Can birth control pills or IUDs help endometriosis or adenomyosis?

Yes—hormonal birth control, including combined or progestin-only pills and the levonorgestrel IUD, can help many patients by reducing heavy bleeding and period-related pelvic pain commonly seen with endometriosis and adenomyosis.

These options work by suppressing or thinning the uterine lining and can quiet symptoms while you’re using them, but they don’t remove endometriosis lesions or reverse adenomyosis. If you’re still having significant pain, bleeding, or side effects on hormonal therapy—or symptoms return when you stop—our team can help you sort out what’s driving your symptoms and discuss next-step options, including surgical evaluation when appropriate.