The birth control pill (combined oral contraceptive) is a type of contraception that’s 99% effective at preventing pregnancy when taken consistently every day. It works primarily by using synthetic versions of the hormones estrogen and progesterone to alter the reproductive cycle, and has become a popular choice amongst different categories of women: women who do not want to get pregnant, women with PCOS managing their symptoms, women with heavy periods, etc.
While the birth control pill has been magic in women’s reproductive health, it comes with a wide range of side effects, some many of us welcome, like lighter periods, others terrifying trade-offs—so you won’t get pregnant, but you may develop cervical cancer.
Here are 20 of the effects of the birth control pill:
1. Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
For women with irregular periods, the uncertainty of not knowing when bleeding will start can be stressful and disruptive. The birth control pill offers predictability by replacing the body’s natural and sometimes erratic hormonal cycle with a regulated, consistent one. The pill works by suppressing ovulation and maintaining steady hormone levels throughout the month. During the placebo or reminder pill week, these hormones are briefly withdrawn, triggering what is known as withdrawal bleeding. While this bleeding is not a natural menstrual period, it occurs on a reliable schedule, allowing users to know exactly when their bleeding will begin.
For many women, especially those whose cycles are affected by conditions such as PCOS, stress, or hormonal imbalance, this predictability can feel empowering. Knowing when to expect bleeding supports better planning, reduces anxiety, and restores a sense of control over one’s body, an often-overlooked aspect of menstrual health and wellbeing.
2. Reduction of Menstrual Cramps (Dysmenorrhea)
Menstrual cramps can be a recurring source of pain that interferes with work, school, rest, and emotional well-being. Dysmenorrhea, painful periods caused by strong uterine contractions, is largely driven by prostaglandins, hormone-like chemicals that signal the uterus to contract and shed its lining.
The birth control pill can help reduce this pain by addressing the issue at its source. By preventing ovulation and keeping the uterine lining thinner, the pill lowers the body’s production of prostaglandins. With fewer of these chemicals in circulation, uterine contractions become less intense, resulting in milder cramps and more manageable periods.
3. Lighter Menstrual Flow
For many women, menstruation can be physically exhausting, emotionally draining, and disruptive to daily life, especially for those who experience heavy or prolonged bleeding. One of the lesser-talked-about benefits of the combined oral contraceptive pill is its ability to significantly lighten menstrual flow.
The pill works by maintaining steady hormone levels throughout the month, which prevents the uterine lining from building up excessively. When hormones are paused during the placebo or hormone-free days, there is simply less lining to shed. The result is bleeding that is often shorter, lighter, and more predictable.
For women living with menorrhagia (medically defined as abnormally heavy periods) this can be life-changing. Lighter bleeding can mean fewer missed workdays, less pain, reduced anxiety around leaks or staining, and a lower risk of iron-deficiency anemia.
It’s also important to acknowledge that the bleeding experienced on the pill is technically withdrawal bleeding, not a “natural” period.
4. Reduction in Functional Ovarian Cysts
Functional ovarian cysts typically develop during ovulation, when a follicle grows but does not release an egg or fails to dissolve properly afterward. While many cysts resolve on their own, some can cause pelvic pain, bloating, or sudden discomfort that interferes with daily life.
The combined oral contraceptive pill reduces the likelihood of developing new functional ovarian cysts by suppressing ovulation. Without the monthly hormonal surge that triggers egg release, the conditions that allow these cysts to form are significantly reduced. Over time, this can translate into fewer cyst-related symptoms, less disruption, and greater peace of mind.
5. Clearer Skin and Reduced Hormonal Acne
Hormonal acne is often driven by androgens—hormones such as testosterone that stimulate the skin’s sebaceous (oil) glands. When excess oil combines with dead skin cells, pores become clogged, leading to persistent breakouts, particularly around the jawline, chin, and lower face.
The combined oral contraceptive pill can help improve acne by lowering levels of “free” androgens in the bloodstream. With fewer androgens available to stimulate oil production, the skin produces less sebum, creating an environment that is less prone to breakouts. Over time, this can result in clearer, calmer skin and fewer hormonally driven flare-ups.
