May is National Women’s Health Month so I wanted to chat this week about the things you were never told about hormonal birth control (HBC) by your doctors. Hormonal birth control, such as the pill and intrauterine devices (IUDs), are common methods for managing fertility and certain health conditions. However, what most women aren’t told is that they come with side effects that can significantly impact a woman’s health, including nutrient depletion, mood changes, and gut health issues.
It is every woman’s choice if HBC is right for them, but we have a right to informed consent and understanding the full impact that this decision might have for our health! Below are some side effects, ways to support your body if taking HBC and alternate non-hormone ways to prevent unwanted pregnancy. There are so many tools and more information now that we can utilize to support our reproductive health!
Impact on Gut Health
Hormonal birth control, like oral contraceptives, can have significant effects on the gut microbiome. The use of these contraceptives is associated with changes in the composition and diversity of gut bacteria. For example, research suggests that the use of oral contraceptives can increase the prevalence of specific types of bacteria like Actinobacteria and decrease others such as Bacteroidetes. This shift can influence many aspects of gut health, potentially affecting everything from nutrient metabolism to immune system function1.
As I have discussed before, changes in the balance of the gut microbiome’s can have implications in SO many aspects of our health! For example, changes induced by hormonal contraceptives might contribute to the development of conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The exact mechanisms behind these changes are still being researched, but it’s believed that hormones in these contraceptives, like estrogen and progestin, might influence gut permeability and immune responses, which can alter the gut flora2.
If you’re considering or currently using hormonal birth control, it might be beneficial to monitor any changes in digestive health and discuss them with your healthcare provider. I would also recommend running a stool test annually to monitor any possible microbiome imbalances while on HBC.
Mood Changes and Emotional Well-being
Mood swings and emotional changes are common with hormonal birth control due to the impact on neurotransmitters. These mood disturbances can range from mild to severe. Studies suggest that some women may experience mood swings, depression, or anxiety due to hormonal contraceptives while others showed that hormonal contraceptives can have neutral or even positive effects on mental health3. It really comes down to your bio-individual response and it is something to pay attention to when starting HBC. Women experiencing significant mood swings might consider exploring non-hormonal birth control options (discussed below).
Nutrient Depletion
Hormonal birth control can interfere with the absorption of essential nutrients like B vitamins, magnesium, and zinc. This interference occurs because oral contraceptives can alter the gut lining and increase the demand for certain nutrients to metabolize the hormones they contain. For instance, B vitamins are crucial for energy production and neurological function, and their deficiency can lead to fatigue, irritability, and even depression. Magnesium, involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, is essential for muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and bone health. Zinc plays a vital role in immune function, DNA synthesis, and cell division. Deficiencies in these nutrients can manifest as a weakened immune system, impaired cognitive function, and overall reduced energy levels.
Dr. Stacy Sims emphasizes that women on hormonal birth control should consider monitoring their nutrient levels regularly and incorporating high-quality supplements or nutrient-dense foods into their diet to counteract these deficiencies. Foods rich in B vitamins include whole grains, legumes, seeds, and leafy green vegetables. Magnesium can be found in nuts, seeds, whole grains, and leafy greens, while zinc is abundant in meat, shellfish, legumes, and seeds4.
Non-Hormonal Birth Control Options
Women seeking non-hormonal birth control options have several effective methods to consider. Fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs) involve tracking menstrual cycles, observing physical fertility signs, and using this information to predict fertile days. Apps like “Natural Cycles” use algorithms to analyze basal body temperature and cycle data to indicate fertile windows. These methods, when used correctly, can be highly effective for avoiding pregnancy without altering hormonal balance. Additionally, barrier methods like condoms and diaphragms, copper IUDs, and permanent solutions like tubal ligation are viable non-hormonal options.
Making Informed Choices
Each woman’s body responds differently to hormonal birth control. It’s crucial to weigh the benefits and potential side effects, and consider holistic approaches for reproductive health. Considering that HBC can cause a range of side effects from nutrient deficiencies, mood changes and even microbiome & digestive impact, understanding all of your options and the risks associated with them is important. Ask questions of your healthcare providers, read all of the side effects and risks for any medication that you take and educate yourself about alternatives like fertility awareness methods.
If you are wanting to come off of hormonal birth control, start supporting your body holistically 3 months prior and then as you come off for an additional 3-6 months in order to have the smoothest transition. Working with a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner can be very beneficial for implementing supplement and nutritional supports.
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This is not medical advice and not intended to treat or cure any disease or affliction. Please consult your medical professional before utilizing the techniques and tools listed above.
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