What you should know about birth control

Birth control, or Oral Contraceptives (OCPs) is a substance commonly prescribed for more than just the prevention of conception. Many women begin taking birth control for irregular or painful periods, endometriosis, or ovarian cysts, to name a few.  OCPs contain synthetic or harvested versions of the natural female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Today, most OCPs contain mostly progesterone. 

During the female menstrual cycle, a delicate balance of hormones controls what happens inside her body. At day 0 (start of the menstrual period) there are relatively low amounts of both estrogen and progesterone in the body – in fact, a sharp drop of progesterone is what signals the beginning of menstruation. Following menses is what’s called the follicular phase, where estradiol dominates progesterone.  Estradiol peaks just before a surge of two other hormones – luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). LH triggers ovulation (release of an egg from the ovary) and the beginning of the Luteal Phase. 

The Luteal Phase is where progesterone reigns supreme. Levels of progesterone slowly rise, released by the “leftover” ovulated egg in an attempt to maintain itself while waiting for fertilization. This is also where the endometrium (lining of the uterus) builds itself up to support a growing fetus. But the poor little egg, or corpus luteum, only has so much progesterone. Once it runs out, the body realizes no pregnancy has occurred and menses ensues. The whole cycle repeats every month. 

Here are just a few of the researched responses to birth control use. 

• Vitamin B6, B9 and B12 deficiency

• Vitamin C deficiency  

• Zinc deficiency 

• Gastrointestinal upset 

• Disruption of the intestinal microbiome

• Low testosterone (yes, women need this too)

• Increased risk of thromboembolism (estrogen helps to thin the blood)

• Vaginal atrophy (Progesterone-only pills & implants)

• Candida infections (hormonal & non-hormonal IUDs)

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis)

• Depression

Decreased testosterone (via increased Steroid Hormone Binding Globulin) which may be permanent.

You may think birth control sounds like an incredibly delicate process! Well it is. And this is why understanding it is so important when introducing compounds like OCPs into the body. 

OCPs primarily work within the luteal phase. This means they supply a nearly constant dose of progesterone, estrogen, or a combination of both to “trick” the body into thinking it is pregnant. In some methods – such as the birth control implant, which I’ve had – your body is so significantly fooled that you stop getting periods all together. 

Now, I wont get into the moral objections some people have to the use of OCPs, but rather stick with the significant researched effects that constant manipulation of female hormonal cycles have on the natural rhythms of the body. 

Birth control hormones are similar to anabolic steroids in that they affect every cell of the body. Consumer education is an absolute must when taking any substance, especially exogenous hormones. The risks range from vitamin deficiency to life-altering disease like Crohn's. Please do your best to understand the risks before agreeing to contraceptives, especially if less harmful alternatives are available.

I offer a complimentary 15-minute consultation to anyone wanting to learn more about my philosophy and treatment methods. You can access my booking link directly by clicking here, or by calling 760-456-7501. 

If you are ready to get to the root cause of your hormone concerns, reach out to the EmpowerMed team of naturopathic doctors today. We take a collaborative approach to natural medicine, partnering with patients to help them achieve their unique health and wellness goals.

Contact us today at 760-456-7501 or use our booking link to schedule.

EmpowerMed Clinic is located just off the I-15 and Carroll Canyon within the Fitness Quest 10 Wellness Center of Scripps Ranch, San Diego County, CA. We serve the communities of North County San Diego, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, 4S Ranch, Mira Mesa, Ramona, Scripps Ranch, Santee, and more.