How Does Hormonal Birth Control Affect my Periods?

It is normal for women to experience delayed periods, inconsistent cycles, hormonal acne, or cysts. At least 7 out of 10 women go through these challenges during their late teens and early twenties. No matter how upsetting or emotionally distressing it may feel, it's a phase that leaves us with many questions and concerns. Naturally, this prompts most women to visit a dermatologist or gynecologist for advice.

However, more often than not, the solution is a prescription handed over for hormonal contraceptives or birth control pills. These pills are commonly recommended and are presented as an all-in-one solution to regulate cycles, reduce acne, and manage conditions like PCOS.

Popping a pill seems reliable and convenient, doesn't it? But is this the right solution for your body? Let's dig deeper.

What are Hormonal Contraceptives?

Hormonal contraceptives are allopathic medications designed to regulate or alter a woman's hormones to either prevent pregnancy or manage hormonal imbalance and its symptoms. These contraceptives work by introducing synthetic hormones, usually estrogen and progestin (synthetic progesterone), into your body. These hormones can stop your ovaries from releasing eggs, thicken the mucus in your cervix to block sperm or change the lining of your uterus to prevent a fertilized egg from implanting.

Typically, these medications are taken in a 28-day cycle, with pills consumed daily for 21 days, followed by a 7-day break. While this approach may seem convenient, it can come with significant drawbacks for hormonal health. By artificially suppressing ovulation, these birth control pills prevent your body from producing its natural progesterone, which is a hormone crucial for regulating cycles, maintaining healthy skin, supporting mood stability, and more. Over time, this suppression can lead to an increased dependency on synthetic hormones and challenges in restoring natural hormonal balance.

Why are Hormonal Contraceptives Used?

As the name suggests, hormonal contraceptives are prescribed to prevent pregnancy. However, they are also used for:

Regulating an irregular cycle with a predictable monthly cycle.
Easing period pain and cramps.
Managing conditions like PCOS and endometriosis and also minimizing its symptoms.
Controlling sebum production and clearing acne and skin breakouts.

Many are comfortable using oral contraceptive pills for managing hormones because they appear hassle-free and simple. But before jumping to conclusions, let's look at the side effects these quick fixes may cause.

What are the Long-Term Side Effects of Contraceptive Pills?

Relying on hormonal contraceptives can cause significant changes to your body over time. While they may seem like a miracle solution initially, their prolonged use can lead to:

Physical Side Effects

Hormonal Imbalance: The pills designed to balance your hormones can, over time, disrupt your body's natural rhythm, making your body feel out of sync.
Insulin Resistance: Over time, hormonal contraceptives can affect how your body processes sugar (insulin), making it harder to maintain stable energy levels. This can lead to weight gain, tiredness, and a higher risk of health issues like diabetes.
Weight Gain: Many users experience weight gain due to water retention and hormonal shifts.
Blood Clots: There's an increased risk of clotting, especially for women over 35.
Reduced Bone Density: Long-term progestin use can lead to weaker bones.

Reproductive Health Concerns

Delayed Fertility: After stopping the pill, it can take months for your natural cycle to return to normal, which can be frustrating if you are planning for pregnancy.
Thinning of the Uterine Lining: Hormonal contraceptives can thin the lining of the uterus, making conception more difficult in the future.

Emotional and Mental Health Effects

Mood Swings: Hormonal contraceptives can affect emotional stability as women feel more anxious or depressed while on birth control.
Libido Changes: A decrease in sexual desire is common, as hormonal shifts can alter how your body responds to intimacy.

So what can you do instead?

First, don't fall for band-aid solutions and try to understand how your body functions. Oral contraceptive pills are not a safe, long-term solution and bring imbalance to your body than you can imagine.
Second, opt for lifestyle and dietary changes such as:
- Hit the gym with regular strength training or cardio workouts. Stay consistent, and consider adding meditation or yoga to your routine for balance and well-being.
- Indulge in a wholesome diet with protein being the center of your every meal.
- Seek holistic solutions from Ayurveda and herbs. One gentler, more promising and more natural solution for balancing hormones is adding Hormone Balancing Brews to your routine.

Hormone Balancing Brew: A Lasting All-Natural Solution

A hormone balancing tea is a better and more natural alternative that nurtures your body rather than overrides it. This brew is 100% clean, vegan, and caffeine-free. It is made by certified Ayurvedic doctors for women by women.

The tea is made from a potent blend of 11 ayurvedic herbs like Spearmint, Shatavari, Ashwagandha, Peppermint, Ginger and more. These herbal ingredients help with the following:

Regulate your menstrual cycle and ensure a better flow.
Works well for those experiencing PCOS/PCOD and the symptoms associated with it.
Relieves cramps and PMS symptoms.
Reduces mood swings, fatigue, cravings, bloating, stress, and anxiety.
Supports overall hormonal balance without any harmful side effects.

The best part? You don't have to have this tea forever mandatorily. Two cups a day for at least 3 months are sufficient for The Basics Woman's Hormone Balancing Brew to work its magic.

So don't compromise your health for short-term relief with pills. Seek a holistic and naturally therapeutic solution.