Customized Hormone Test & Birth Control Pills: A Perfect Match!

According to UN, around 151 million women worldwide take the birth control pill as a means of contraception.¹ In the list of the most often used contraceptive methods, birth control pill is placed third, while male condoms and IUDs are ranked first and second, respectively., In this blog, we'll discuss birth control pills, their effect on reproductive hormones and how hormone test may help you! So let's start with the fundamentals. 

Birth Control Pills: An Introduction

As mentioned earlier, birth control pills are a form of contraception used by women. Usually a birth control pill consists of 2 female reproductive hormones: estrogen and progestin (a type of progesterone). However some contraceptive pills can also contain only progestin.² Now, let’s take a look at how these birth control pills actually work. 

Effect Of Birth Control Pills On Reproductive Hormones

First of all, what are reproductive hormones? Well the hormones that affect sexual development, fertility, and puberty are called reproductive hormones. These hormones are produced in ovaries (females) or in testes (males)³. Estradiol, LH, FSH, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid hormone, prolactin, estrone, relaxin, androgens, HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) and AMH (Anti-Mullerian hormone) are major reproductive hormones. Each of these hormones have significant roles and even a minute difference in their levels can result in reproduction-related health problems.^2,4 

As many of you may know, LH and FSH are required for ovulation, or the release of the ovaries. When a birth control pill is consumed, the body's FSH is constrained due to progesterone, which causes LH levels to fall even further. Eventually, decreased LH and FSH impact the body's estrogen levels, which prevent ovulation.⁵

Women may, however, use birth control pills for reasons other than simply preventing pregnancy. Regular use of birth control pills can be  utilized in the treatment of symptoms or to assist with issues relating to reproductive health.^6,7 

Here’s a list of noncontraceptive benefits of taking birth control pills:⁸

• Reduces the risk of common cancers like endometrial and ovarian cancer, ovarian cysts, and benign breast disease
• Reduces heavy flow caused by uterine fibroids
• Reduces the chances of potential ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy in which the fertilized egg attaches itself to the fallopian tube instead of embryo
• Helps in PCOS symptoms management, such as excessive androgen production
• Helps in reducing the acne
• Helps in managing mensuration 
• Provides relief from premenstrual syndrome and extreme cramps

Regardless of the reason you take birth control pills (whether to avoid pregnancy or to manage symptoms), the results of most standard tests you take to determine your reproductive health will somehow be influenced by your use of oral contraceptives. 

So, now the question is, "How can you check your reproductive health if your hormones are affected and altered by your use of birth control pills?" 

OvaScore is the answer!

OvaScore: Hormone Test For All! 

OvaScore is a hormone test that checks for 9 female reproductive hormones including AMH, estradiol, LH, FSH, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, total testosterone, free thyroxine, and prolactin. This test aids in obtaining a better and more accurate picture of your reproductive health because it doesn't depend on the evaluation of just a few hormones. 

The OvaScore test can be taken by anyone, to those with irregular periods, women with underlying thyroid problems, issues related to PCOS (primary ovarian syndrome), POI (primary ovarian insufficiency), NCCAH (Non-classical Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia),  those planning to have a baby and much more!

However, for those who take birth control pills, the OvaScore hormone test can be customized to their needs! You heard it right, as oral contraceptives affect certain reproductive hormones. Women, who take birth control pills but still want to learn about their reproductive health and fertility could also be helped. The customized OvaScore hormone test specifically checks for 3 hormones: AMH, fT4 and TSH, which can aid in giving you the desired insights on your reproductive health.⁹ 

Now, as for someone who is taking birth control pills only aforementioned hormones (AMH, fT4 & TSH) are tested. Because these hormones are insignificantly affected by the progesterone and estrogen components of an oral contraceptive.^10,11

Furthermore, the following are some additional benefits of choosing OvaScore hormone test over a standard test:

Final Note!

We are aware that as a woman, you might need to juggle multiple responsibilities at once, like your career, family, home, and other things. However, as your well-wishers, we want your overall reproductive health to be the least of your worries! With LifeCell’s OvaScore by your side, you can understand  your reproductive health, identify any-underlying conditions and work towards building  a healthier life for yourself! 

So ladies, why keep your best reproductive health on hold? Especially when it’s just a test away!!