The contraceptive pill is one of the most effective methods of contraception available, but at what cost to our health? Most woman don’t know the full extent and severity of the adverse effects caused by the pill, such as depression and anxiety. Many woman on the pill wonder why they feel more sensitive than usual and even feel they are becoming crazy. In most cases the pill will be what is creating or elevating the depression. This article will provide information into the risks associated with the pill in order to give woman the knowledge to make the best choice for their health.
NutritionNuts Story
I had been on the pill for 6 years and each year I felt I was becoming crazier and crazier. I had months were I felt anxious and days of feeling so lost that I felt alone and no one understood me. Negative thoughts consumed me to a point where I believed them. I tried to pull myself out of it so many times but always ended up back in the same spot. Then I went to UNI and learned about how the pill can cause depression and anxiety among other side effects. So I made the decision to go off the pill and I can't believe how much better I feel. It has been 3 months off the pill and I can honestly say I am happy, a lot more confident and would never look back. Also my other side effects from the pill have completely gone. NutritionNuts Story
I feel it is important that when we choose to go on a drug such as the pill that we know what it does to our bodies, good and bad. And this piece I have written will do just that. :D
Why the Pill?
It has become a social norm to go on the pill once a woman is sexually active, and is recommended by doctors and other healthcare professionals for numerous health reasons. Apart from contraceptive reasons, the pill is prescribed by doctors to young teenagers and adults for irregular periods, severe premenstrual pain and menorrhagia (abnormal heavy bleeding).
It has become a social norm to go on the pill once a woman is sexually active, and is recommended by doctors and other healthcare professionals for numerous health reasons. Apart from contraceptive reasons, the pill is prescribed by doctors to young teenagers and adults for irregular periods, severe premenstrual pain and menorrhagia (abnormal heavy bleeding).
Previous Studies on the Pill and Depression
Studies have shown that one in four woman take the pill (between ages 18- 49) and also one in four woman have depression, suggesting the pill may be a linked to depression. It was also found in a pilot study by the Alfred Hospital that woman taking the pill had significantly higher levels of depression then woman not taking the pill.
Studies have shown that one in four woman take the pill (between ages 18- 49) and also one in four woman have depression, suggesting the pill may be a linked to depression. It was also found in a pilot study by the Alfred Hospital that woman taking the pill had significantly higher levels of depression then woman not taking the pill.
How does the pill cause depression and anxiety?
Not only does the pill mess around with hormones by replacing estrogen and progesterone with synthetic versions, it also causes many deficiencies in the body such as B and C vitamins and it increases the need for protein dramatically. When protein is consumed it breaks down into a number of amino acids that each have their own role in the body. There are two in particular that when deficient can affect your mood and ability to cope. The amino acid Tryptophan is a precursor for our happy hormone Serotonin which regulates mood, sleep and appetite. And the amino acid Phenylalanine is a precursor to Noradrenalin and Adrenaline, which are released at stressful events to help the body cope. B and C Vitamins are also needed in the processes of converting the amino acids to hormones. The combination of a protein deficiency, and B and C vitamin deficiencies caused by the pill can create or elevate an already excising depression and/or anxiety.
Not only does the pill mess around with hormones by replacing estrogen and progesterone with synthetic versions, it also causes many deficiencies in the body such as B and C vitamins and it increases the need for protein dramatically. When protein is consumed it breaks down into a number of amino acids that each have their own role in the body. There are two in particular that when deficient can affect your mood and ability to cope. The amino acid Tryptophan is a precursor for our happy hormone Serotonin which regulates mood, sleep and appetite. And the amino acid Phenylalanine is a precursor to Noradrenalin and Adrenaline, which are released at stressful events to help the body cope. B and C Vitamins are also needed in the processes of converting the amino acids to hormones. The combination of a protein deficiency, and B and C vitamin deficiencies caused by the pill can create or elevate an already excising depression and/or anxiety.
What are other side effects of the pill?
Other side effects of the pill include:
- Nutrient deficiencies in Zinc and Magnesium.
- Breakthrough bleeding (spotting) throughout the cycle.
- Weight gain.
- Headaches.
- Sore or sensitive breasts.
Other side effects of the pill include:
- Nutrient deficiencies in Zinc and Magnesium.
- Breakthrough bleeding (spotting) throughout the cycle.
- Weight gain.
- Headaches.
- Sore or sensitive breasts.
More serious side effects of the pill Include:
- Blood clotting- Deep vein thrombosis.
- Strokes.
- Liver problems.
- Blood clotting- Deep vein thrombosis.
- Strokes.
- Liver problems.
What signs to look out for?
Most women don’t know that the symptoms they are experiencing could be from the pill. Look out for the following signs and symptoms:
(please note that not everyone has the same signs and symptoms)
- Feeling more depressed or anxious than usual.
