--- title: Do contraceptive patches work better than contraceptive pills for adolescents? description: Patch and pills had similar effects on mood, periods, and side effects over 9 cycles. Fewer people continued using the patch long-term, with 38% of patch user url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/adolescents-experiences-using-the-contraceptive-patch-versus-pills-2011/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Do contraceptive patches work better than contraceptive pills for adolescents? Non-randomised trial, 2011 # Do contraceptive patches work better than contraceptive pills for adolescents? Patch and pills had similar effects on mood, periods, and side effects over 9 cycles. Fewer people continued using the patch long-term, with 38% of patch users versus 60% of pill users still using their method after 9 cycles. Moderate study design 80 adolescents aged 13-22 in an urban hospital clinic ## What they did Followed 80 adolescents aged 13-22 (40 using contraceptive patch, 40 using pills) for up to 9 cycles, tracking whether they continued using the method, how consistently they used it, and their reported mood changes and side effects. ## What they found After 9 cycles, 38% of patch users and 60% of pill users were still using their chosen method. There were no differences between the groups in consistent use, quality of life, or side effects. Both groups reported lighter and more predictable periods and less depression before their period. Only pill users reported improvement in premenstrual anger. Patch users were slightly more likely to report that their method improved daily activities. ## What it means for you Contraceptive patch and pills have similar effects on mood and periods in adolescents. However, adolescents are more likely to stick with pills long-term, so despite the convenience of weekly dosing, the patch may not be the better choice for sustained use in this age group. 38% Patch users continuing after 9 cycles 60% Pill users continuing after 9 cycles 40 Number of adolescents per group ## About the study Original title Adolescents' experiences using the contraceptive patch versus pills Authors Sucato GS, Land SR, Murray PJ et al. Journal Journal of pediatric and adolescent gynecology Year 2011 Study design Non-randomised trial What was tested Contraceptive patch versus daily contraceptive pills Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/j.jpag.2011.02.001](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpag.2011.02.001) ## Topics [Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Oral contraceptives and drospirenone](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-hormonal-contraceptives/)[Quality of life and daily functioning](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-quality-of-life/)[Adolescents and young people](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-adolescents/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Randomised trial, 2025 Does mood, well-being, and sexual function change across the menstrual cycle? Survey study, 2025 What are menstrual cycle patterns in elite female basketball players? Study, 2022 What are the symptoms, causes, and treatments of PMS and PMDD? Study, 2010 What gynecologic problems do girls with Down syndrome, autism, and cerebral palsy experience? Systematic review, 2020 How common is PMS among women of reproductive age in Ethiopia? Review, 2009 What causes PMDD and what are the treatment options? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