4 unexpected health benefits of going on birth control

• Unexpected benefits of birth control include treating acne and easing period pains.
• Birth control also reduces your risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer.
• Hormonal birth control isn't for everyone and may increase blood pressure and migraine frequency.

Hormonal contraception, birth control, "the pill" - whatever you call it - allows people to prevent unintended pregnancies.

There are two types of oral birth control pills: combination pills consisting of synthetic estrogen and progestin, and progestin-only pills, also called the mini pill.

Other forms of hormonal birth control include the implant, the intrauterine device (IUD), the shot, the ring, and the patch.

Besides preventing birth, hormonal birth control provides other lesser-known benefits. Here are a few of the unexpected pros of using hormonal contraceptives.

1. Birth control regulates and lightens your period

Menstrual periods typically occur every 21 to 35 days, with bleeding lasting between two and seven days. The amount of blood lost during each cycle varies based on the person but is usually between two to three tablespoons.

But some people have heavy or irregular periods that interrupt daily life. Examples of irregular periods include:

• Periods occur less than 21 days or more than 35 days apart.
• Missing three or more periods in a row.
• Periods last longer than seven days.
• Bleeding or spotting happens between periods,
• Heavy bleeding that soaks through one or more pads or tampons in less than two hours or prevents you from participating in daily life.
• Frequent, severely painful menstrual cramps

Contraceptives regulate and lighten periods by balancing estrogen levels which inhibit the growth of the uterus's lining, known as endometrial tissue. Less endometrial tissue means less bleeding during menstruation.

"Birth control pills take endometrial tissue and glands, and change them so they become smaller which is really useful for someone who has heavy periods," says G. Thomas Ruiz, MD, a gynecologist at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center.

Lighter periods also lessen the risk of anemia, a condition caused by iron deficiency. Because blood is rich in iron, heavy periods can put you at increased risk.

2. Birth control eases period pains

Also known as dysmenorrhea, menstrual cramps are caused by the release of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins that cause the uterus to contract.

"Birth control pills decrease the production of prostaglandins, therefore, decreasing the cramps as well as period flow," says Monica Grover, DO, a gynecologist at VSPOT Medi Spa.

What the research says: A large study published in 2013 found women who used a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS), also known as Mirena, experienced a decrease in dysmenorrhea severity compared to women who used non-hormonal birth control.

Menstrual cramps and heavy bleeding can also be caused by other hormonal conditions like endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS.) Hormonal contraceptives are the front-line option for relieving symptoms of both conditions.

Birth control doesn't cure PCOS or endometriosis, but it suppresses menstruation and inhibits the growth of endometrial tissue which prevents symptoms.

3. Birth control treats acne

Between 12% and 22% of women over the age of 25 experience adult-onset acne, which typically pops up along the chin and jawline, flares up before menstruation, and is resistant to conventional treatments.

Adult-onset acne is believed to be linked to excess androgens - a group of sex hormones including testosterone.

Combined oral contraceptives are often used as a treatment for adult acne because estrogen is thought to have anti-androgen effects and decrease testosterone levels.

What the research says: A 2009 study found 70% of women with adult acne who took a combined oral contraceptive for 6 months reported an improvement compared to 41% of women who took a placebo.

If you're starting birth control for hormonal acne - stay patient. Hormone therapy doesn't immediately get rid of acne. Most studies show improvement begins around three months, and peaks at six.

4. Birth control lowers the risk of certain cancers

Birth control pills might decrease your risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer. Hormonal contraception protects against ovarian cancer by reducing the frequency of ovulation. Anyone who has ever used an oral contraceptive has a 30% to 50% lower risk of ovarian cancer than those who have not, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Additionally, a large 2018 study found ovarian and endometrial cancer risk decreased the longer a woman used birth control. The most significant risk reductions were among long-term birth control users who were smokers, obese, and rarely exercised. It's important to note that smokers should not use estrogen-containing birth control as it increases the risk of blood clots and other cardiovascular problems.

However, birth control may also temporarily increase your risk of cervical cancer. A large 2007 study found the risk of cervical cancer increased the longer people took oral contraceptives but declined after they stopped using the pills.

Researchers found that using oral contraceptives for 10 years from around age 20 to 30 increased incidences of cervical cancer by age 50 from 3.8 to 4.5 cases per 1,000 in more developed countries. Though 10 years after stopping birth control, the risk level returned to that of people who never took birth control.

Insider's takeaway

Hormonal birth control can do more than prevent pregnancy - it may also reduce menstrual cramps, regulate your period, and even decrease your risk of certain cancers. However, it's important to talk with your doctor about painful or irregular periods to find the root of the problem before trying to manage symptoms with birth control.

Additionally, hormonal birth control is not right for everyone as it can cause side effects like increased blood pressure, cholesterol, and migraines. Therefore, it's important to ask your doctor if they think birth control is right for you.

Related stories from Health Reference:

• Birth control pills can help treat acne, but some types are better than others
• 6 common birth control mistakes and how to avoid them
• Most claims about how to make your period come faster are false - here are the ones that actually work
• Yes, birth control may cause mood swings - here's what you need to know
• How long it takes for condoms, birth control pills, and other types of birth control to expire