8 min read (1586 words)

My intention

Having taken the Pill for 14 years, I recognise that hormonal contraceptives evoke strong emotions. Some people use them for birth control, while others rely on them to alleviate severe menstrual symptoms. Although hormonal contraceptives may seem like the best option for many, this article, Hidden Dangers of Hormonal Contraception, aims to highlight the potential harm they can cause.

In my 20s and early 30s, I faced various health issues, including heart palpitations, digestive problems, loss of libido, and depression. Over 14 months, my smear tests consistently returned abnormal results, indicating pre-cancerous cells. This culminated in surgery to remove a section of my cervix.

It wasn’t until years after stopping the Pill and pursuing health studies that I began to grasp how detrimental hormonal contraception can be. I started to connect many of my health issues to the Pill. During numerous GP visits, no medical professional suggested that hormonal contraception might be at fault, despite the evidence.

My goal with this article is to underscore the negative impact hormonal contraceptives can have. I hope to equip you with the information necessary to make an informed decision about whether taking these contraceptives is truly worthwhile. This is knowledge I wish I had before being prescribed the Pill at 18.

How do hormonal contraceptives work?

The Pill, injections, implants, vaginal rings, and patches contain synthetic hormones, such as oestrogen (estradiol) and progestogen (progestin). These contraceptives suppress signals from the brain to the ovaries, replacing them with synthetic hormone levels approximately four times higher than natural levels. This disruption alters the normal functioning of the reproductive system. Hormonal contraceptives also thicken cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to reach an egg, and change the womb’s lining, reducing the likelihood of fertilisation. Additionally, they can lower testosterone levels produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands, potentially impacting libido and reducing vaginal lubrication, which may cause discomfort during intercourse.

From a biochemical standpoint, hormonal contraceptives induce a state resembling pregnancy to prevent conception. By inhibiting natural hormone production, ovulation does not occur, and therefore a true menstruation is absent. The bleeding experienced while on hormonal contraceptives is not due to an unfertilised egg leaving the body; rather, it is a withdrawal bleed from the medication. Initially, pharmaceutical companies designed the Pill to mimic the menstrual cycle to gain women’s trust. However, in reality, there is no need for bleeding while using hormonal contraceptives.

Side effects, risks and long term effects

Numerous short and long-term side effects of hormonal contraceptives exist. Here are some key concerns:

Depression

Jayashri Kulkarni, Professor of Psychiatry and Director of Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, noted in a 2017 study, “Depression is one of the most prevalent and debilitating illnesses affecting the female population today. Many young women report depression without significant life changes, often attributing it to starting a specific brand of the Pill.”

A review of multiple studies confirmed that depression can be a side effect of oral contraceptives. Furthermore, an ongoing study involving 23,000 users revealed that over a third stopped using the Pill due to depressive symptoms.

Jayashri Kulkarni is the Professor of Psychiatry and Director of Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre. During a 2017 study, she said that “Depression is one of the most prevalent and debilitating illnesses affecting the female population today. Many times we have seen young women come in with depression who have not had any other changes in their life particularly. She will say things like ‘it wasn’t until I started this particular brand of pill that things started to fall apart.“

Liver Cancer

The liver, our largest internal organ, detoxifies blood and synthesises proteins. Hormonal contraceptives place considerable strain on the liver, which must metabolise synthetic hormones before they circulate throughout the body. According to The Liver Doctor, “Long-term use of the Oral Contraceptive Pill (OCP) can increase the incidence of liver tumours, such as adenomas and hemangiomas.” Although hemangiomas and adenomas are typically benign, they can occasionally become cancerous.

Gallstones

Barbara Seaman, a women’s health expert and author of The Doctors’ Case Against The Pill, remarked that “The Pill has serious adverse effects on the gallbladder, and women who take it face an increased risk of requiring surgery for gallstones.” A 1976 study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that the Pill raises cholesterol saturation in bile, considered an early chemical stage of gallstone disease. The risk of gallbladder disease increases with the length of Pill use; some studies indicate that Pill users are 2.5 times more likely to develop gallstones than women who do not use the Pill.

Weight gain, mood swings, headaches/migraines, fluid retention, nausea ad brittle bones.

The additional strain from processing hormonal contraceptives can lead to various symptoms. Weight gain, mood swings, and migraines may arise or worsen if these issues predated the use of hormonal contraception. Alexandra Pope, co-founder of the Red School and author of The Pill: Are You Sure It’s for You?, stated, “Studies have shown that some hormonal contraceptives cause significant loss of bone mineral density, which may not be fully reversible when a woman stops taking them.” Research indicates that third-generation oral contraceptives, available since 1985, carry a higher risk of blood clots.

Cancer, stroke and blood clots

In 2002, the US government included synthesised oestrogen used in hormonal contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy on the official list of known human carcinogens. A large study on hormone-replacement therapy found that taking synthetic oestrogen increased the risk of breast and uterine cancer, stroke, and blood clots.

The brain

A 2014 report from the US National Library of Medicine raised concerns about hormonal contraception’s impact on brain structure, function, and behaviour. Researchers linked synthetic steroids in hormonal contraceptives to both masculinising and feminising effects on the brain.

By 2014, hormonal contraceptives had been available for over 50 years, with 100 million women using them worldwide. Hormonal contraception is being made readily available to girls as young as 10 years old. Researchers have called for further studies to explore the potential societal impacts of these behavioural changes.

Fertility Issues

Hormonal contraception prevents pregnancy by affecting cervical mucus production and suppressing the natural cycle. It thickens cervical mucus, creating an additional barrier against conception, even if ovulation occurs.

For sperm to survive longer than a few hours in the vagina and reach the fallopian tubes, it needs high-quality, fertile cervical mucus. This mucus also filters out poor-quality sperm, enhancing the chances of a healthy pregnancy.

