Women’s Health: Birth Control Pills and How They are Affecting Your Body

The Birth Control Pill is one of the most commonly used contraceptives, however there tends to be a lack of understanding on how it actually works, or how to manage the plethora of side effects that come along with it. These effects range from very mild to extreme, including changes in cognitive function, altered gut bacteria, nutrient deficiencies – and many more. Study after study has shown that it is generally safe for most women to take and is 99.9% effective when used correctly. Although many of these effects would not be considered life-threatening, they definitely have an impact on the health and well-being of women and should not be taken lightly. To be clear, the intent of this article is not to dissuade women from taking the pill as it has a clear purpose and benefits many women. It is to share the facts so that women can make educated decisions for themselves.

How Does the Birth Control Pill Work?

There are two different types, one combines synthetic estrogen and progesterone and the other contains only progesterone. The combined pill is the most common, and it works by blocking ovulation and controlling the natural menstrual cycle. For some women there are benefits including a more “regular” cycle, reduced bleeding, skin improvements, and reduced PMS symptoms. The progesterone only pill is less common because it leaves little room for error as it must be taken almost exactly at the same time every day and when a pill is missed there is a higher risk of failure. It works by thickening the cervical mucus, therefore preventing sperm from reaching the egg.

Problems and Side-effects from The Pill

The first issue I’d like to address is the over-prescription of these pills to very young women. It is often the first or only option young girls are given when it comes to any concerns related to their hormones, skin, mood, or menstrual cycle, even when there is no need for contraception. The problem here is that often these girls bodies have not had enough time to find their natural rhythm, and taking synthetic hormones is blocking the natural processes that are supposed to occur, as well as could be masking symptoms of another problem all together. This is not necessarily the case for the progesterone only pill however as the natural cycle is not being controlled.

Some of the many side effects include (but are not limited to):

•Altered cognitive function – mood swings, anxiety, depression, brain fog

•Extreme fatigue

•Nutrient depletion (will go into detail below)

•Altered gut bacteria – less beneficial bacteria present therefore allowing harmful bacteria to over-populate, possibly leading to symptoms of poor digestion, inflammation in the G.I tract, food sensitivities etc.

•Migraines

•Elevated Liver enzymes

•High blood pressure

•Estrogen dominance

•decreased libido

•hair loss

•Weight gain – while these pills may not directly cause weight gain, these side effects can certainly play a role. For example it could be related to physiological symptoms such as estrogen dominance or simply decreased physical activity due to fatigue or migraines.

Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies

Unfortunately is is not common knowledge that these pills deplete your body of quite a few vitamins and minerals, and it is often for this reason that many of the side effects are intolerable. If you decide that taking the pill is the best option for you, it would be in your best interest to consider supplementation. There may be more, but here is a list of nutrient deficiencies that often result from the pill:

•B Vitamins: B1, B2, B3, B6 & 12

•Folic acid

•Magnesium

•Vitamin C

•Zinc

•Selenium

•Co Q 10

Some studies have shown that despite lower levels of these nutrients, women who take the pill may have higher levels of Iron, Vitamin K, and Copper, which is likely due to reduced blood loss and therefore better storage.

Taking a good quality multi vitamin and a probiotic should be enough to counter these negative effects, and it is a good idea to have a blood test done every now and then. You can also increase your intake of foods such as:

•Seafood such as clams, mussels and salmon are all good sources of B12 and Zinc. They are also a good source of Omega 3’s which will help manage overall inflammation in the body.

•Cashews are a great source of magnesium and zinc and are lower in fat and calories than most nuts.

•Citrus fruits and bell peppers are two very good sources of vitamin C.

•Spinach is a great source of folic acid, vitamin B6, and magnesium.

•Grass-fed eggs and dairy products are one of the best sources of B2, as well as vitamin D (another common deficiency)

•Legumes, organ meats, fatty fish, and cruciferous veggies (broccoli/cauliflower) are good sources of co Q 10

•Fermented foods – kombucha, keifer, saurkraut, kimchi etc, are all probiotic food sources to help keep your gut bacteria balanced

Hopefully this is helpful to those who are taking or considering birth control pills. If you are interested in adding some supplements to your routine, here are a few good options:

Probiotics: https://www.optimizenutrition.ca/vitamins-health-supplements/nova-probiotics-daily-immunity-15-billion/

B vitamins: https://www.optimizenutrition.ca/vitamins-health-supplements/canprev-synergy-b-with-l-theanine-60vcap/

Multi Vitamin: https://www.optimizenutrition.ca/sports-nutrition/vitamins-minerals/canprev-multi-mix-womens-multivitamin-25-serv-passion-punch/

Magnesium: https://www.optimizenutrition.ca/sports-nutrition/canprev-magnesium-bis-glycinate-200g-120cap-gentle/

Written by Hayley Dickenson, Registered Holistic Nutritionist (RHN)