Do Althea pills work as PCOS medication? Safety, side effects, and more
Since I first began my adolescent period, I have experienced irregularities in my menstrual cycle, had a lot of acne and pimples, and struggled to lose weight. These physical issues, therefore, had a negative impact on my self-esteem and overall appearance. It also affects my mental well-being. I’m prone to mood swings, easily irritated, and other things like that. As a result of these problems, I went to an OB-Gyn for a checkup and was given the diagnosis of PCOS or polycystic ovary syndrome.
What is PCOS?
Women of reproductive age frequently have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder. “Polycystic” is a medical term that denotes “many cysts.” It is a disorder in which the ovaries create an excessive amount of androgens, male sex hormones that are typically present in women in low amounts. This hormonal imbalance that women experience makes it more difficult for them to become pregnant and leads their bodies to miss menstruation cycles.
A Healthline article claims that PCOS is a “syndrome,” or group of symptoms, that affects the ovaries and ovulation. Its three primary characteristics are:
- cyst in the ovaries
- high levels of male hormones
- irregular or skipped periods
What causes PCOS?
Doctors are unsure of the precise cause of PCOS. But they think that insulin resistance affects a lot of PCOS patients. This indicates that the body struggles to effectively utilize insulin. Increased insulin levels can lead to greater androgen levels in the body. The ovaries can’t ordinarily produce hormones or produce eggs because of the excessive quantities of male hormones in the body. Additionally, obesity might raise insulin levels and worsen PCOS symptoms.
Common Symptoms of PCOS?
Some women start experiencing symptoms right before the beginning of their period. Others don’t find out they have PCOS until they’ve gained a lot of weight or struggled to get pregnant.
Here are some of the common symptoms of PCOS:
- Missed periods, irregular periods, or very light periods
- Excessive body hair, particularly on the chest, stomach, and back
- Weight gain
- Acne or oily skin
- Dark or thick skin
Treating PCOS
Treatments are frequently used to treat PCOS, one of which is Althea pills. Although it cannot cure PCOS, it helps in symptom management and the avoidance of various health issues.
Althea Pills
The contraceptive pill brand Althea shares the same active components as Diane 35, another well-known brand, as well as lesser-known brands including Elestra and MyPill. They all contain ethinylestradiol and cyproterone acetate. The former is a synthetic progesterone derivative called an anti-androgen. The latter is the hormone estrogen in synthetic form.
Althea includes anti-androgen, therefore it is occasionally prescribed to women to treat severe acne, prevent excessive body hair development, lighten dark skin, and control menstrual periods. The majority of women use Althea to treat hormonal abnormalities and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Diet and Lifestyle for PCOS
According to a study, treatment for PCOS usually starts with lifestyle changes like weight loss, diet, and exercise. Losing just 5 to 10 percent of your body weight can help regulate your menstrual cycle and improve PCOS symptoms.
Safety of the pill
Althea pills are safe but a regular consultation is advised. The oral contraceptive pill has been extensively studied and has a long history of safety.
Side Effects of Althea
According to a Mims article, some women may experience unpleasant side effects such as libido issues, chloasma (melasma), changes in their skin or hair, headaches, water retention, a slight weight increase, and nausea and vomiting. But it is advisable to speak with your doctor if you are going through the worst of this.
Be informed that it is always best to speak with your doctor before using any type of medication or pill for medication. It is your responsibility to make sure the medication you’ll be taking is right for you.
