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Hormonal therapy
We’re passionate about providing answers, treatment and care for the full range of female reproductive health concerns, from infancy through adolescence and into adulthood.
What is hormonal therapy?
Hormonal therapy is a safe and effective option to manage many different health concerns, including problem periods. Hormonal therapy uses hormonal medications to regulate, reduce or stop periods. Under the care of a doctor, this is a safe option for children teens and young adults, once they’ve had at least one menstrual period.
Hormonal therapy is commonly prescribed as “birth control” but also works effectively to manage periods.
Doctors may also recommend hormonal therapy for heavy menstrual periods resulting in iron deficiency anemia, painful periods and endometriosis, recurrent ovarian cysts, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), as well as many other gynecologic conditions.
Who should consider hormonal therapy?
Hormonal therapy is safe for almost all kids and teens to use for period management, even those using other medications. Hormonal therapies do not cause weight gain and do not make it harder to get pregnant later in life. Studies indicate that those who use hormonal therapy for a medical condition are no more likely to engage in sexual activity sooner than those who have never used these medicines.
Types of hormonal therapy used for menstrual suppression
We have many different hormonal therapies and our providers will help you or your child find the right one. Learn more about the most common options for treating menstrual problems below.
Oral medication (pill)
The pill contains the medications estrogen and progestin, which can help with heavy, irregular or painful bleeding. The medication in the pill keeps the lining of the uterus thin and blocks ovulation. Your provider will recommend the best pill brand for you. Types of the pill include:
- Norethindrone (progestin-only pills) contain only progestin and do not contain estrogen.
- Ethinyl Estradiol and Norethindrone (combined pills) contains both estrogen and progestin.
| How to use | What to expect after 3 to 6 months |
|---|---|
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Take one pill every day by mouth |
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Learn more about the pill:
Patch
The patch is a small, adhesive sticker that releases medication into the blood stream. The patch will stick to your skin even when you work-out, shower or swim (for less than an hour at a time). Your doctor may prescribe it to treat heavy, irregular or painful bleeding. The medication in the patch keeps the lining of the uterus thin and blocks ovulation.
| How to use | What to expect after 3 to 6 months |
|---|---|
|
Change the adhesive sticker every month |
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Learn more about the patch:
Vaginal ring
The vaginal ring releases medication into the blood stream through the vagina and can help with heavy, irregular or painful bleeding. The medication in the ring keeps the lining of the uterus thin and blocks ovulation. There are 2 different rings available:
- EluRyng/NuvaRing® is a ring that you insert monthly
- Annovera® is a ring that you insert once a year
| How to use | What to expect after 3 to 6 months |
|---|---|
|
Change either every month or once a year depending on the type you get |
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Learn more about the ring:
Depo-Provera (shot)
Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), also called Depo-Provera or “the shot,” is an injection given every 3 months at your doctor’s clinic or at home with a pre-filled syringe. Depo-Provera is a progestin-only method. The medicine in the shot thins the lining of the uterus to reduce bleeding and cramps. DMPA is a treatment for endometriosis and pelvic pain that blocks ovulation, which means that it will improve periods and other conditions caused by monthly changes in hormone levels.
| How to use | What to expect |
|---|---|
|
Shot every 3 months |
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Learn more about the Depo-Provera:
Intrauterine device (IUD)
An intrauterine device (IUD) uses the hormonal medication levonorgestrel to help relieve heavy and painful periods. Your doctor places the IUD inside the uterus where it releases progestin into the bloodstream. Progestin causes the lining of the uterus to become thin so menstrual periods are very light or do not occur at all.
| How to use | What to expect |
|---|---|
|
Doctor places inside the uterus; The Mirena® IUD works for 8 years and is the most effective for managing heavy and painful periods |
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Learn more about IUDs:
Understand the process of getting an IUD
Implant
An implant uses the hormonal medication etonogestrel to help reduce bleeding and cramps. The implant is a toothpick-size device that goes under the skin of the upper, inner arm. It works for 3 years but you can remove it at any time or you can get another implant at 3 years. The implant takes about 30 seconds to place. The medicine in the implant thins the lining of the uterus, which means less bleeding and cramps, as well as blocks ovulation, which helps improve other conditions caused by monthly changes in hormone levels.
You can check that the implant is under the skin in your arm, but it will not bother you or cause pain and you cannot see that it’s there. Your doctor can remove the implant any time with a simple office procedure.
| How to use | What to expect after 3 to 6 months |
|---|---|
|
Doctor places under skin of arm; implant works for 3 years |
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Learn more about implants: