PCOS and Birth Control Pills

Birth Control Pills have never been my friend. It wasn't until I was diagnosed with PCOS and learned more about my syndrome that I figured out that was normal for someone with my issues. The PCOsupport website recently sent out this "HealthByte" email that talks more about research into how BCPs affect those with PCO or PCOS. I wanted to share it with you in case it was helpful.

Here is this week's Health Byte from the PCOSA.  Side Effects of Birth Control Pills to Counter PCOS   Birth control pills can do more than just give the appearance of a "normal" monthly rhythm for women whose cycle is disrupted by PCOS. Oxidant stress is one example. A study from Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in Iran has shown that birth control pills can bring on this condition where unstable, reactive molecules in a woman's cells cause damage because there are not enough antioxidants to neutralize them. The study divided 120 women into three groups. One group took justbirth control pills. Another group took birth control pills, as well as vitamins C and E. A third group did not take anything (no pills or vitamins). Compared to the women who took nothing, the group only taking birth control had more oxidant stress. The birth control women also taking the vitamins had less oxidant stress that than the ones taking birth control but not vitamins. This information suggests that, if you're taking birth control pills, it would be smart to also take antioxidant vitamins such as vitamins C and E. A good multi-vitamin/mineral can provide a spectrum of antioxidant protection. You can also get a good supply of antioxidants from whole plant foods such as vegetables. Some oxidant stress is normal. But too much may increase chronic inflammation. The latter can be a big driver of PCOS symptoms. So oxidant stress is something to be controlled. Check with your doctor. Research indicates that women with PCOS tend to have higher levels of oxidant stress and chronic inflammation than women without polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Sincerely, Christine DeZarn Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association, Inc. (PCOSA)