Hormonal birth control, such as the pill, is one of the most widely used forms of contraception, with over 100 million women globally relying on it. It’s often promoted as a convenient, effective, and safe way to prevent unwanted pregnancies. 

However, while hormonal birth control use is widespread, it’s essential to recognize the potential negative impacts so that you can approach it with full informed consent. 

Research indicates that around 58% of pill users cite reasons other than contraception, such as menstrual regulation and acne control, which may sometimes lead to its over-prescription, especially among young women whose bodies are still developing. 

In this blog, we’ll explore the effects of hormonal birth control on natural cycles, hormone health, and fertility, highlighting the importance of informed decision-making in reproductive health. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of the potential downsides and the significance of making well-informed choices.

What is Hormone Birth Control (HBC) & How Does it Work?

Hormonal birth control (HBC) is a method used by millions of women all over the world to prevent pregnancy. It includes a range of options such as the pill, patches, injections, and intrauterine devices (IUDs). While these methods are often praised for their convenience and effectiveness, it’s crucial to understand how they work and their impact on your body.

At its core, HBC works by introducing synthetic hormones, usually estrogen and progestin, into your system. 

These hormones disrupt your natural menstrual cycle by preventing ovulation, the process where an egg is released from the ovaries. 

Without ovulation, there is no egg available for fertilization, thus preventing pregnancy.

Additionally, HBC thickens cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to reach any eggs that might be released. It also thins the uterine lining, which reduces the possibility of a fertilized egg to implant and grow.

However, it’s important to note that while HBC is effective at preventing pregnancy, it doesn’t “regulate” your menstrual cycle in the way that many might think. Instead of creating a natural cycle, HBC essentially pauses it, putting your body into a state of infertility that somewhat mimics a temporary artificial menopause due to suppressing your natural menstrual cycle. 

This suppression of the natural hormonal rhythm means that the bleeding experienced during the pill’s placebo week, for instance, isn’t a true menstrual period but rather a withdrawal bleed caused by the sudden drop in hormone levels.

Here are graphs comparing hormone levels during a healthy menstrual cycle versus a cycle on hormonal birth control (HBC). See if you can spot the differences.

Healthy Menstrual Cycle Hormone Flow

Healthy Menstrual Cycle Hormone Flow:

• Estrogen peaks around mid-cycle and declines towards the end.
• Progesterone rises after ovulation and drops before menstruation.
• LH (Luteinizing Hormone) spikes just before ovulation.
• FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) has small peaks at the beginning and middle of the cycle.

Hormonal Birth Control (HBC) Hormone Flow

Hormonal Birth Control (HBC) Cycle Hormone Flow:

• Estrogen levels remain relatively constant.
• Progesterone levels are also constant but lower compared to the luteal phase in a healthy cycle.
• LH and FSH levels are consistently low, indicating suppressed ovulation.

 

These synthetic hormones are, in fact, hormone disruptors. They can interfere with your body’s natural hormone production and regulation, which is why some women experience side effects such as mood swings, weight gain, and decreased libido. 

Long-term use of HBC can also have more serious implications, such as an increased risk of blood clots and potential impacts on future fertility.

It’s essential to approach HBC with a clear understanding of its benefits and potential drawbacks. While it can be a valuable tool for preventing pregnancy and managing certain medical conditions, being informed about how it affects your body will empower you to make the best decisions for your health and well-being. 

Remember, your natural cycle is a vital aspect of your overall health, and disrupting it should be a well-considered choice.

Let’s dive deeper into the potentially negative aspects of HBC that are too rarely discussed.

Negative Impacts of Hormonal Birth Control

As previously discussed, hormonal birth control is one of the most popular methods of preventing unwanted pregnancies, but it’s not without its drawbacks. Too often, I hear about girls and women being prescribed HBC with little to no conversation about its drawbacks. 

This was my experience of being put on the pill when I was around 13 years old to “help regulate my cycle.” It not only did not help regulate my cycle (as I shared, HBC does not regulate anything but puts your body into an artificial state of constant infertility by stopping your natural flow of hormones), but HBC led me to gain weight and experience massive mood disruption, such as depression and anxiety.

