We know that all medicines have side effects and contraindications. It’s no different with female hormonal contraceptives, which also contain chemical substances and act as a medication. The synthetic hormones in contraceptives act in the body by lowering natural hormone levels—estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone—in women, and they can also interfere with cortisol and insulin levels. The main goal of contraceptives is to inhibit ovulation, which is what allows a woman to get pregnant; but contraceptives can also affect the conditions of certain hormonal diseases, either improving or worsening symptoms.
Contraceptives for Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) often have an irregular menstrual cycle because several eggs do not mature, remain as small cysts without being reabsorbed, and this interferes with the timing of ovulation. For this reason, some doctors prescribe oral contraceptive pills for patients with PCOS. This way, they have stable hormone levels and a regular 28-day cycle, but without ovulating, and without treating the real cause of the problem, which is the natural production of hormones.
Can Women with Polycystic Ovaries Get Pregnant While Taking Contraceptives?
There is always some risk of pregnancy with any contraceptive method in fertile and sexually active women. Polycystic ovaries do not mean infertility. Therefore, especially if there are failures in contraceptive pill administration, pregnancy is possible. The pill’s effectiveness is measured at 99.7% by studies, which is quite high, but there is still a margin of error.
Recommended Contraceptives for Women with Migraine
For women who suffer from migraines without aura, meaning migraines not preceded by visual or sensory symptoms, the mini-pill is recommended, which contains only progesterone. Combined contraceptives containing both estrogen and progesterone, as well as patches, rings, and injections, can worsen the problem due to their estrogenic action. When a woman’s natural progesterone is balanced, it protects her from brain overstimulation and migraines.
What Is the Best Contraceptive for Women with Migraine?
The best contraceptives for women with migraines are non-hormonal methods. Only progesterone-only mini-pills can be used for migraines without aura. Sometimes, migraines are caused by hormonal imbalances, and progesterone can help relieve the symptoms. However, since pill hormones are synthetic, they do not treat the root of the problem.
Contraceptives for Women with Migraine with Aura
Migraine with aura, which is preceded by visual or sensory symptoms, is a neurological disease and carries a risk of stroke in those who use hormonal contraceptives. The risk of vascular events proven by pill use makes it contraindicated in these situations.
Can Women with Hypothyroidism Take Contraceptives?
Contraceptives can be prescribed even for those with thyroid problems. However, their effects can impact this gland, which is highly sensitive to hormone levels in the body. Therefore, for those taking the pill with hypothyroidism, it is essential that they are undergoing thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
Recommended Contraceptives for Women with Hypothyroidism
There is no particular contraceptive that is better than others in cases of hypothyroidism. When the disease is present, the patient should inform the doctor, who can find the best treatment and decide whether or not to use contraceptives.
Contraceptives for Women with Varicose Veins
Women taking contraceptives can, in rare cases, develop varicose veins. The progesterone consumed can cause vasodilation, resulting in varicose veins, but this generally happens in women who already have a strong genetic predisposition. In these cases, special care should be taken for those at risk for thrombosis, which is also worsened by the pill.
Recommended Contraceptives for Women with Varicose Veins
For women who suffer from varicose veins, a contraceptive based on a type of synthetic progesterone that minimizes interference with the vascular system is recommended, such as levonorgestrel.
Can Women with Fibroids Take Contraceptives?
So far, studies have not indicated a risk for women with uterine fibroids taking contraceptives. Contraceptives can reduce menstrual flow, helping control symptoms, but the woman continues to have the fibroid.
What Is the Best Contraceptive for Women with Fibroids?
Combined contraceptives containing estrogen and progesterone can relieve symptoms such as excessive vaginal bleeding and PMS, and are sometimes more recommendable for those with irregular cycles and symptoms from fibroids. But any contraceptive could be prescribed in these cases.
Can Women with Lupus Take Contraceptives?
Women with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) should carefully discuss with their doctor whether they can take contraceptives. When the disease is inactive, estrogen-containing contraceptives can reactivate lupus, so progesterone-only mini-pills are generally recommended. Still, with active disease, symptoms can worsen.
Can Women with Gastritis Take Contraceptives?
There are no contraindications to contraceptive use for women with gastritis or for those undergoing treatment for gastritis. Just be aware of possible pill side effects, especially when starting use, such as nausea and vomiting.
Can Women with HPV Take Contraceptives?
Women who have or have had HPV can use hormonal contraceptives without any problem, as it does not affect the disease. But to avoid infecting partners, only barrier methods protect against the spread of this sexually transmitted infection (STI).
See Also: Injectable Contraceptive – More Benefits or Disadvantages?
Photo: Ceridwen
