From the Guidelines
Yes, Tri-Cyclen is a triphasic birth control pill containing norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol, which provides varying amounts of hormones in three phases to more closely mimic the natural hormonal fluctuations of a woman's menstrual cycle. Unlike monophasic birth control pills that deliver the same hormone dose throughout the active pill cycle, Tri-Cyclen maintains a constant dose of ethinyl estradiol (35 mcg) while the norgestimate dose increases from 0.18 mg to 0.215 mg to 0.25 mg throughout the 21-day active pill cycle. This triphasic approach was designed to potentially reduce side effects like breakthrough bleeding, as noted in studies on contraception for adolescents 1. However, in terms of effectiveness at preventing pregnancy, triphasic pills like Tri-Cyclen are equally effective as monophasic pills (both approximately 99% effective with perfect use), as discussed in the context of oral contraceptive pills and hypertension 1. The main practical difference for users is that with triphasic pills, it's more important to take pills in the correct order, as each week contains different hormone levels. If you miss a pill with Tri-Cyclen, follow the package instructions carefully, as the response may depend on which phase of the cycle you're in, and consider the guidance on managing adverse effects and promoting adherence 1. Some women may experience fewer side effects with triphasic formulations, while others prefer the consistency of monophasic pills, highlighting the importance of individualized benefits and risks assessment, especially for women with specific health conditions, such as congenital heart disease 1.
From the Research
Tri-Cyclen and Triphasic Birth Control
- Tri-Cyclen, which contains norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol, is indeed a triphasic birth control pill, as indicated by studies such as 2 and 3.
- The triphasic regimen means that the pill has three different phases of hormone levels, which are designed to mimic the natural menstrual cycle.
Difference from Monophasic Birth Control
- Monophasic birth control pills, on the other hand, have the same level of hormones in each pill, as discussed in 4.
- The main difference between triphasic and monophasic birth control is the way the hormones are delivered, with triphasic pills having varying levels of hormones throughout the cycle.
- Studies such as 4 and 5 suggest that triphasic pills may have better cycle control and fewer side effects compared to monophasic pills.
Efficacy and Safety
- Both triphasic and monophasic birth control pills are highly effective in preventing pregnancy, as shown in studies such as 2, 3, and 6.
- The safety profiles of triphasic and monophasic pills are also similar, with minimal effects on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, hemostasis parameters, and a low risk of coronary heart disease, as discussed in 4.
Cycle Control and Side Effects
- Triphasic pills, such as Tri-Cyclen, may have better cycle control and fewer side effects compared to monophasic pills, as suggested by studies such as 2, 3, and 6.
- However, the incidence of breakthrough bleeding and spotting may be higher in the initial cycles of triphasic pills, but decreases with continued use, as shown in 2 and 6.