WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for March, 2001: Re: Tri-Phasic vs. Mono-phasic BC Pills

Re: Tri-Phasic vs. Mono-phasic BC Pills

From: D. Ashley Hill, MD (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Fri, 30 Mar 2001 21:45:01 -0600 (CST)

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At Fri, 30 Mar 2001, Mari wrote:

>Now I'm thinking of trying Triphasil or Ortho-tri-cyclen since they
>supposedly resemble a woman's natural cycle.
>
>Do you think that taking tri-phasic pills with the different hormone
>levels each week can help increase my sex drive?

Nope. Whether or not a pill is monophasic or triphasic is not nearly as important as the combination of estrogen and progesterone in the pill. There are a number of different types of progestins used in oral contraceptives, and a few different types of estrogens. Some pill are more (or less) androgenic than others. Ortho tri-cyclen, for example, is touted by the manufacturer as being less androgenic (which should theoretically decrease sex drive) and therefore better for treating acne. Acne, as you might recall, is often due to too much male hormone (testosterone and it's cousins). Regardless of the pill formulation, all oral contraceptives appear to decrease angrogens, so all oral contraceptives might theoretically lower one's sex drive. (For any med students out there, oral contraceptives increase sex hormone binding globulin, which decreases androgen levels). In real life, however, being "on the pill" might increase sex drive since you are less worried about unwanted pregancy.

So, it's trial and error. Most women do not seem to notice a significant change one way or the other in their sex drive when taking the pill. Still, some of my patients try a number of pills and give up, prefering an IUD or other nonhormonal contraceptive, because the pill decreases their sex drive. Best wishes,

DAH

-- David Ashley Hill, MD Associate Director Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Florida Hospital Family Practice Residency Orlando, Florida

The above is general medical information, and should not be construed as specific treatment advice. Due to time constraints, I am unable to answer individual emails. Thank you.

Next message: D. Ashley Hill, MD: "Re: Student Question: Soy allergies and oral contraception"
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In reply to: Mari: "Tri-Phasic vs. Mono-phasic BC Pills"

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