- Breakthrough bleeding (spotting).
- Headaches.
- Sore or sensitive breasts.
- Weight gain.
- Loss of appetite, delayed wound healing, and altered taste (Zinc deficiency)
- Bleeding gums, easy bruising (Vitamin C deficiency)
- Muscle cramps and spasms (Magnesium deficiency)
(please note that not everyone has the same signs and symptoms)
- Feeling more depressed or anxious than usual.
- Breakthrough bleeding (spotting).
- Headaches.
- Sore or sensitive breasts.
- Weight gain.
- Loss of appetite, delayed wound healing, and altered taste (Zinc deficiency)
- Bleeding gums, easy bruising (Vitamin C deficiency)
- Muscle cramps and spasms (Magnesium deficiency)
What other choices do you have?
Using the implant or birth control shot for contraception can also cause the same side effects as the pill as it is also replaces your natural hormones estrogens and progesterone with synthesized versions.
For contraceptive reasons the condom is the next best choice as it doesn’t have any side effects unless you are allergic to latex or other material used. It also protects against STI’s if used properly. Another method is periodic abstinence. This is where a woman will listen to the symptoms of her body to know when she ovulates, and not have sexual intercourse 3 days before and 3 days after her ovulation (or you could use a condom in this time). The problem with this method is it is not always done properly. See your healthcare professional for advice on contraceptive methods that do not involve synthetic hormones.
Using the implant or birth control shot for contraception can also cause the same side effects as the pill as it is also replaces your natural hormones estrogens and progesterone with synthesized versions.
For contraceptive reasons the condom is the next best choice as it doesn’t have any side effects unless you are allergic to latex or other material used. It also protects against STI’s if used properly. Another method is periodic abstinence. This is where a woman will listen to the symptoms of her body to know when she ovulates, and not have sexual intercourse 3 days before and 3 days after her ovulation (or you could use a condom in this time). The problem with this method is it is not always done properly. See your healthcare professional for advice on contraceptive methods that do not involve synthetic hormones.
If you are taking the pill for irregular periods, menorrhagia or other similar reasons this may be from nutrient deficiencies. For example, menorrhagia is usually caused by an iron deficiency. See your local naturopath or nutritionist for advice as they will specialize in this area.
Why would the doctor prescribe something that isn’t safe?
One of the main reasons why doctors recommend the contraceptive pill is that in the eight or so years a doctor studies, they usually only do a semester or less focusing on nutrition. Your typical doctor who hasn't done extra courses in nutrition will not understand the nutrient deficiency risks associated with the pill. Doctors simply do the best with what information is given to them.
One of the main reasons why doctors recommend the contraceptive pill is that in the eight or so years a doctor studies, they usually only do a semester or less focusing on nutrition. Your typical doctor who hasn't done extra courses in nutrition will not understand the nutrient deficiency risks associated with the pill. Doctors simply do the best with what information is given to them.
What NutritionNut Suggests
Use the information given to make the decision for yourself if the pill is right for you. If you decide to stay on the pill I suggest adding more protein to your diet and taking good quality supplements, especially B vitamins. If you do choose to go off the pill wait till the end of your 28 day cycle of the pill. I would also suggest to up your intake of protein and take B vitamin supplements. As I am not a qualified Nutritionist and don't know your background and symptoms I suggest seeing a qualified Naturopath or Nutritionist.
Use the information given to make the decision for yourself if the pill is right for you. If you decide to stay on the pill I suggest adding more protein to your diet and taking good quality supplements, especially B vitamins. If you do choose to go off the pill wait till the end of your 28 day cycle of the pill. I would also suggest to up your intake of protein and take B vitamin supplements. As I am not a qualified Nutritionist and don't know your background and symptoms I suggest seeing a qualified Naturopath or Nutritionist.
Bibliography
Better Health Channel 2010, Vitamin B, Better Health Victorian Government, viewed June 29th 2011,
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/vitamin_b?open
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/vitamin_b?open
Better Health Channel 2010, Scurvy, Better Health Victorian Government, viewed June 29th 2011,
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Scurvy?open
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Scurvy?open
Biali, S 2011, ‘Drug-Induced Nutritional Deficiency’, Alive: Canada’s Natural Health & Wellness Magazine, Issue 341, p.51 -55.
Dunn, A 2005, Study Links Pill with Depression, The Age, viewed 28th June 2011, http://www.theage.com.au/news/National/StudylinksPillwithdepression/2005/02/28/1109546797556.html
The Leaf Lady n.d. Birth Control Pills and Nutrient Depletion, Creating Health Institute, viewed June 29th 2011, http://www.leaflady.org/bcpillnutrition.htm
Tortora, G Derrickson, B 2009, Principles of Anatomy and Physiology, John Wiley and Sons Inc, USA
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