Did you know that an estimated 150 million women worldwide take birth control pills? and many women are not aware of the serious health implications of these drugs.
How Does Hormonal Contraception Harm Women?
1. Fatal Blood Clots
The newer progestins like drospirenone (Yaz) carry a frighteningly high risk for blood clots, but all hormonal contraception is associated with some risk. A study by France’s Drug Safety agency estimates that there are 20 deaths per year from oral contraceptives in that country.
2. Hair Loss
Synthetic progesterone (progestin) damages the hair follicle and can result in hair loss. Some progestins are worse than others.
3. Nausea
Mild nausea when initially starting the pill can occur. Seek medical attention if the nausea is severe or persistent.
4. Weight gain
Despite the failure of clinical studies to reveal that birth control pills cause weight fluctuations, some women do experience some, fluid retention, especially in the breast and hip areas.
5. Mood changes
If you are someone who has a history of depression, it is important that this is discussed with your medical provider some women do experience depression or other emotional changes while taking the pill. It is important to contact your medical provider if you are experiencing mood changes during pill use.
6. Missed periods
a period may be skipped or missed. Several factors can influence this such as outside stress, illness, travel or at times hormonal and or thyroid abnormalities.
7. Decreased libido
The pill can affect your sex drive because of the hormones found in them. However, other outside factors may also cause a decrease in your libido.
8. Intermenstrual spotting
Vaginal bleeding between your expected periods is experienced by approximately 50% of women using the pill, most commonly within the first 3 months of initiating the pill. Generally, this resolves in over 90% of women by their third pill pack. During this time of spotting, the pill is still effective as long as the pill has been taken correctly and none were missed. It is recommended that you contact your medical provider if you experience 5 or more days of bleeding while on your active pills or heavy bleeding for 3 or more days.
Need contraception?
Sometimes birth control methods are very necessary for preventing unwanted pregnancies, but I urge you to learn more about other natural options that do not damage your health.
Condoms (both male and female), the diaphragm and cervical cap are all reasonable options for birth control.
Sources:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/290196.php
http://bodyecology.com/articles/dangers_birth_control_pill.php
http://www.english.rfi.fr/france/20130327-link-between-contraceptive-pill-and-deadly-blood-clots-found