When a woman takes birth control pills or uses other hormonal contraceptives, her body undergoes a series of hormonal changes. These changes can negatively impact her natural cycles, hormone health, and fertility.

Studies have shown that HBC can disrupt a woman’s natural menstrual cycle, leading to irregular periods or even the absence of periods altogether.

Hormone Flow: Healthy Menstrual Cycle vs HBC Cycle

Hormone	Healthy Menstrual Cycle	Hormonal Birth Control Cycle
Estrogen	Peaks twice: mid-follicular phase and slightly (smaller peak) during the mid-luteal phase	Maintained at a steady, lower level to prevent ovulation
Progesterone	Low during the follicular phase, peaks in the luteal phase	Maintained at a steady, higher level to prevent ovulation
LH (Luteinizing Hormone)	Peaks just before ovulation (LH surge)	Suppressed to prevent ovulation
FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)	Peaks at the start of the cycle, smaller peak before ovulation	Suppressed to prevent follicle development

Hormonal birth control can also impact a woman’s hormone health, potentially leading to side effects such as decreased libido, mood swings, and weight gain. In addition, hormonal birth control can mask underlying health concerns, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). 

Women with PCOS may experience irregular periods, weight gain, and acne, all of which can be treated with hormonal birth control. However, by masking these symptoms, hormonal birth control may delay a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Another concern with hormonal birth control is its potential impact on a woman’s ability to determine genetically compatible partners. 

Research has shown that women are attracted to men with different immune system genes, which may increase the chances of producing healthy offspring. However, hormonal birth control can interfere with this natural process, leading women to choose partners they may not otherwise find attractive.

There’s some interesting research suggesting that HBC can influence who you’re attracted to. Normally, we’re drawn to people with different immune system genes to help create more robust immune systems for potential offspring. HBC might shift these preferences, which could impact relationship dynamics and, potentially, fertility.

Potential Negatives of Hormonal Birth Control (HBC):

• Hormone Disruption
  • Alters natural hormonal balance
  • Suppresses ovulation
• Increased Risk of Blood Clots
  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
  • Pulmonary embolism (PE)
• Impact on Mood & Mental Health
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Mood swings
• Nutrient Depletion
  • Lower levels of essential vitamins and minerals (e.g., B vitamins, magnesium)
• Impact on Libido
  • Decreased sexual desire
  • Vaginal dryness
• Weight Changes
  • Weight gain or loss
• Breast Tenderness
  • Swelling
  • Pain
• Headaches & Migraines
  • Increased frequency and intensity
• Digestive Issues
  • Nausea
  • Bloating
• Potential Impact on Future Fertility
  • Delay in return to fertility after discontinuation
• Increased Risk of Certain Cancers
  • Breast cancer
  • Cervical cancer
• Alteration of Natural Menstrual Cycle
  • Artificially induced periods
  • Lack of true menstrual cycle
• Atrophy of Reproductive Hormone Neurofeedback Pathways
  • Reduced efficiency in natural hormone regulation
  • Potential difficulty in re-establishing natural cycles after discontinuation

 

While the negative impacts of hormonal birth control are concerning, another issue that exacerbates this problem is the over-prescription of birth control, especially at a young age.

Let’s take a closer look at the potential risks associated with the long-term use of hormonal birth control and the importance of alternative methods of hormone-free contraceptive care.

HBC Overprescription & Developing Girls

Hormonal birth control (HBC) use is pervasive, not just for preventing pregnancy but also for managing various health issues like acne, heavy periods, and endometriosis. Despite it being prevalent, there are important considerations, especially for girls and younger women whose bodies are still developing.

Effects on Natural Cycles & Masking Imbalances 

As we spoke about previously in this post, HBC can change your natural hormonal balance, which affects how your menstrual cycle works. For instance, it can disrupt ovulation and alter cervical fluid, which might make it more challenging for sperm to meet the egg. 

