Effects of Hormonal Birth Control on Your Body

What is Hormonal Birth Control?

Hormonal birth control refers to methods of contraception that use synthetic hormones to prevent pregnancy. It works by altering a woman’s natural hormone levels to suppress ovulation, thicken cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching an egg, or thinning the uterine lining to make it less likely for a fertilized egg to implant. In addition to preventing pregnancies, they are also helpful in easing acute menstrual pain and endometriosis symptoms in women. They are several types of hormonal birth control.

Types

Some common types of hormonal birth control methods used today are:

• Hormonal Pills (Oral Contraceptives) –

These pills contain synthetic versions of estrogen and/or progesterone (progestin) and they should be taken daily to prevent pregnancies; different brands of pills are available with differing combinations of progestin and oestrogen.

• Contraceptive Patches –

A small patch worn on the skin that releases hormones (estrogen and progestin) into the bloodstream through the skin. Hormonal patches are placed on the upper back, upper arm, shoulder, abdomen or buttock; these patches should be changed after a week.

• Vaginal Ring –

A flexible plastic ring is inserted into vagina that releases progestin and oestrogen to prevent pregnancy. These should be changes monthly where it is worn for 3 weeks, removed for 1 week for menstruation, and then replaced.

• Shots or Injectable Contraceptive (Depo-Provera) –

A shot or an injection of progestin is administered every 12 weeks to prevent pregnancy.

• IUDs –

These are small T-shaped devices inserted into the uterus by a healthcare provider. Some IUDs release progestin (hormonal IUDs) to prevent pregnancy. IUDs should be changed after 3 to 10 years, depending on the brand.

• Contraceptive Implant –

Hormonal implants are inserted under the skin of the upper arm that releases progestin to prevent pregnancy for several years. The implants should be changed after a maximum of 3 years.

How Hormonal Birth Control Affects the Body?

Hormonal birth control affects the body by primary altering hormone levels, which in turn influences various physiological processes. Some effects of hormonal birth control on the body are:

• Suppression of ovulation i.e. they prevent the release of an egg from the ovary each month.

• Thickens cervical mucus which makes it more difficult for sperm to reach the egg.

• Thins the uterine lining thereby reducing the likelihood of implantation of a fertilized egg.

• Regulation of menstrual cycle, making periods lighter, shorter, and less painful.

• Reduces pain and cramps during menstruation

• Reduced risk of certain cancers and ovarian cysts

• Reduction in acne

• Relive pain and stress in women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

• Effective management of endometriosis

• Visible reduction of migraines during menstruation

• Potential Side Effects of Hormonal Birth Control

• Increased blood pressure & risk of blood clots

• Irregular eating and weight gain

• Bloating and nausea

• Increased growth of hair on your face and back

• Changes in cholesterol levels

Myths Vs. Facts

Myth1 –

Hormonal birth control pills will cause fertility issues

Fact 1 –

The contraceptive effects caused by pills and other hormonal birth control methods can be easily reversed within a year of stopping them. So it doesn’t cause any fertility issues.

Myth 2 –

Hormonal pills can worsen mood swings and cause depression.

Fact 2 –

Recent studies show that people taking hormonal contraceptives are not at a high risk of depression and other mental health issues. However, if you notice unusual mood swings after taking the pills, you should seek medical help right away.

Myth 3 –

Birth control pills can prevent sexually transmitted infections.

Fact 3 –

While these pills can prevent pregnancies, they cannot prevent you from contracting any sexually transmitted infections.