By: Annie Morgan
It’s estimated 2/3 of women use some sort of contraception, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
And it’s no surprise, birth control pills are the second most popular choice.
But many doctors prescribe birth control pills to women who aren’t even sexually active, and many women are having adverse effects.
With promises to “regulate hormones” and help produce a normal cycle, many women take birth control pills without understanding the risks.
Here are the most common negative side effects of birth control pills.
Long Term Dependency Could Cause Cancer
Birth control pills are synthetic.
And putting artificial anything into your body is never good.
Doctors are always quick to prescribe pills without getting down to the root of what is causing the problem, even if the pills are known to cause cancer.
Medical News Today reported:
“The hormones in birth control, including progesterone and estrogen, may stimulate the growth of some types of cancer cells and reduce the risk of others developing.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) says that people who have taken birth control pills are slightly more likely to develop breast cancer than those who have never used them. However, this risk goes away when people have been off the pill for 10 or more years.
The ACS also report that taking birth control for more than 5 years may increase the risk of cervical cancer. The longer people take the pill, the higher their risk. However, the risk should go back down gradually when someone stops taking the pill.”
Before jumping on the pill, have your doctor test your hormone levels to see the full picture of what’s going on with your body.
Things like a pituitary tumor could affect the body’s ability to ovulate – so women with irregular periods should get all their hormones checked like prolactin.
In addition, obesity and stress are known to delay or stop a period – so sometimes just losing 20lbs can get the body back on track – no pills needed!
Headaches
Hormone levels being altered just a little can cause headaches, which is why many women report them as a side effect during that time of the month.
And with birth control pills – many report the headaches get worse.
Women with a history of migraines who have the classic migraine “aura” are advised to stay clear of the combination birth control pills which contain both estrogen and progestogen, as it increases the risk of a stroke.
Depression
As hormones fluctuate and the pill attempts to make the body produce a regular period, many women on birth control pills report mood swings – and some even find they have depressive or suicidal thoughts.
Other side effects can include tiredness and just an overall “blah feeling”.
Everyone is different, but if you are on the pill and notice you begin to have depressive episodes, make an appointment with your doctor right away!
The Bottom Line
Doctors claim birth control is generally safe, but it’s critical before a woman decides to get on the pill she knows full well the risks.
Many women choose not to take the pill as the cons don’t seem to override the benefits.
So before you choose birth control as an option to treat a hormonal disorder – make sure you do your own research!
Have you ever been on birth control?
If so, have you experienced any of these side effects?
Tell us your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to share this article with your friends and family to let them know the negative effects of birth control pills!
