Birth control… Its not menopause
For many women, birth control is often a part of their healthcare journey, but the conversation around it can be confusing and lacking in clarity. I was first put on birth control to address my irregular periods—short and infrequent cycles that made me feel like I had no control over my body. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp what I was being prescribed; the conversation rarely delves into the complexities of how birth control works. We are told it will regulate our cycles, provide control, and is safe for long-term use. However, what I soon learned is that it doesn't truly regulate the body's natural hormone cycle—it overrides it, and that can have consequences.
My understanding of birth control shifted dramatically after my Hashimoto’s diagnosis. As I began to experience weight gain, nausea, hot flashes, and severe night sweats—so intense that I developed a heat rash on my chest—I feared I was entering premature menopause. I consulted a doctor and was switched to a low-estrogen birth control, mistakenly believing it was a better option for my hormonal balance. While it may have alleviated some symptoms, the truth is that it was still taking a toll on my hormone health. I eventually did come to the conclusion that birth-control was not right for me. I was on a journey to heal my body and take it back to its natural rhythm and I couldn’t do that while on hormones.
One common misconception that I encountered is the belief that birth control is safe for women of all ages to use indefinitely. In my opinion, this simply isn’t the case. Birth control can mask underlying health issues and may lead to a variety of side effects, especially upon discontinuation. The idea that a teenager with painful or heavy periods should be put on birth-control is prescribing for a symptom, not adjusting to treat the root cause of the issue.
A key connection to note is between birth control and thyroid health. Birth control can impact thyroid function by altering hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone. Hormonal contraceptives often increase the levels of binding proteins, such as thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG), which can lead to a higher total thyroid hormone level while masking the actual available hormone (free T3 and free T4).
For individuals with thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s, the fluctuations in hormone levels caused by birth control can complicate the management of thyroid function. Birth control may also exacerbate symptoms of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, as the artificial hormones can interact with the body’s natural hormonal balance.
Moreover, if someone with Hashimoto’s is using birth control, they might experience symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, or mood swings that they attribute to their thyroid condition, rather than recognizing that the birth control might be a contributing factor. This can lead to mismanagement of both the thyroid condition and any hormonal contraceptive effects, making it crucial to consider both when discussing treatment options with healthcare providers.
It’s essential for women with thyroid conditions to monitor their symptoms closely when starting or stopping birth control and to engage in open discussions with their healthcare professionals to ensure a comprehensive approach to their hormonal health.
Another important point is that the "period" experienced while on birth control is not actually a true menstrual period, but rather withdrawal bleeding. This occurs during the placebo week of your pill regimen when hormone levels drop. Unlike a natural menstrual cycle, which is part of the body’s hormonal rhythm, withdrawal bleeding does not indicate ovulation or the usual hormonal changes that accompany a true period.
For anyone considering or currently using birth control, it is important to be aware of the potential temporary side effects when stopping, which can vary widely from person to person. These may include:
Menstrual cycle changes: Irregular periods, heavier periods, cramping, and increased PMS symptoms.
Mood changes: Increased irritability, mood swings, and depression.
Weight changes: Fluctuations including weight loss or temporary weight gain.
Acne: A resurgence of breakouts or acne returning.
Other side effects: Headaches, breast tenderness, bloating, withdrawal bleeding, and unwanted hair growth.
Some individuals may experience longer-lasting effects, particularly a phenomenon known as the “Mirena crash” after removing a Mirena IUD. This crash can manifest as psychological, neurological, and physical issues, impacting one’s well-being significantly.
It can take several months for hormones to balance back out to a natural rhythm after quitting birth control. Some women may notice changes in their cycles within a few weeks, while for others, it might take up to a year to feel fully balanced again.
It’s important to note that you can stop using birth control methods you control, like the pill, patch, or ring, "cold turkey," but it’s always advisable to consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes. If you notice any alarming symptoms after stopping, such as heavy bleeding, worsening dizziness, shortness of breath, or persistent pain, do not hesitate to reach out to your provider.
Knowledge is empowering, and being informed about your body is a crucial step in making the best decisions for your health. Remember, birth control is not synonymous with menopause—it’s a different phase of your reproductive health journey, and being aware of this distinction can lead to more informed choices about your hormonal health.
