health than just birth control.