Is the Pill Right for You? Understanding its Impact on Hormones and Health

Navigating the complex landscape of contraception can be daunting, with each option presenting its own set of benefits and considerations.

This post delves into the oral contraceptive pill (‘the pill’) — not to dissuade, but to arm you with knowledge so that, whether you're currently using the pill, considering it, or exploring other options, you can make informed decisions that resonate with your body’s needs and your lifestyle.

The oral contraceptive pill has its place in women’s health, offering relief and management for those dealing with the debilitating symptoms of conditions such as endometriosis or adenomyosis. In these cases, however, alternatives like the Mirena IUD are still usually the preferred option due to its localised hormone delivery system.

I will be writing more blog posts about different contraceptive options as it has been an area my clients often have many questions about and is often not discussed very thoroughly by their doctors.

The pill switches off hormones and shuts down the menstrual cycle

Many believe that the oral contraceptive pill regulates the menstrual cycle, offering a semblance of hormonal balance. However, this common misconception masks the true impact of the pill on a woman's body. In reality, the pill overrides the natural ebb and flow of key hormones—oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone—switching off the body's hormonal rhythm and preventing ovulation. The regularity induced by the pill is artificial; the monthly 'periods' experienced are not true menstrual cycles but withdrawal bleeds prompted by the absence of hormones during the placebo days of the pill pack. Understanding this distinction is crucial in recognising the profound ways in which hormonal contraceptives can alter a woman’s natural physiological processes.

It robs us of the benefits of our natural hormones

The pseudo-hormones in the pill don’t have the same benefits as our body’s own hormones, that are central to many physiological functions beyond their role in reproduction.

Oestrogen is pivotal for cardiovascular health, aiding in the maintenance of flexible arteries and promoting healthy blood flow. It influences the nervous system, contributing to the regulation of neurotransmitters that govern our mood and mental state. It helps to maintain bone strength and joint function, which is the reason why we need to do more to look after our bones once we reach menopause.

Progesterone has a role in the production of neurosteroids that have a calming effect on the brain, improving sleep and resilience to stress.

Testosterone, although typically associated with male physiology, is invaluable in women's health as well. It's a vital contributor to maintaining muscle mass and strength, which in turn supports metabolic health. It also has a role in libido, mood regulation, motivation, energy and cognitive clarity.

These hormones also play a role in regulating thyroid function and improving the health of our hair and skin.

Side effects of the pill

While the pill offers a convenient form of contraception, it's not without its side effects, some of which can affect a woman’s quality of life significantly. For some, the psychological impacts are pronounced, with a subset of women experiencing mood disturbances such as depression or heightened anxiety. Others may notice a dip in their sex drive, an effect that can strain intimate relationships and affect overall well-being. Hair loss, too, can be a disconcerting side effect.

The pill's influence extends to the body’s internal ecosystems as well, potentially altering the gut and vaginal microbiome. This imbalance can lead to digestive issues and an increased susceptibility to yeast infections. Weight management may also become more challenging due to the pill's tendency to interfere with insulin levels, heighten sugar cravings, and reduce the body’s ability to gain muscle.

Beyond these more immediate concerns, there are long-term health considerations to weigh up. There’s a slight increase in the risk for breast cancer and a more concerning increase in the risk of blood clots, an effect that warrants a careful assessment of personal and family health history. The pill can nudge blood pressure upwards, so it’s important to have this monitored, especially for those already navigating hypertension.

The pill depletes nutrients

The pill can deplete key vitamins and minerals essential for optimal health. It does this through altered gut flora, reduced absorption, more rapid metabolism and excretion of the nutrients and binding to the nutrients to make them unavailable.

It can reduce levels of B vitamins—vital players in energy production, mood regulation, and the synthesis of DNA. Vitamin B6, particularly, is crucial for the creation of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which means its depletion can potentially influence mood and cognition

The pill can also lower the reserves of vitamin C and vitamin E, and minerals such as magnesium, zinc, and selenium.

Ironically, while the pill is often prescribed to reduce menstrual bleeding and lower the risk of iron deficiency anaemia, it can also impair the absorption of iron, leading to a counterintuitive scenario where some women might still struggle with low iron levels.

 Deciding what’s right for you

It's important to recognise that our menstrual cycle is more than just a monthly inconvenience; it's a vital sign, much like a health report card, providing insights into the well-being of our reproductive system and overall health. The pill takes away our ability to use this information to assess our reproductive and hormonal health.

Once we know about the impact and side effects of the pill, we can approach our health decisions with a deeper understanding and careful consideration of the pros and cons. For those on the pill, it’s worthwhile to have open conversations with healthcare providers about supplementation and alternatives that align with your health goals and values.

If you're contemplating which form of contraception aligns best with your health goals, or if you're seeking support with your current choice, book a free discovery call to chat about how my Holistic Health Coaching Program can help. Together, we can explore your options and find an option that suits your circumstances.

Ready to start cultivating a hormone-loving lifestyle that doesn’t come with a long list of side effects? Grab my free Guide to Natural Hormone Balance. 

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