6. Reduction of Hirsutism (Excess Hair Growth)
Similar to its effect on acne, the suppression of androgens can reduce the growth of unwanted dark, coarse hair on the face, chest, or stomach in women with conditions like PCOS.
7. Breast Tenderness or Enlargement
Hormonal changes can affect breast tissue in noticeable ways, particularly in the early months of starting the combined oral contraceptive pill. Estrogen and progestin may cause the breasts to retain fluid or undergo minor, temporary structural changes, leading to a sensation of fullness, heaviness, or tenderness.
This sensitivity is often most noticeable during the first few months of use, as the body adjusts to new hormone levels. For many users of the pill, these symptoms gradually lessen or resolve entirely over time.
8. Reduced Risk of Ovarian Cancer
Research consistently shows that taking the pill reduces the risk of ovarian cancer by up to 50%. This protection increases the longer the pill is taken and persists for decades after stopping, likely because the ovaries are “resting” and not sustaining monthly cellular damage from ovulation.
9. Reduced Risk of Endometrial Cancer
The combined oral contraceptive pill provides a protective effect for long-term uterine health. By keeping the uterine lining (endometrium) thin and preventing it from overgrowing, the pill significantly reduces the risk of endometrial cancer, one of the most common gynecological cancers.
This benefit is cumulative: the longer the pill is used, the greater the protective effect, and the reduced risk can persist for years even after stopping
10 . Breakthrough Bleeding (Spotting)
It’s common for women starting the combined oral contraceptive pill to experience spotting or light bleeding between periods, especially during the first few months. This happens as the body adjusts to the lower, steady dose of hormones compared with natural fluctuations.
While breakthrough bleeding can be frustrating and why many women stop taking the pill. However, spotting is usually temporary, usually resolving within three cycles as the body adapts. Knowing this can help users stick with the method long enough to experience its full benefits
11. Changes in Libido
The combined oral contraceptive pill can influence sexual desire in different ways. For some women, the removal of the fear of unintended pregnancy creates a sense of freedom that can increase libido. For others, the pill’s ability to lower levels of free testosterone (the hormone closely linked to sexual desire) may lead to a noticeable decrease in sex drive or even vaginal dryness.
These variations are completely normal, and understanding them can help women make informed choices about contraception without shame.
12. Mood Changes and Depression
Hormones interact with neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA in the brain. Some users report increased irritability, anxiety, or depressive symptoms. While studies are mixed, individual sensitivity to synthetic progestins can impact emotional well-being.ffect sex drive in two ways: for some, the removal of the fear of pregnancy increases libido. For others, the reduction in free testosterone (the hormone responsible for desire) can lead to a noticeable decrease in sex drive or vaginal dryness.
13. Increased Risk of Blood Clots
The estrogen in combined pills can increase the liver’s production of certain clotting factors. This slightly increases the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism. This risk is higher in smokers, those with high blood pressure, or those over age 35.
14. Headaches and Migraines
For some, the pill stabilizes hormones and reduces menstrual migraines. For others, the drop in estrogen during the placebo week can trigger “estrogen-withdrawal” migraines. Those who experience migraines with aura are generally advised against estrogen-containing pills due to increased stroke risk.
15. Weight Fluctuations
Many users experience weight gain due to water retention (fluid buildup) or a slight increase in appetite caused by the progestin component.
16.Increased Risk of Cervical Cancer
Some studies suggest that long-term use of the combined oral contraceptive pill may slightly increase the risk of cervical cancer. This is thought to be due to hormonal influences that can make cervical cells more susceptible to infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), the primary cause of cervical cancer. Importantly, the risk appears to increase with duration of use but generally returns to baseline within a few years after stopping the pill. Regular cervical screening (Pap smears) and HPV vaccination remain crucial preventive measures, allowing women to benefit from contraception while minimizing potential risks.
This information is for educational purposes. If you are considering birth control, you should consult with a healthcare professional to determine which method is safe for your specific medical history.
