Often times, patients are put on birth control because they are either experiencing acne, heavy periods, PMS symptoms or not even experiencing a period at all. However, is this really treating the cause of your irregular periods or is it just masking the root cause? I tend to think so. The birth control pill, though necessary in certain cases to prevent unwanted pregnancies can be beneficial, is really suppressing your symptoms of something that is occurring on a deeper level.
Birth control pills come with a lot of side effects, some of which are irreversible. Here are a few side effects that birth control pills can cause:
Microbiome Disruption: The good bugs in your gut can be altered, which leads to the overgrowth of harmful bacteria and yeast. The good bugs in your gut help remove excess estrogen. Excess estrogen leads to ovarian cysts, fibrocystic breasts, weight gain, irregular or heavy menses, and irritability.
95% of your happy hormone (SEROTONIN) is located in the gut and when this is disrupted, you see an increased occurrence of mood disorders like anxiety and depression.
Increased Risk of Cancer: Breast, ovarian, cervical, liver, and uterine cancer risk is higher in women taking oral birth control pills.
Lowers Thyroid and Testosterone Levels: Birth control pills increase the protein, Sex Hormone Binding Globulin and Thyroxine Binding Globulins, which bind free hormones throughout your body. If you have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), difficulty maintaining/gaining muscle mass, and low libido, then birth control pills may make your symptoms worse or may be causing these symptoms.
Increased Risk of Stroke: Birth control pills can increase your risk for blood clots, stroke, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism. It also raises the risk of heart attacks.
Nutrient Depletion: When taking birth control pills, many women become deficient in antioxidants, B vitamins, and minerals such as selenium and zinc.
Alternatives?
There are many options for women out there! If you are looking at pregnancy prevention, here are a few:
- Fertility caluculators like Daysy
- Fertility Awareness Method
- Condoms
- IUD
- Diaphragm
** Ask your doctor about your options!
Birth control pills used to treat symptoms of hormonal imbalances are only masking the symptoms and offering temporary relief. Seek a naturopathic physician and find the root cause!
Call today to get to the root cause and balance your hormones naturally! 704-543-5540