Moreover, HBC may potentially mask symptoms of conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)—a disorder causing irregular periods, acne, and excess hair growth. When HBC is often used to manage these symptoms, it might delay the diagnosis and treatment of PCOS, as well as other hormone health conditions.

Concerns w/ Prescribing HBC to Young Girls 

One major issue is the prescription of HBC to young girls who are still going through puberty.

Using hormones during this crucial developmental stage can disrupt the natural progression of their menstrual cycles and might have long-term effects on their hormone health and fertility. Research shows that girls who start using HBC before age 16 might have an increased risk of breast cancer later on.

Additionally, many young girls might not fully understand the risks of long-term HBC use. Without a complete grasp of their natural cycles, they may never have the opportunity to connect to their bodies’ natural flow prior to HBC artificially modifying their cycles.

The Onset of Menstruation & Irregular Cycles

It’s important to understand that irregular menstrual cycles are quite common in the years following menarche, the onset of menstruation. For many girls, it can take anywhere from 1 to 2 years for their cycles to stabilize and become regular. 

During this time, fluctuations in cycle length, flow, and symptoms are normal as the body adjusts to new hormonal patterns. Studies indicate that up to 80% of girls experience irregular periods during this adjustment period. 

This natural variability is part of the body’s process of establishing a consistent menstrual cycle, and it underscores why it’s essential to approach hormonal interventions like birth control with caution during this developmental stage.

The Importance of Informed Consent

It’s crucial for your healthcare providers to ensure that you, their patient, are fully informed about both the benefits and potential risks of HBC. This way, you can make educated decisions about your reproductive health. 

If you are a parent of a girl who is being prescribed HBC to manage symptoms of a hormone health concern or to regulate menstrual cycles, it’s essential to be actively involved in the decision-making process. 

Ensure that you and your daughter are thoroughly educated about how HBC may affect her body, including potential long-term impacts and alternative options. Open discussions with her healthcare provider can help address any concerns and support informed, thoughtful choices regarding her health and well-being.

Exploring Alternatives 

Given these considerations, it’s wise to explore alternative birth control methods and natural family planning options. There are several effective alternatives to hormonal birth control, including barrier methods like condoms and diaphragms, as well as non-hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) such as copper IUDs. Additionally, fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs) allow you to track your menstrual cycle and understand your fertility windows to prevent pregnancy without hormones.

For those looking to support their hormone health beyond birth control, there are various strategies to consider:

• Fertility Awareness Education: Learning about your menstrual cycle and fertility signs can help you manage your reproductive health and make informed choices. This education can empower you to understand your body’s natural rhythms and identify any underlying issues.
• Functional Nutrition: Adopting a balanced diet rich in nutrients that support hormonal balance can have a positive impact on your overall health. Incorporating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B6, vitamin E, and magnesium can support hormone regulation.
• Targeted Supplementation: Supplements such as magnesium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids can help address specific hormonal imbalances. Be sure to consult with a qualified provider to choose the right supplements for your needs.
• Complementary Methods: Practices such as acupuncture, yoga, and stress management techniques can complement hormonal health by reducing stress and promoting overall well-being.

 

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Coming Off the Pill (HBC) Support

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If you’re interested in diving deeper into these alternative approaches or need personalized guidance on coming off the pill, I’m here to help. As an integrative fertility counselor and holistic reproductive wellness coach, I specialize in working with women to achieve their wellness and fertility goals. 

For more insights and support, check out my upcoming ebook on coming off hormonal birth control and feel free to reach out for a personalized consultation. Let’s work together to find the best path for your health and well-being.

This Is Your Brain on Birth Control

Another wonderful resources, especially if you’re concerned about long-term impacts, is Dr. Sarah Hill’s book This Is Your Brain on Birth Control. 

Dr. Hill’s book has been a game-changer in the conversation surrounding hormonal birth control. In her book, Dr. Hill highlights the impact of hormonal birth control on the brain, specifically on mood, behavior, and cognitive function.

One of the key takeaways from the book is that hormonal birth control can have long-term risks associated with its use. This includes an increased risk of depression and anxiety, as well as a potential decrease in libido. 

