Birth control pills have been around for decades and have revolutionized the way women approach family planning.

Not only do they prevent pregnancies but also have been used to regulate menstrual cycles, relieve painful cramps and even prevent ovarian and endometrial cancer. However, with the growth of science, there has also been an increase in the number of reports linking birth control pills to hormone disruption and a number of negative side effects.

What are hormone-disrupting pills?

Hormone-disrupting pills are oral contraceptives that contain hormones, namely estrogen and progestin, which are synthetic versions of the natural hormones found in the human body.

In the United States, these pills are also referred to as combination pills. They work by preventing ovulation or the release of an egg from the ovaries each month and thickening the cervical mucus to prevent the sperm from reaching the eggs in the tubes.

Common Hormone-disrupting Pills

Several hormone-disrupting pills have gained popularity in recent years due to their effectiveness in preventing pregnancies. Here is a list of the most common ones:.

1. Levonorgestrel-Releasing Intrauterine System

The Levonorgestrel-Releasing Intrauterine System, also known as the hormonal IUD, is a small T-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus.

It releases a small amount of levonorgestrel, a type of progestin, for up to five years, which inhibits ovulation and thickens cervical mucus. It is a highly effective form of contraception and is considered to be as effective as sterilization in terms of preventing pregnancies.

2. Combined Oral Contraceptive (COC) Pill

The COC pill contains a combination of synthetic estrogen and progestin and is taken once a day. They are considered to be highly effective and are one of the most popular forms of birth control pills.

However, they have been linked to a number of negative side effects, including migraines, weight gain, and an increased risk of blood clots.

3. Progestin-Only Pill (POP)

As the name suggests, the POP pill contains only progestin and is taken once a day. It is commonly referred to as the mini-pill and is considered to be a safer option for women who are unable to take estrogen.

However, it has a higher failure rate than the COC pill and must be taken at the same time every day.

4. Injectable Contraceptive

The injectable contraceptive, also known as the depo shot, contains a high dose of progestin and is administered once every three months. It is a highly effective form of contraception but has been linked to bone density loss and weight gain.

Side Effects of Hormone-disrupting Pills

While hormone-disrupting pills are highly effective in preventing pregnancies, they come with a host of side effects, some of which can be serious. Here are some of the most commonly reported side effects:.

1. Blood Clots

The estrogen component in birth control pills has been linked to an increased risk of blood clots. The risk is higher in women who smoke, have a history of blood clots, or are obese.

2. Headaches and Migraines

Birth control pills have been linked to an increased risk of headaches and migraines. The risk is higher in women who have a history of migraines.

3. Weight Gain

Some women have reported weight gain as a side effect of birth control pills. However, studies have shown that this is more likely to be caused by lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise rather than the birth control pill itself.

4. Mood Changes

Some women have reported mood changes such as depression and anxiety as a side effect of birth control pills.

However, studies have shown that this is more likely to be caused by pre-existing mental health conditions rather than the birth control pill itself.

Conclusion

Birth control pills have revolutionized the way women approach family planning. However, with their popularity, there has also been an increase in the number of reports linking them to hormone disruption and a number of negative side effects.

It is important for women to discuss their options with their healthcare provider to determine the best form of birth control for their individual needs.