The Pill: What You Need to Know About Birth Control and Your Health

Discover the risks and side effects of birth control pills, including depression, weight gain, and blood clots. Learn about safer contraceptive for your health options and book a complimentary wellness consultation.

The Pill: What You Need to Know About Birth Control and Your The Pill

The birth control pill has been around since 1960, offering women control over their reproduction for the first time in history. With a 91% effectiveness rate when taken correctly, it’s been a game-changer in empowering women to build careers, delay motherhood, and have greater autonomy in their lives. However, while the Pill is an important tool, there are things you need to know to make an informed decision about your health.

In today’s world, where we’re cautious about environmental hormone exposure in our food, water, and cosmetics, it’s worth considering whether we want to intentionally take hormonal medications daily when there are other contraceptive options available.

Informed Consent: What You Should Know About the Pill

Informed consent means your healthcare provider should give you complete information about the benefits and risks of any treatment or medication, as well as available alternatives. Unfortunately, many women aren’t given the full picture when prescribed the Pill. While the Pill doesn’t cause serious harm in most women, it’s linked to various side effects—ranging from mild to severe.

Some of the risks outlined in the drug package insert from Merck’s Desogen (a form of estrogen and progestin-containing birth control) include:

1. Blood clots
2. Heart attacks and strokes, especially for smokers or women with migraines
3. Gallbladder disease
4. Liver tumors
5. Breast and reproductive organ cancer
6. Changes in lipid metabolism, increasing risks of pancreatitis in some women

These risks may be especially relevant for Black women, who may have an increased risk of developing heart disease or diabetes while taking the Pill. It’s important to discuss these factors with your healthcare provider.

The Pill and Its Side Effects

Let’s take a deeper dive into some of the most commonly reported side effects of the Pill.

1. Depression

One of the most alarming side effects of the Pill is its link to depression. A 13-year study of 1 million Danish women found that women on the Pill were more likely to be prescribed antidepressants—especially teenagers, who were 80% more likely to develop depression if they were on the combined pill.

Solution: If you’re on the Pill and struggling with mood swings, anxiety, or depression, don’t ignore these symptoms. Speak to a healthcare professional to explore alternatives.

2. Weight Gain and Metabolic Changes

The Pill mimics the hormonal state of pregnancy, causing changes like insulin resistance, elevated blood glucose, and weight gain. While some women experience only modest weight gain (3-10 pounds), it can still be significant for many. The Pill can also raise cholesterol and triglyceride levels, leading to a higher risk of heart disease.

Solution: Discuss your cholesterol and blood pressure levels with your doctor before starting the Pill. If you notice any changes in these areas, take it seriously.

3. Blood Clots and Stroke Risk

The Pill increases the risk of blood clots, particularly if you smoke, are overweight, or have PCOS. While pregnancy also increases the risk of clotting, the risk posed by the Pill is significant, especially if you’ve been on it for an extended period.

Solution: Be aware of your personal risk factors, and if you’re at higher risk, consider non-hormonal contraceptive options.

4. Headaches and Migraines

Headaches are one of the most common reasons women stop taking the Pill. For those with a family history of headaches or migraines, the Pill can worsen symptoms and increase the risk of stroke.

Solution: If you experience new or worsening headaches on the Pill, speak with your doctor about safer birth control alternatives.

5. Hormonal Imbalances After Stopping the Pill

The effects of the Pill on your hormones don’t necessarily end when you stop taking it. Many women experience post-pill amenorrhea (irregular or absent periods) and acne flare-ups after discontinuing the Pill.

Solution: If you’ve recently stopped taking the Pill and are dealing with hormonal imbalances, book a complimentary wellness consultation to get personalized support for balancing your hormones naturally.

Is the Pill Right for You?

For some women, the Pill is a convenient and effective form of birth control. However, it’s important to remember that the Pill doesn’t address the root causes of conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, or heavy periods. These conditions often stem from insulin resistance, nutritional deficiencies, or gut imbalances—issues that hormonal contraceptives may exacerbate over time.

Solution: Consider working with a healthcare provider to address these root causes through dietary changes, stress management, and herbal or nutritional supplements. Click here to book a complimentary wellness consultation and explore your options.

The Bottom Line

While the Pill can be an effective and necessary option for many women, it’s crucial to be fully informed about its risks and potential side effects. If you’re concerned about long-term use of hormonal contraceptives or are dealing with symptoms like depression, weight gain, or hormonal imbalances, it may be time to explore alternatives. At My Wellness Solutions, we offer complimentary wellness consultations to help you understand your options and find a birth control method that’s right for your body and lifestyle. Click here to schedule your assessment and start your journey toward better reproductive health.