How Long Should I Take Short-acting Contraceptive Pills for Adenomyosis?

Adenomyosis is caused by the ectopic growth of endometrium in the myometrium. Like normal endometrium, it is stimulated by estrogen and sheds and bleeds during the patient's menstrual cycle.

However, because it is within the myometrium, the shedding endometrium and bleeding cannot be discharged from the cervical opening like a normal one, so they accumulate throughout the patient's myometrium to form extensive lesions. This results in symptoms such as dysmenorrhea, increased menstrual flow, and prolonged menstrual periods. It may also lead to infertility, anemia, and other conditions.

Due to the estrogen dependence of adenomyosis, studies in recent years have found that the progesterone components contained in oral contraceptives can inhibit the patient's estrogen secretion. That is why patients with adenomyosis can take contraceptives for treatment. 

Patients with adenomyosis can take contraceptive pills to lower their estrogen levels through the progesterone component, thereby inhibiting the growth of the endometrium and ectopic endometrium. 

Oral contraceptives can alleviate symptoms such as dysmenorrhea and heavy menstrual flow in patients with adenomyosis and also have a specific control effect on the condition of adenomyosis itself in a short period.

Do short-acting oral contraceptives harm the human body?

Although the estrogen and progesterone in contraceptive pills are artificially synthesized, they are closer to natural ingredients and are very close to the hormones secreted by human body itself. They can effectively regulate the menstrual cycle and provide high-efficiency contraception. However, it should be noted that contraceptive pills cannot cure adenomyosis but only relieve symptoms.

Can all women take it?

Women with the following combined diseases should not take short-acting oral contraceptives:

Severe cardiovascular and thrombotic diseases;

Acute and chronic hepatitis, nephritis;

Malignant tumor precancerous lesions;

Endocrine diseases: diabetes, hyperthyroidism;

Lactation period.

How long should I take short-acting contraceptive pills?

The duration of using short-acting oral contraceptives for patients with adenomyosis varies from person to person, usually between 3 to 6 months. The specific time depends on individual differences and the severity of the condition.

For patients with mild symptoms or early course of disease, long-term medication may not be required due to the relatively mild condition. At this time, the possibility of recurrence after discontinuation of medication is low, so a shorter medication period may be required.

For patients with severe symptoms or a longer course of disease, due to the complexity of the disease, longer drug treatment may be needed to control the disease and reduce the risk of recurrence.

It should be noted that for patients with adenomyosis, the duration of using short-acting oral contraceptives should be determined according to individual circumstances, and the medication should not be stopped blindly to avoid affecting the recovery of the disease.

In addition to medication treatment, other measures can also be taken to alleviate symptoms, such as taking Fuyan Pill to regulate the body, maintaining good lifestyle habits, avoiding vigorous exercise, and paying attention to dietary adjustments. If the symptoms are severe or persist for a long time, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and undergo further diagnosis under the doctor's guidance.

In daily life, patients can eat foods rich in high-quality protein, such as eggs, milk, etc., which can supplement the nutrients needed by the body and enhance their immunity. If they experience discomfort symptoms, it is recommended that they seek medical treatment promptly.

Recommended Readings:

5 Criteria That Indicate Successful Treatment of Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis: What Should I Eat?

Mirena IUD for Adenomyosis: Is It Possible For Every Patient