Tag: Progestin only pills

According to the American Heart Association, a significant portion of reproductive-aged women have hypertension, many of whom are unaware of their condition. Given this prevalence, understanding if and when are oral contraceptives contraindicated in hypertension is a critical aspect of patient care and reproductive health planning.

Up to 50% of people who start combination birth control pills experience some form of unexpected bleeding within the first few months [1.7.2, 1.7.6]. So, is it normal to have a period in the middle of a pill pack? For many, the answer is yes.

As of September 2025, there is no therapeutically equivalent generic version of Slynd available in the United States. The brand-name medication, Slynd, contains the active ingredient drospirenone, but patent protections mean that for now, the more costly brand-name product is the only option for this specific formulation.

With typical use, the effectiveness of all hormonal birth control pills is around 93%. The question many ask is: **Is lo estrogen birth control effective** enough? These pills offer a reliable option for many, balancing pregnancy prevention with potentially fewer side effects.

According to the FDA, Opill, the norgestrel-only birth control pill, was approved for over-the-counter sale in July 2023. A range of other brands containing norgestrel, a synthetic progestin, are also available by prescription as combination pills.

Studies indicate that combined oral contraceptives containing desogestrel are associated with a higher relative risk of blood clots compared to older-generation pills. However, this is distinct from progestin-only pills containing desogestrel, which are generally not considered to increase risk.

Despite the common belief, numerous studies have found that most modern combination birth control pills do not cause significant weight gain, a key finding for those asking what birth control pill can make you gain weight. While some individuals report weight changes, research shows that lifestyle factors, fluid retention, or another medical issue are often the actual cause.

According to the National Headache Foundation, approximately 60% of women who experience migraines report that their attacks are more frequent or severe around their menstrual period. For some, introducing hormonal contraception can similarly cause new or worsening headaches, raising the question: **Can birth control cause headaches?**.

Norgestrel, a progestin-only oral contraceptive, was first approved by the FDA for prescription use in 1973 [1.6.1, 1.7.4, 1.7.6]. While its prescription form was taken off the market, it has recently made a comeback. But why was norgestrel discontinued in the first place, and what does its return mean for contraception access?