The Truth about Hormonal Birth Control

This post is not to make you feel bad if you choose to take hormonal birth control. It IS meant to clear up misconceptions I commonly hear about the “pill.”

I often hear people say they take birth control to either “regulate” their cycles, or to “fix” their period problems (such as cramps, PCOS, etc). It’s a common belief, but not necessarily true.

Taking hormonal birth control does not “fix” anything. It shuts down what your own body is doing by preventing ovulation and the natural dips and spikes of your hormones. It does not correct problems, but hides them. When you stop the pill, the issues come back. Hormonal birth control may help symptoms by shutting things down, but it does not actually correct or fix anything.

The female cycle is a sign of health. Period issues may alert us other things that are “off” in the body, like an alarm system. The “bleed” isn’t as important as the normal cycling of hormones, which the pill prevents. Shutting down this cycle is like turning off the alarm. (The “period” or bleed experienced on the pill is not an actual period, as part of a normal cyclical female cycle. Instead, it’s a bleed induced by the pill. Experiencing a bleed on the pill does not mean your cycles are regular.)

In addition to not actually fixing underlying issues (but hiding them), the pill also comes with side effects. It prevents the normal process of ovulation. Ovulation triggers the release of progesterone which promotes a healthy mood, metabolism, and overall health. The pill may also bring other health risks such as blood clots, depression, nutrient deficiencies, altered gut flora in the GI tract, and altered metabolism.

Whether you choose to take hormonal birth control is your decision, and should be thought through carefully. I believe all women should be fully informed when making these decisions. If you are suffering with period issues and need someone to talk to, or want to explore your options, I would love to speak with you further.