8 Nevertheless, nutrient depletions are common in pill-users and can be easily addressed via a nutrient-dense dietary pattern and targeted supplementation. 6 Evidence also suggests that the estrogen and progestins increase the activity of liver enzymes, which require many nutrient co-factors. It has been speculated that the delicate cells in our digestive systems were not meant to be exposed to orally ingested, synthetic hormones, and that this impairs adequate nutrient absorption. It is still unclear as to why the pill causes these depletions. 6,7 Even the World Health Organization states that clinicians should be supplementing vitamins and minerals in women on hormonal contraception as a first-line approach. 6 However, when nutrient levels are measured in the blood of pill-users and compared to non-users, it has been shown that there are significant depletions in vitamins B 1, B 2, B 3, B 6, B 12, folic acid, C, and E minerals magnesium, selenium, and zinc the amino acid tyrosine and the powerful antioxidant coenzyme Q 10 (CoQ 10). 7 It is difficult to diagnose nutrient depletions caused by the pill, as depletions happen slowly over time and the consequences, like fatigue or low energy, are common female complaints. Nutrient depletions caused by the pill are an important topic to discuss, as they may contribute to many of the other side effects of the pill and may explain the lasting impact of those side effects as well. Thus, I want to discuss some of the less regarded side effects of birth control pills that may be having a large impact on the health of many women. 4 These side effects get little attention and can often be ignored by medical professionals. 4 Interestingly though, the main reason women choose to discontinue hormonal contraceptives are other side effects, like mood disturbances, decreased libido, weight gain, poor bleeding control, and the fear of side effects. These typically include venous thromboembolisms (blood clots), breast cancer, and cervical cancer. 4 But some of the risks are well documented as well. The birth control pill is known for its many benefits, such as a reduction in mortality from ovarian, endometrial, and colorectal cancers and for improving painful periods, heavy menstruation, and acne. 5 Again, the progestins in the pill differ from our natural progesterone.
5 The progestin works by inhibiting ovulation, thickening the cervical mucus to inhibit sperm penetration and altering the uterine lining to be unable to support implantation. However, it is actually the progestin component that is responsible for contraception.
4 This means it acts differently from our naturally occurring estrogen. 5 By adding the ethinyl group to the estrogen it alters the compound, allowing it to be absorbed better orally, but also makes it significantly more potent in the blood, with a stronger affinity to bind estrogen receptors. 5 There are many different forms of progestins which all have slightly different properties, but the ethinyl estrogen is fairly standard. Combined OCPs have both an estrogen analogue, ethinyl estradiol, and one type of progestin. This is what I will explore here.įirst, it is important to discuss how the combined OCP works. 4 It is important for us to consider the consequences that daily doses of synthetic, chemically-altered hormones may be having on our health. 2,3 Although OCPs are a highly effective form of birth control and have been revolutionary for women, like other medications, they come with side effects, many of which are rarely discussed. 1 Of hormonal options, the combined oral contraceptive pill (OCP), also known as “the pill” or birth control pill, is the most common choice, with 4 out of 5 sexually active women reporting current or previous pill use. Combined hormonal contraceptives are used by over 100 million women worldwide, with the most frequent use in the Western world.
0 kommentar(er)
