Low dose birth control pills may have fewer side effects compared with older, higher-dose ones, but certain groups may still have increased health risks. If they aren’t taken correctly, they may be less effective.
Birth control pills are generally considered safe for most people. While they do have some risks, newer low dose birth control pills can reduce those risks.
Most birth control pills today are considered low dose. This includes both combination pills (estrogen and progestin) and the minipill (progestin only). This artificial version of progesterone is also known as progestin.
While combination pills usually contain
The minipill is available in one dose that contains 35 mcg of progestin.
Keep reading to learn more about low dose birth control pills, their effectiveness, and possible side effects.
When you take them at the same time each day, combination birth control pills are
Common brands of low dose birth control pills include:
- Apri (desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol)
- Aviane (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol)
- Levlen 21 (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol)
- Levora (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol)
- Lo Loestrin Fe (norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol)
- Lo/Ovral (norgestrel and ethinyl estradiol)
- Ortho-Novum (norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol)
- Yasmin (drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol)
- Yaz (drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol)
Lo Loestrin Fe is actually considered an ultra-low-dose pill, as it only contains 10 mcg of estrogen.
Some groups of people may be at an
- are pregnant
- are over age 35 years and smoke
- have a history of heart disease, stroke, or blood clots
- currently have or have a history of breast cancer
- have migraine with aura
- have high blood pressure, even if it is controlled by medication
You can consider other methods of birth control if estrogen-containing birth control pills are not safe for you.
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Low dose combination birth control pills can have positive and negative effects.
Possible benefits of estrogen-containing oral contraceptives
- lighter and more regular periods
- less painful menstrual cramping
- less acne
- reduced risk of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), iron-deficiency anemia, and noncancerous ovarian cysts
reduced risk of ovarian cysts, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, and colorectal cancer
There are some disadvantages to taking estrogen-containing birth control. These may include:
- an increased risk of heart attack
- an increased risk of stroke
- an increased risk of blood clots
- reduced milk production, which is why doctors don’t recommend this pill if you’re breastfeeding
- a slightly
increased risk of breast cancer and cervical cancer with any form of estrogen-containing oral contraceptive
Other side effects may include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- headache
- tender breasts
- weight change
- depression
- anxiety
The progestin-only pill is often called a “minipill.” This type of birth control is also 99% effective when taken at the same time each day without any missed doses. But the failure rate for typical use is about
If you miss a dose or don’t take the minipill at the same time each day, your chance of becoming pregnant is
Although minipills can produce side effects, particularly bleeding or spotting between periods, the side effects often improve or disappear after a few months. The minipill can also shorten the length of your period.
Common brands of progestin-only birth control pills include:
- Camila
- Errin
- Heather
- Jolivette
- Micronor
- Nora-BE
These pills contain a form of progesterone called norethindrone, which is also the name of the generic form of the minipill.
Progestin-only pills may be a good option if you have risk factors that prevent you from taking estrogen, such as smoking or a history of heart disease.
There are other advantages of low dose progestin-only pills:
- You can take them if you’re breastfeeding.
- They reduce your risk of endometrial cancer or PID.
- You may have fewer periods.
- You may experience less cramping.
The disadvantages of low dose progestin-only pills can include:
- spotting between periods
- periods that are more irregular
Other side effects can include:
- bloating
- weight gain
- sore breasts
- headaches
- depression
- ovarian cysts
The hormones estrogen and progesterone signal your body to produce eggs and prepare for pregnancy.
If a sperm doesn’t fertilize the egg, the levels of these hormones fall steeply. In response, your uterus sheds the lining that had built up. This lining is shed during your period.
Birth control pills contain either a combination of synthetic estrogen and synthetic progesterone or synthetic progesterone alone. This artificial version of progesterone is also known as progestin.
Estrogen and progestin work in different ways to prevent pregnancy. Both work to prevent the pituitary gland from producing hormones that trigger ovulation.
Progestin also thickens cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach any released eggs. It also thins the uterine lining, making it harder for an egg to implant there if the sperm fertilizes it.
Estrogen-containing birth control pills can have both benefits and drawbacks, even when taken at a low dose. They may also be unsafe for certain people who already have an increased risk of stroke or other health issues.
Most doctors recommend progestin-only pills, like the minipill, if you’re breastfeeding or have certain risk factors that make estrogen-containing pills unsafe for you.
If you find it hard to remember to take your pills at the same time every day, you may find alternatives such as the contraceptive implant, injection, or intrauterine devices a better option for you.
Talk with your doctor about your health history and birth control goals. Together, you can select a birth control option that’s likely to be safe and effective for you.