Why do birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy contain progestogens?
Estrogen promotes buildup of the endometrium (the uterine lining), which can lead to cancer. Incorporating a progestogen prevents estrogen from building up the lining of the uterus and ensures the excess tissue will be sloughed off. • Should I take progestin-based contraceptives instead of combination oral contraceptives that contain estrogen? Most oral contraceptives contain a combination of estrogen and progestin. These pills are somewhat more effective than progestin-only mini-pills (although the mini-pills are 99.5 percent effective if used correctly). Mini-pills are a good option if you are unable to take an estrogen-containing pill or are bothered by estrogen-related side effects such as headaches. Progesterone-only pills are appropriate for older women, especially smokers who want to use an oral hormonal contraceptive method, and postpartum and/or breastfeeding women. Other progestin-only alternatives include the long-acting contraceptives Depo-Provera (injection) and Norplant (
