For many women with PCOS, oral contraceptives are commonly prescribed to help manage symptoms and regulate hormones. However, if you’ve tried the pill and haven’t found relief, you’re not alone. While birth control can help alleviate certain PCOS symptoms, it doesn’t always work for everyone—and for some, it may even come with unwanted side effects. Namely, the pill can raise insulin resistance, contributing to weight gain, fatigue, skin problems, and the increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. If you’ve struggled with side effects or feel like your birth control is only masking symptoms, exploring natural solutions could be a great next step– and we are here to help!
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that leads to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms like irregular periods, excess hair growth on the face and body, head hair loss, headaches, mood swings, headaches, high blood pressure, fatigue, troubles losing weight, skin issues, and more. Many of these symptoms are due to hormonal dysregulation, which is why oral contraceptives are often prescribed as a first-line treatment!
Birth control pills often contain estrogen and progestin, which can help manage certain PCOS symptoms for some women. However, they don’t address the root causes of PCOS, meaning symptoms may return once you stop taking them. Plus, for those dealing with insulin resistance, the pill may sometimes contribute to further symptoms. Every body is different, but if you’ve experienced this, know that there are other ways to support your hormones and feel your best!
So, what are your options? Luckily, there are other hormonal birth control options and non-hormonal birth control options that can help ease symptoms without the long list of side effects. Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are a common form of contraception that checks these boxes. In this post, I’ll break down the pros and cons of IUDs and help you decide which type of IUD may be right for you!
Are There Problems With PCOS And IUD Use?
All in all, there may be a few problems with PCOS and IUDs, but it’s a good choice for reliable contraception that likely won’t worsen your symptoms or PCOS journey. This is due to the fact that there are non-hormonal options and the hormonal options only include progestin, not estrogen, which is usually the culprit for certain PCOS symptoms. Progestin-only IUDs also haven’t been shown to have a significant impact on insulin resistance. This means when Cysters are looking for a contraceptive, IUDs might be something you’d like to consider!
Does IUD Help With PCOS?
Though IUDs are a wise contraception choice and can positively impact a handful of PCOS symptoms, they’re not a remedy or treatment for PCOS. IUDs would only really help with period-related PCOS symptoms, like irregular menstrual cycles, heavy period bleeding, and painful period cramps.
Will other symptoms of PCOS be affected? Probably not. Additionally, once the IUD is removed, those who previously had irregular, heavy, and painful periods may experience them again. However, the good news is that you can actually prepare your body to alleviate these beforehand symptoms if you plan on getting your IUD removed. I recommend while you have an IUD, to start making strategic lifestyle changes to get to the root of your PCOS symptoms. If you can make lifestyle adjustments that target hormonal regulation, insulin sensitivity, and inflammation reduction, getting regular periods and living symptom-free is totally possible! This way, even when you’re off contraceptives, your PCOS journey just continues without the return of difficult period symptoms.
What Are IUD Side Effects?
There are a few potential side effects of IUD insertion you should know about as well! Cramping and pelvic pain right after insertion are normal, but definitely talk to your doctor if it persists. Additionally, hormonal IUDs can sometimes cause missed periods and spotting, whereas non-hormonal IUDs may increase your flow. Lastly, IUDs can cause ovarian cysts, so if you’re a Cyster with a medical history of cysts on your ovaries, don’t hesitate to discuss your concerns with your doctor to see if another contraceptive may be a better choice for you!
Although rare, potential side effects of IUDs can include infection, ectopic pregnancy, expulsion, and perforation. It’s always best to discuss with your doctor whether an IUD is the right choice for you. Our goal is to equip you with the information you need to become your own best health advocate, while your doctor can help guide and support you along the way!
Which IUD Is Best For PCOS?
The best IUD for PCOS really depends on your goals. The most important thing to remember is that the primary purpose of an IUD is contraception. Having one will not treat PCOS and won’t have the same impact on your symptoms as lifestyle changes will. So, what type of IUD is best for PCOS? Let’s look into some below!
Mirena
Mirena is a type of hormonal IUD that uses only progestin. Once inserted, it can be left in and remains effective for 8 years, which is great for family planning if you don’t plan on conceiving any time soon. It’s been known to relieve heavy periods, menstrual pain, and period irregularity. Plus, it’s been shown to lower the risk of endometrial cancer, which can be a long-term complication of PCOS.
Kyleena
Kyleena is another hormonal IUD that uses progestin! This one is effective for up to 5 years, which can make it a better option if you’re looking for something in the middle of short-term and long-term. It can help make periods more regular or even stop them altogether for some people. It can lighten heavy bleeding as well!
Liletta
Liletta is very similar to Mirena, being that it’s a hormonal progestin-only IUD that’s effective for up to 8 years. Also like Mirena, it can lighten periods, regulate periods, relieve menstrual pain, and reduce the risk of endometrial cancer.
Skyla
If you’re looking for a short-term contraceptive plan, Skyla is a hormonal progestin-only IUD that’s effective for just 3 years. It can help reduce period pain, regulate periods, and relieve heavy bleeding.
ParaGard
The ParaGard IUD, also known as the copper IUD, doesn’t use any hormones to be effective! It can stay inserted for up to 10 years, making it the most long-term contraceptive IUD on the market. ParaGard hasn’t been shown to alleviate period symptoms, so its benefit is purely in its prevention of pregnancy.
The IUD is a generally safe and wise contraceptive choice for women with PCOS.
The hormonal birth control pill has been used as a catch-all for women’s health problems for decades. Though it has plenty of useful applications, it’s not the only option for women with PCOS. (You can learn more about PCOS and hormonal birth control here.) However, IUDs can be another option for preventing pregnancy and relieving some PCOS symptoms while you embark on creating a lifestyle that allows you to thrive with PCOS!
For more on living with PCOS and naturally managing your symptoms, head over to the PCOS Weight Loss blog and download The Cysterhood app!
