Alesse is one brand name for an oral contraceptive medication that combines Ethinyl Estradiol, a type of estrogen, and Levonorgestrel, a type of progesterone. Alesse is one of several low-dose birth control pills that was created in part to lessen side effects reported by users of previous higher-dose contraceptive formulations.
Background on Alesse
Alesse is considered an "ultra low dose" oral contraceptive. Alesse contains 20 mcg of ethinyl estradiol and .1 mg of levonorgestrel. In addition to being prescribed for use as a daily birth control pill, Alesse is also one of the oral contraceptives that can be used as emergency contraception, according to the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals.
Depression as a Contraindication
Depression is listed by MedlinePlus Drug Information as an uncommon but serious side effect of combination oral contraceptives in general. Patients are also advised to inform their doctor if depression exists in their family of origin. The drug's factsheet, displayed on Body and Health Canada, specifies that women with a history of depression and/or emotional disturbances may be more likely to have recurrence when using birth control pills.
Characteristics of Low Dose OCs
In 2001, Dr. Ian Thorneycroft and Sophia Cariati described in Medscape General Medicine how birth control pills using lower dosages of combined progestins and estrogens were compared to previous versions of higher dosed pills. Lower-dose pills were found to have benefits. Not only were they effective at preventing pregnancy and associated with lower risk for stroke and heart attack, users of low dose pills like Alesse reported reduced acne and unwanted hair growth.
Alesse Compared to Others
There are many combination pills, that is, oral contraceptives that use both progesterone and estrogen, on the market. Women's Health Resource lists most brand names and their various dosages, along with the reported side effects for each. Alesse is considered a "high androgenic/low estrogenic" pill.
Birth Control Pills' Positive Side Effects
The balance of the different types of estrogens and progestins in oral contraceptives is what causes variations in both their unwanted and desired side effects. The combination that makes up Alesse has been found clinically to promote fewer emotional symptoms, including depression and headaches.
References
- MedlinePlus: Estrogen and Progestin (Oral Contraceptives)
- Association of Reproductive Health Professionals: The Facts About Emergency Contraception
- BodyandHealth Canada: Alesse
- Medscape General Medicine: Ultra-Low-Dose Oral Contraceptives: Are They Right for Your Patient?
- Women's Health Resource: Birth Control Questions, Deciding on Oral Contraceptive Pills