Dr. Eric Odeblad, a Swedish OB/GYN, found that hormonal contraception diminishes cervical mucus quality. He concluded that “for each year the Pill is taken, the cervix ages by an extra year,” suggesting that long-term use may impair a woman’s ability to conceive.

Microbiome issues

Hormonal contraception can reduce microbial diversity, contribute to leaky gut, and create an environment conducive to yeast overgrowth. Many women who have used hormonal contraceptives for years experience digestive issues, including leaky gut.

One effective way to repair gut damage is a 24-hour water fast. This fasting period releases stem cells into the gut, helping to repair the mucosal lining and reset the microbiome. Practising a weekly 24-hour water fast can significantly improve gut health and address many other issues caused by hormonal contraceptives.

‘Imbalanced hormones’, regulating the cycle and reproductive health issues

More girls and women are prescribed the Pill to ‘balance’ hormones or ‘regulate’ their cycles. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often receive the Pill to alleviate symptoms. While it can reduce symptoms, the Pill merely masks underlying issues. Upon stopping, symptoms frequently return, sometimes even worse than before. Contrary to common belief, the Pill does not truly balance hormones or treat reproductive health issues.

Getting the right support you need

When facing menstrual cycle problems, it can feel hopeless, as if nothing will alleviate our physical and emotional pain. I empathise; I have been there too. Many women express dissatisfaction with the support from health professionals, who often suggest that menstrual issues are something to endure and prescribe hormonal therapy. However, this is not the only path, and natural methods can promote healing.

Understanding your body and practising menstrual cycle awareness, alongside knowing which foods and herbs benefit you, can aid in the natural healing process. While it requires effort and dedication, it is possible to restore hormonal balance and lead a fulfilling life.

Many menstrual cycle issues may stem from long-standing societal shame and suppression of our cycles. Ignoring our cycles can lead to psychological and physical stress. Lisa Higgins, a Menstruality Mentor and trainee Counsellor, stated, “Removing the shame [around the menstrual cycle] would save lives.” This powerful sentiment resonates deeply. By bringing awareness to our cycles, we can rebuild our relationship with them and, over time, transform our experiences for the better.

Alternative methods of birth control

f you feel ready to come off hormonal contraceptives, you’re not alone. Many effective non-hormonal contraceptive options are available, including condoms and diaphragms. Alisa Vitti, a women’s hormonal health specialist, provides a detailed overview of seven non-hormonal birth control methods for those interested in exploring their choices.

Natural fertility awareness is gaining popularity, although it can seem daunting at first. In essence, there is a limited window during which pregnancy can occur. Natural fertility awareness teaches you to recognize your body’s natural signs of fertility, primarily through observing cervical mucus.

While our reproductive systems are complex, they provide clear signals that indicate fertile and infertile times in our cycles. Embracing natural fertility awareness encourages us to become attuned to our bodies on a daily basis. This approach is not only empowering but also enjoyable, as it fosters a deeper understanding of our own biology. I recommend exploring resources from Billings Life to learn more about this method.

Coming off hormonal contraceptives 

Transition period

When discontinuing hormonal contraceptives, it’s common to experience a transition period as your cycle returns to its natural rhythm. For many, this process can take three months or more, so patience is key as your body re-establishes its balance.

Emotions

As your physical cycle resumes, you may also encounter emotional and spiritual shifts. Personally, I experienced three years of fluctuating energy levels and moods – moments of excitement and self-love followed by periods of sadness and self-criticism. I initially believed this was just part of my personality, something I had to endure.

However, after tracking my cycle daily, I began to notice clear patterns correlating with different phases of my cycle. This awareness allowed me to transform my relationship with my menstrual cycle through dedicated self-care. I’m pleased to say that I no longer experience those extreme mood swings and am learning to navigate life with greater understanding and compassion. For more insights, you can read my article, Menstrual Cycle = Magic, detailing my journey with menstrual cycle awareness.

Hormonal Contraceptives: The Hidden Dangers

Reflecting on the title, “Hormonal Contraceptives: The Hidden Dangers,” it’s essential to acknowledge that hormonal contraceptives disrupt our natural cycles, leading to a range of short and long-term health issues. By suppressing our natural rhythms, we may struggle to understand ourselves on a deeper level.

The existence of hormonal contraceptives can create a subconscious belief that there is something inherently wrong with us. The true issue lies not within us, but in how we – and society – perceive our menstrual cycles. Our cycles are not problems to be fixed; rather, it is society’s perception that needs to change, creating a healthier relationship with our own bodies.

A vision for the future

Cultivating a healthy, intimate relationship with ourselves allows us to embrace all facets of who we are. When we love ourselves fully, we feel at ease in our own skin, which positively influences our relationships with others. Developing acute awareness of our cycles offers countless benefits. It leads us to comprehend the multi-layered biological, psychological, and spiritual systems at play within our bodies, igniting a journey of self-discovery, intimacy, and healing.

Our bodies are magnificently intelligent, constantly providing messages about our emotional, physical, and spiritual states. The key is tuning in to these signals. By listening to our bodies, we can optimise our lives according to our cycles, empowering us to take control of all aspects of our existence. Historically, women have been conditioned to disconnect from their bodies, leading many to believe that such deep connection is unattainable or reserved for a select few. This is a misconception; every woman has the potential to connect with her body. By taking that first step, you will discover just how incredible your body truly is.

Awaken with Soraya

Are you ready to embody the wisdom of your womb and awaken the woman within? If you’re ready to embody a new way of living rooted in feminine power, deeply knowing yourself speaking your truth and being an advocate for a brighter future for all, I invite you to learn how you can work with me.