Physical Effects of Hormonal Birth Control
Written by Melissa Barall, CFA, Content Writer, FemHealth Insights
Hormonal birth control, widely used for its efficacy in preventing pregnancy and managing reproductive health issues, has given women a lot of freedom in their reproductive years, offering women the ability to function without cycling. The effects of this range from beneficial impacts on menstrual regulation to more serious side effects that can affect overall health. This article, the first of a three part series, explores the physical effects of hormonal contraceptives, citing key research studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of these outcomes. The intent of this study is to provide further information, so that women can make the most informed decisions regarding their bodies. There is no right or wrong answer, rather a trade-off to be made. Important to note is that hormonal birth control is highly different in mechanism than bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, which we will publish a separate series on.
Overview of Hormonal Birth Control
Hormonal contraceptives, such as the pill, patch, ring, and injectables, primarily function by altering hormone levels to prevent ovulation. They may also thicken cervical mucus to block sperm and thin the lining of the uterus to prevent implantation of a fertilized egg. Currently, around 30% of women in the U.S. of reproductive age use hormonal contraception, and that number is highest among highly educated, white women with higher access. The percentage of women at any one time fluctuates, although many more have used this form of contraception at one point in their life.
Beneficial Physical Effects
Menstrual Regulation and Pain Reduction: Hormonal birth control is often prescribed to regulate irregular menstrual cycles and reduce the severity of menstrual cramps. Hormonal contraceptives can effectively manage symptoms of dysmenorrhea, providing significant pain relief and improving quality of life for many women.
Management of Menstrual Disorders: Conditions like endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can be managed with hormonal contraceptives. Birth control can reduce ovarian cyst formation and manage hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS.
Common Side Effects
While hormonal contraceptives offer several health benefits, they are also associated with a range of side effects:
Weight Gain: One of the most commonly reported side effects of hormonal birth control is weight gain. However, while some women may experience weight gain, it is not a consistent side effect across all hormonal contraceptive methods. 47% of women in 2022 remarked this as an unexpected side effect.
Increased Risk of Blood Clots: Hormonal contraceptives can increase the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE).The risk varies with different types of hormonal contraceptives, with some newer formulations posing higher risks than others.
Decreased Sex Drive: Decreased libido and other sexual side effects were commonly reported among many users of hormonal birth control.
Other: Among other common effects include bloating, sore breasts, nausea, headaches, bleeding or spotting, and mood changes. 80% of women reporting effects report two or more of these effects.
Serious Health Risks
Some long-term or serious health effects associated with hormonal contraceptives include:
Cardiovascular Risks: Hormonal contraceptives, particularly those containing synthetic estrogen, can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, especially in women who smoke or have pre-existing cardiovascular conditions. This emphasizes the importance of screening and monitoring women who use these methods, especially those at higher risk due to lifestyle or genetic factors
Impact on Bone Density: Long-term use of certain hormonal contraceptives, particularly injectable forms like Depo-Provera, has been associated with decreased bone mineral density This effect is potentially reversible after discontinuation of the contraceptive, highlighting the need for careful consideration in adolescents and young women who are still accumulating bone mass.
Breast Cancer Risk: There is ongoing debate and research regarding the relationship between hormonal contraceptive use and breast cancer risk. There is a slight increase in breast cancer risk among current and recent users of hormonal contraceptives, suggesting the need for personalized risk assessment and discussions between women and their healthcare providers.
Guidelines and Recommendations
Given these varied effects, it's crucial for women to consult healthcare providers to choose the most appropriate form of birth control based on their health profiles, needs, and concerns. Providers should consider all potential risks and benefits, taking into account individual factors such as age, smoking status, family history, and personal health concerns.
Conclusion
Hormonal birth control continues to be a vital tool for managing reproductive health, offering significant benefits like menstrual regulation and symptom control for disorders such as PCOS and endometriosis. However, it's essential for users to be aware of the potential side effects and engage in open dialogue with healthcare providers to ensure the choice of contraception best suits their health needs. This approach ensures that women can make informed decisions about their contraceptive choices in the context of comprehensive health management. Ongoing research and improved formulations are critical to enhancing the safety and efficacy of these contraceptives, minimizing risks while maximizing health benefits.
About the Author:
Melissa Barall, CFA, is a dedicated finance and health professional, with experience in the private and public markets. She began her career on Wall Street in 2018 and has been a health and wellness advocate, angel investor, and superconnector along the way. Her mission is to bridge the gap for women in both investing and health care, and is passionate about mental health, wellness / biohacking, and psychedelics.
