If you’ve just been diagnosed with PCOS, you may be looking for ways to help combat the symptoms and see an improvement. We know how difficult having PCOS can be - often it feels like you’re body is working against you, which can be disheartening and discouraging.

For many women, they learn they have PCOS when trying to conceive. But for others they are diagnosed much earlier in life because their symptoms are so disruptive. PCOS isn’t curable - but for women who want to get their PCOS under control (and don’t want to get pregnant) birth control pills can often help a lot of PCOS symptoms women experience.

Which Symptoms Can Contraceptive Pills Help With?

Generally, contraceptive pills help with the PCOS symptoms caused by excessive male hormones - so excess body hair and acne. These are two of the most disliked symptoms of PCOS as they can make you feel uncomfortable and self-conscious, so it’s great if the pill helps improve these.

Which pills work to help against PCOS symptoms?

Not every pill will help. Contraceptive pills work in different ways - so not all types of pill will combat your symptoms. Certain brands of the pill such as Dianette and Yasmin are ideal for helping with PCOS symptoms - this is because they contain an anti-androgen, to reduce the effect of male hormones.

We always recommend discussing any contraceptive change with your doctor first, but they should be able to advise you about which direction to take. Many women with PCOS do see huge positive changes in their symptoms when taking the pill, so it’s certainly something to look into if you’re struggling.

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