by Catherine Perez

Created on: March 22, 2009

Birth control pills, are also referred to as COCP, Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill. In effect, the pill is a combination of two hormones: Oestrogen and Progesterone that inhibit fertility in women.
Low-dose birth control pills are those that have 35 mcg or less of oestrogen in them and "very low-dose" have about 20 mcg. There is a pill on the market, called Micronor that do not contain any oestrogen at all. The hormone is replaced by norethindrone. This pill is usually associated with nursing mothers, or those who cannot for medical reasons take oestrogen.

But what are Oestrogen and Progesterone?
They are hormones produced in a woman's ovaries before menopause. They play an important part in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, but not only. Medical studies have proven that the presence of oestrogen in the body helps maintain strong bones and a healthy heart. It is also believed that the hormone helps in maintaining good cerebral functions, hence the loss of memory in menopause women.
It has been proven that women under the pill could decrease their risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer by 50% if taken over 5 years. It also improves conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease, dysmenorrhoea and premenstrual syndrome.
Some women may experience a series of side effects: breast tenderness, mood swing, nausea, weight gain with the traditional pill, which contain higher dosage of oestrogen.
For those women the "low-dose pill" or even "extra low-dose pill might be a preferred alternative. By lowering the amount of oestrogen, most side effects just disappeared.
This pill is taken in the exact same way as the regular one: 21 days in a row and then a break of seven days.
Contrary to the original pill, which are only used for contraceptive purposes, the very low-dose pill has many more medical purposes. For one, it is used in the treatment of pre-menopause symptoms. It can reduce hot flashes and vagynal dryness.
But it can also helps women regulate heavy or irregular period. In some instance it has also helped women keep their acne in check.
However, the pill is not for everyone, as it increase health risks in some patients.
Smoker appear to be more at risk of heart attack and stroke via this method of contraception. Women with serious weigh issues and/or high cholesterol level age over 35 are not good candidates.
Those with a history of heart attack, blood clots, or who suffered from breast cancer as well are advised not to take the pill.
Contrary to what some might believe the low levels of oestrogen do not impair the effectiveness of this contraceptive in any way, shape or form. Jus like higher pills they have a 99% rate of success if taken correctly, and a 95% rate with a more typical use.

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