Episode 48: Sweet Little Pill? What You Need To Know About Birth Control

In this episode, Dr. Lisa and Dr. Toni discuss: the reasons why women take the birth control pill; some potential negative side effects and nutrient depletions to be aware of and look out for; post birth control syndrome and what may happen after you stop taking it; other forms of contraception; and what to do to help minimize any side effects if you are taking the pill. Why you might be on or thinking about starting the Pill: * To prevent pregnancy* To treat acne* To reduce symptoms around period like:* Heavy bleeding* Cramping* Irregular periods How does the Pill work? The synthetic estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and progesterone (progestin) in the Pill suppresses your natural cycle of ovulation, menstruation and hormonal fluctuation. The use of placebo pills for the last 5 days or so of your period (or stopping the Pill briefly) leads to a breakthrough bleed, not a true menstrual period. The downsides of the Pill include: * Increased risk of clots, leading to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism* Each year, 1 in 1000 women taking birth control pills will develop a clot* The risk of developing a clot increases significantly with a history of thrombosis or clotting disorder like thrombophilia* Shuts down your natural hormone rhythm* You could lose the experience of times in month when you are more creative, want to exercise more, are more social* Choosing a mate on the Pill vs. off the Pill* Would you still be attracted to them if you stop or start the pill?* Acts only as a band-aid solution to mask your natural hormonal imbalances* Your problem can still be there, or even be worse than before you started the Pill * Nutrient depletions* Vitamin B2: deficiency can cause you to experience fatigue, dermatitis, headaches, migraines, indigestion, eye irritation, sensitivity to light* Vitamin B6: deficiency can cause you to experience fatigue, carpal tunnel, irritability, depression and confusion, weakened immune function, dermatitis with cheilosis (scaling on the lips and cracks at the corners of your mouth) and glossitis (swollen tongue)* Vitamin B12: deficiency can cause you to experience fatigue, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss, numbness and tingling in your hands and feet, difficulty maintaining balance, depression, confusion, dementia, poor memory, soreness of your mouth or tongue* Vitamin C: deficiency can cause you to experience fatigue, poor wound healing, depression, iron deficiency, asthma, increased cancer risk* Folic acid: deficiency can cause you to experience brain fog, heart disease, poor appetite, shortness of breath, tongue inflammation* Magnesium: deficiency can cause you to experience muscle pain, hypertension, migraines, headaches, personality changes, PMS, constipation, insomnia, irritability, osteoporosis* Zinc: deficiency can cause you to experience poor wound healing, lower immunity, hair loss, diarrhea, white spots on your fingernails* Tyrosine: deficiency can cause you to experience low body temperature, hypothyroidism, dry hair, weight gain, flu-like symptoms, fatigue, depression* Low libido* Mood changes and depression* A research study from Denmark looked at women aged 15 to 34 between 2000 and 2013 found that all forms of hormonal contraception (including the Pill) were associated with an increased risk of developing depression* Higher risks of depression were associated with synthetic progesterone only forms, including the IUD You need to consider an alternative to the Pill if you: * Are older than 35 years of age and smoke* Have poorly controlled blood pressure* Have migraines with aura* Have a history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism* Have a history of stroke or heart disease* Have a history of breast cancer* Have diabetes-rela...