Greta Sirek, Period Pro from University of Minnesota Medical School
Greta Sirek, Period Pro
Have you been hearing more about hormonal birth control on social media? We sure have! There is a lot of conversation about the potential benefits, concerns, and side effects of hormonal medications but birth control is about much more than preventing pregnancy.
First: What is hormonal birth control?
When you hear “birth control,” you might immediately think of “the pill.” But hormonal birth control comes in many different forms: pills, patches, rings, injections, implants, and intrauterine devices (IUDs).
Hormonal birth control uses hormones similar to hormones naturally made by your body – you might have heard of estrogen and/or progestin! And while preventing pregnancy is an important use, hormonal birth control can also be used as a medical treatment for several conditions – even when pregnancy prevention isn’t the goal.
If you have questions about the different birth control options available to you, an incredible resource is Bedsider. You can compare different methods and learn about how they work, which you can then discuss with your healthcare provider.
So now that we know what hormonal birth control is, let’s talk about some of the ways it can be used beyond birth control.
Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
First off – what is heavy menstrual bleeding?
A heavy period can be defined by any of the following:
- Bleeding that lasts for more than 7 days
- Bleeding that soaks through one or more tampons/pads every hour for several hours in a row
- Needing to wear more than 1 period product at a time to manage the flow (like 2 pads or a tampon and a pad)
- Needing to change period products during the night
- Menstrual flow with blood clots as big as a quarter or larger
- Volume of flow that interferes with doing the things you enjoy
Your period is a vital sign – if you meet any of the above criteria, you should discuss with your healthcare provider. Too much bleeding can cause general fatigue, iron deficiency, and prevent you from doing things you love!
Hormonal birth control can help make periods lighter, shorter, and more predictable. So while you might be taking a medication that is called birth control, the goal might actually be treating heavy periods and improving quality of life.
PMS and Cramps
PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome) can affect your mood, energy, sleep, appetite, digestion, and more before your period. You might feel more emotional, tired, bloated, hungry, or just not quite like yourself. You may also have heard of period cramps. These can add another layer to the discomfort.
Hormonal medications can help by reducing hormonal fluctuations that happen throughout the menstrual cycle. They can also decrease a molecule called prostaglandin – a chemical that can cause uterine contractions which we know as period cramps. The result? For some people, hormonal medication can mean less painful cramps, fewer PMS symptoms, and more predictable periods.
PMOS (Previously Known as PCOS)
You may have heard of PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome. In 2026, the condition was renamed Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) to better reflect that it is a complex hormonal and metabolic condition.
PMOS affects approximately 1 in 8 women worldwide. It can involve changes in hormones, ovulation, metabolism, skin, and the reproductive system.
For people with PMOS who aren’t trying to become pregnant, hormonal birth control can help make menstrual bleeding more predictable and reduce symptoms caused by hormonal changes. This medicine is one tool of many that helps to manage PMOS symptoms.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of the uterus. This tissue responds to hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle and can cause inflammation, pain, and sometimes fertility problems.
Hormonal birth control can help by making periods lighter or less frequent, which may reduce period pain.
Different hormonal methods contain different hormones, doses, and delivery systems – and they can affect people differently. Your healthcare provider can help you determine – with some experimentation – which one might be best for you. Some people may benefit from hormonal treatment, while others may prefer a non-hormonal option. Our hope is that you understand a bit more about hormonal birth control and your options so YOU can make an informed decision.