Many women use birth control for heavy periods and cramps. They mostly get instant and positive results from this. Birth control can help both severe cramps and heavy bleeding effectively. Nowadays, birth control is becoming popular among young girls. They use birth control to prevent cramps and bleeding so that they can continue their schoolwork and daily activities.
Most teenagers are concerned about birth control—whether it’s good, what the benefits are, which are the best, and whether they have any side effects. In this article, we’ll explore these and guide you in choosing the best birth control.
How much bleeding and cramping is normal?
The safest and healthiest amount of menstrual bleeding is about 60 ml (2 ounces). Bleeding between 30 and 80 ml (1 to 2.7 ounces) is considered normal. And beyond 80 ml is defined as abnormal. If you are changing your period product more than twice an hour for three to four hours in a row, this is considered heavy menstrual bleeding.
Mild discomfort during the period is normal, and it normally lasts about three days. If the pain is unbearable, mostly located in the lower abdomen, stops you from regular activities or going to school, and lasts for more than three days. It would be considered severe period cramping. Contact a doctor immediately if you experience this.
Doctors often recommend birth control for periods. Why is this recommended, and how is it so effective? They work continuously throughout the menstrual cycle. They help regulate the uterus muscles, reduce their contractions (loosening and tightening), and balance the shedding process. This alleviates pain in the lower abdomen and makes bleeding lighter and shorter. So, when it comes to the question, “Can you take birth control for your period?” The answer is yes, you can!
What is birth control for periods?
Birth control refers to the use of medicines or devices to prevent pregnancy. Although its primary purpose is to stop pregnancy, it can also help with period cramps and heavy bleeding. There are several types of birth control available, such as the pill, patch, vaginal ring, shot, and intrauterine device (IUD). Among these, the pill is the most commonly used birth control and is considered safe.
Benefits of birth control for periods
- Lighter menstrual flow
- Alleviation of severe cramps
- Regulation of menstrual cycle
- More predictable period
- Reduction of PMS symptoms
- Greater convenience and control
Best birth control for heavy periods and cramps
Hormonal IUD (mirena, kyleena, and liletta) is considered the best birth control for heavy periods and cramps. Combined pills are pretty effective too. Let’s discuss 8 different types of birth control that help with periods, discussing how they work, how long they last, and other benefits, and many other things.
Hormonal IUD (hormonal intrauterine device)
Hormonal IUD is a type of birth control that uses a small and T-shaped device inserted into your uterus to prevent pregnancy. Besides this, it also helps with periods that help reduce cramps and heavy flow.
All hormonal IUDs use a hormone called progesterone. Progestin thickens the mucus on your cervix and can prevent the uterine lining from shedding. This makes your period lighter and shorter. The hormone also helps to reduce uterine contractions (which cause pain) and prevents the lining from thickening too much, which reduces the intensity of cramps.
Combination birth control pill
Combination pills are a type of birth control that contains two different hormones (estrogen and progestin) that work together to prevent pregnancy. They also help regulate the menstrual cycle and make a period more predictable. That’s why, pills are excellent options for managing heavy periods and cramps.
Combined pills control hormone levels that prevent the uterine lining from becoming too thick. Thus, they reduce the amount of bleeding during periods. Pills can also reduce the production of prostaglandins (the chemicals responsible for uterine contractions and cramps), which makes periods less painful.
When taken correctly, combined pills are over 99% effective in cramping and heavy bleeding. However, these pills are more effective in maintaining consistency; they must be taken every day. One pill should be taken each day for the first 21 days of your cycle, and no pills should be taken for the last 7 days.
Combination pills have no potential side effects. But, some girls may experience nausea, headaches, mood swings, or weight gain in the early few months.
Note: Combination birth control pill require consistent daily use. Once you stop taking it, your fertility may return to normal. And you may experience cramping or heavy flow again.
Minipill (progestin-only pill)
Minipills contain only progestins with no estrogen. They can also thin the uterine lining and thicken the mucus in the cervix, which may reduce cramps and heavy periods.
Progestin-only pills are a safer birth control option for girls with conditions like blood clots or high blood pressure, as they don’t contain estrogen, unlike combination pills.
Mini Pills have the same amount of progestin as combined pills; therefore, one pill must be taken every day. However, these pills have a stricter timing requirement, as they must be taken at the same time each day.
When mini pills are taken correctly every day at the same time, they’re more than 99% effective with periods. These pills are generally safe, but some girls may experience irregular bleeding, mood changes, or acne using these pills.
Depo provera shot (birth control shot)
Depo-proven shot, one of birth control, which also contains only progestin. When it’s taken, hormone levels are low and stable, and the lining of the uterus doesn’t thicken throughout the cycle. There is a little lining to shed on period and bleeds lighter than usual. This can significantly reduce heavy menstrual bleeding.
The shot is more than 99% effective for periods when used correctly. The shot must be received every 12 weeks (every three months). Irregular shots can lower effectiveness and may cause irregular periods.
After a few years of regular use of this birth control shot, about 50 out of 100 girls will stop getting periods. Although this is not a medical condition, periods will return when girls stop taking this shot.
