Should You Be Wary of Hormonal Birth Control?

According to the Guttmacher Institute 67% of women who use contraception in the US, use non-permanent methods and primarily use hormonal methods like the pill, patch, implant, injectable and vaginal ring (male condoms and the IUD also factor into that number).

There’s no denying, hormonal birth control is extremely popular, but with the growing trend towards natural products and consumer awareness, women are starting to question the effects of synthetic hormones.

How Hormonal Birth Control Works

All hormonal contraception works more or less in the same way. By introducing hormones into your body – usually progestin, estrogen or some combination of the two – they prevent pregnancy through thickening the cervical mucus (in order to prevent sperm from entering the uterus), thinning the lining of the uterus, inhibiting sperm from reaching or fertilizing the egg, and in most (but not all cases!) by tricking your body into thinking it’s pregnant to suppress ovulation.

Why Hormonal Birth Control Is a Popular Choice

Hormonal birth control has a very high success rate. According to Planned Parenthood when used correctly, the birth control pill, vagina ring, IUD, implant, and patch all have a 99% success rate. And, it can be used as a backup when used with condoms reducing your chances of getting pregnant significantly.

It is also often prescribed to treat hormonal issues like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Endometriosis. The end goal in these cases is to regulate irregular periods, treat acne and reduce period pain. However, while it may help in the short term, it’s more of a band-aid solution and these problems are likely to resurface when you stop taking it.

Why You Should Think Carefully Before Using Hormonal Birth Control

Obviously, hormonal contraceptives are a convenient option and they do have their advantages. However, they have their downsides too. The main reason women are moving away from hormonal contraceptives is because of the seemingly never-ending list of side effects. Some of the more common side effects are nausea, headaches, breast tenderness, mood swings and weight gain. But it doesn’t stop there.

A study conducted by the University of Copenhagen in Denmark concluded that women who used the birth control pill had a 23% greater risk of developing depression than women who didn’t use it. Other less common, potential risks include an increased risk of breast cancer, blood clotting, heart attack and stroke to name a few. For more detailed info on the risks associated with hormonal birth control you can check the FDA’s run down on it here or Planned Parenthood’s here.

So, Should I Stop Using Hormonal Birth Control?

Obviously, this is a very personal question and depends greatly on the individual. When considering the best birth control method for you, it’s best to consult your doctor and discuss your needs with them. There are lots of non-hormonal alternatives to consider too – including behavioral, barrier, and medical methods. (Read more about them on Planned Parenthood here).