Dr. Hill also discusses how hormonal birth control can impact a woman’s ability to choose genetically compatible partners, as it alters the natural pheromonal attraction between individuals.

Check Out Dr. Hill’s TedX Talk on Women’s Brains & HBC

Takeaways From This Is Your Brain on Birth Control

1. Hormonal Impact on the Brain:
   • Cognitive Effects: Hormonal birth control (HBC) can influence cognitive functions, including memory, attention, and emotional regulation.
   • Mood Changes: Users of HBC may experience changes in mood and emotional well-being, potentially leading to increased risk of depression and anxiety.
2. Alteration of Partner Preferences:
   • Genetic Compatibility: HBC can affect women’s preferences for partners with different immune system genes, which may impact relationship dynamics and mate selection.
3. Sexual Desire & Arousal:
   • Reduced Libido: HBC can lower sexual desire and arousal by affecting testosterone levels, which play a role in sexual interest.
4. Impact on Fertility & Ovulation:
   • Cycle Disruption: HBC disrupts natural ovulation and menstrual cycles, which can mask underlying fertility issues and complicate diagnosis.
5. Long-Term Health Risks:
   • Increased Risk of Certain Diseases: Prolonged use of HBC has been linked to an elevated risk of conditions such as blood clots, stroke, and breast cancer.
   • Bone Health: Some research suggests that HBC can affect bone density over time, potentially leading to increased risk of osteoporosis.
6. Effects on Gut Health:
   • Microbiome Changes: HBC can alter the gut microbiome, which may influence digestion and overall health.
7. Need for Informed Consent:
   1. Comprehensive Education: It is crucial for women to receive thorough information about the potential effects of HBC on their physical and mental health to make informed choices.
8. Exploring Alternatives:
   • Natural Options: Consideration of non-hormonal contraceptive methods and lifestyle approaches to support reproductive health and manage birth control needs.

 

By bringing attention to these potential negative impacts of hormonal birth control, Dr. Hill has sparked a meaningful conversation about the importance of informed decision-making when it comes to contraception. 

Key Points & Conclusion

It’s essential to educate ourselves about our reproductive health so that we may be empowered to make informed decisions about birth control. There are alternatives to hormonal birth control and resources available for hormone-free contraceptive care and root-cause focused hormone health support. 

We are long overdue to have open and honest conversations about the potential negative impacts of hormonal birth control and consider all options for our well-being. 

Key Points

• Hormonal birth control is widely used and perceived as beneficial, but it’s essential to understand its potential negative impacts.
• Hormonal birth control can disrupt natural cycles, affect hormone health, and impact fertility.
• Hormonal birth control can also mask underlying health concerns, such as PCOS, and affect a woman’s ability to determine genetically compatible partners.
• Over-prescription of hormonal birth control, especially at young ages before a woman’s body has fully developed, is a concern.
• Long-term use of HBC may increase the risk of breast cancer, blood clots, and strokes.
• It’s important to consider alternative methods of birth control and contraceptive care.
• Dr. Sarah Hill’s book, This is Your Brain on Birth Control, provides valuable insights into the impact of hormonal birth control on the brain and potential long-term risks associated with its use.

 

Conclusion

In this blog, we explored the potential negative impacts of hormonal birth control on a woman’s natural cycles, hormone health, and fertility. 

Studies have shown that long-term use of HBC may disrupt natural cycles, affect hormone health, and increase the risk of issues such as blood clots, stroke, and breast cancer. Additionally, hormonal birth control may mask underlying health concerns, such as PCOS, and affect a woman’s ability to determine genetically compatible partners.

We also discussed the over-prescription of hormonal birth control, especially at young ages, before a woman’s body has fully developed, which may lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment of underlying health concerns and may increase the risk of long-term health complications.

It is crucial for women to educate themselves and make informed decisions about their reproductive health and contraceptive care choices. If you are interested in learning more, reach out so that we can discuss your options and personalize your reproductive health care.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided on this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The content on this blog is not meant to replace professional medical advice or to be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat any disease or illness. Reliance on any information provided by this blog is solely at your own risk.