Extended-pill (continuous-cycle birth control pill)
Extended pills also contain two different hormones (estrogen and progestin) and work in the same ways as combined pills to reduce cramps and heavy periods. But the main difference between extended pills and combined pills is the pill regimen (how many days to take and how many days for breaks).
Combined pill regimen follows the standard 28-day cycle (21 days of active pills and 7 days of no pills). Whereas an extended pill regimen follows a three-month longer cycle (84 days of active pills and 7 days of no pills).
As extended pills are a type of birth control pill, they must be taken every day. Taking this pill correctly can reduce the number of periods to 4 per year or one every 3 months. This means fewer periods, reduced menstrual cramps, and lighter bleeding.
These pills have some common side effects like nausea, headaches, breast tenderness, or mood changes. Most side effects decrease over time as the body adapts.
The patch
The patch is a simple and convenient way to reduce cramps and heavy periods. It’s like a dose that contains hormones (estrogen and progestin). Like other hormonal birth control, the patch works in the same way to help with cramps and heavy bleeding.
Unlike daily pills, the patch needs to be applied once a week for three weeks. It’s a convenient option for girls who struggle with remembering to take a daily pill.
The ring
A birth control ring, also called a vaginal ring, is a flexible and circular device worn inside the vagina for birth control. Once inserted, it slowly releases hormones (estrogen and progestin) through the vaginal wall. These hormones help regulate periods, which makes flow lighter and reduces cramps.
The birth control ring follows a standard menstrual cycle, inserted for three weeks (21 days), and removed for the last week (7 days). After these 7 days, a new ring will be inserted again when the next menstrual cycle begins. A vaginal ring provides a simpler routine for girls who don’t like to manage daily pills or weekly patches.
Progesterone pills
Progesterone pills aren’t a type of birth control, but they are pretty good at lightening heavy periods. The effectiveness of these pills relies on strict daily use. They must be taken every day as other birth control pills. But it can vary depending on the doctor’s prescription. They may prescribe it for daily use or only during certain periods.
Why are my period cramps worse on birth control?
If you’re new to menstruating, it’s normal to worsen cramps in birth control. Your body is taking time to adjust the birth control. Your body may need time to adapt to the hormonal changes. This adjustment can trigger more intense cramps as your reproductive system responds to the new hormone levels.
Switching to a new birth control can sometimes increase the intensity of cramping, especially from a non-hormonal method to a hormonal method. Your body will take some time to adjust to the new hormone levels, after which your periods may become regular.
It can be an indication of underlying health conditions. Conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, or adenomyosis may not respond well to birth control. These conditions can cause fluctuations in hormone levels, which may worsen cramping.
Here are a few common side effects of birth control:
- Increased bleeding cramping
- Headaches
- Ance
- Nausea
- Mood swings
- Missed periods
- Weight gain
How to choose the right birth control for periods
Choosing the right birth control to manage periods depends on your primary goals, like lighter periods, fewer periods, symptom relief, or more predictable cycles. Understand your needs and choose the birth control that best suits them.
There are a few more things to consider when choosing a birth control method:
How good the method is for managing periods?
Some birth control methods can help regulate periods; some help lighten heavy bleeding, some can help reduce cramping, some can reduce the number of periods, and some can stop periods entirely. They also have some specific use methods like daily pills, weekly pills, doses, and small devices. So it’s important to consider which one best suits your needs.
Is it easy to use?
Different methods of contraception require varying levels of maintenance and routine. For example, daily pills need consistent daily intake, some injections are given every three months, and IUDs or implants are designed for long-term use. Consider how much involvement and regular attention you’re comfortable with.
How comfortable is it?
Comfort varies from person to person and may involve physical and mental considerations. For instance, some people prefer methods that are “invisible” (like IUDs, pills, and implants). Some may not care how the method is or whether it is visible like a shot. Also, some insertion methods may cause discomfort and irritation. It’s crucial to assess how comfortable you feel using a method.
Does it have any other benefits?
Beyond your needs, some birth control may offer other health benefits. For instance, hormonal birth control can help manage acne, reduce endometriosis symptoms, and even lower the risks of ovarian cysts or certain cancers. Consider whether these additional benefits align with your primary needs.
What are the potential side effects?
Each method comes with potential side effects. Hormonal options may cause nausea, weight fluctuations, mood changes, or spotting. Copper IUDs can lead to heavier periods initially, while barrier methods may cause latex allergies in some users. Discuss your health history with a healthcare provider to find the safest method for you.
How much does it cost?
A birth control method’s cost depends on the type you choose. Short-term methods that require daily use, like birth control pills, tend to cost less. Long-term methods, such as IUDs or implants, can be more expensive. Methods like injections or vaginal rings may also cost more than those two options. Consider which method suits your needs most, then check the cost to see if it fits your budget.
Team O'dora is a dedicated group of healthcare professionals who are writer-editors at Theodoranapkins. They have over a decade of experience working at Texas Women's Healthcare. The team combines medical expertise with a passion for empowering women. Through their clinical practice, they contribute to Theodoranapkins by creating informative content about menstrual health.