Hormonal Birth Control
Today, about 12 million of us in the U.S. have taken a leap into using hormonal birth control, while very few are educated about the potential side effects it brings to our body and the environment.
Artist: Jason [SmallBatchPhoto]
Model: Bella Donna
The pill was essentially developed through dishonesty. We were made to believe it was not damaging to long term health from pharmaceutical companies who only gain profit by misinforming the public that the side effects are caused by other reasons. As a result, our symptoms become “brushed under the rug” by doctors who neglect to do their own research.
The pill was approved as a contraceptive with no warning about dangerous side effects.
Hormonal birth control is widely accepted because of its convenience. It does work for a myriad of health concerns, but it is not safe.
What happens to the body while on hormonal birth control?
Two main types of hormonal birth control:
- The combined method – Ethinyl estradiol [synthetic Estrogen] and a Progestin [synthetic Progesterone]
- Progestogen-only method [synthetic Progesterone]
Synthetic hormones work together to stop ovulation. This prevents our natural hormones, Estrogen and Progesterone, from releasing. Natural hormones are necessary for our well being on a physical, mental and emotional level (hair growth, hunger, acne, libido, mental health, to list a few). Without ovulation, our bodies lose the capability to absorb the necessary nourishment to feel, think and function as we naturally should.
Women are told that the pill is necessary to ensure their productivity, success, and happiness.
Research has found that synthetic hormones negatively affect our entire well being by switching off the ebb and flow of our emotions; therefore, placing a “band aid” over the root of our health issues. The longer a hormonal problem carries on, the more severe the health concern becomes.
Serious health risks are involved with the use of hormonal birth control:
- Loss of libido
- Headaches
- Miscarriages
- Vaginal pH imbalance (ie: yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, etc.)
- Mental health issues (depression, anxiety, rage, panic attacks..)
- Cardiovascular issues (this risk rises drastically for those who smoke, have high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol)
- Cancer
- Etc.
Hormonal birth control is over-prescribed and used to treat many common health issues, including:
- Acne
- PMS
- PCOS
- Endometriosis
- Hormonal Imbalance
- Irregular Periods
- Heavy periods
- Ovarian Cysts
- Etc.
If you have a serious health concern, reach out to a list of unique health practitioners (Naturopaths, Chinese Herbalists, Ayurveda specialists, etc.) to figure out the underlying cause of your symptoms. Health issues are usually able to be resolved by long term diet, lifestyle and/or exercise changes.
Natural birth control Alternatives
Fertility Awareness Based Methods (FABMs)
FABMs rely on body literacy to connect us with our bodies and observe fertility signals throughout each menstrual cycle to determine if fertile, or not.
Condoms (both male and female)
Condoms halt the connection of semen to the cervix, preventing pregnancy and STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections).
Cervical Cap
A Cervical Cap (or FemCap) is a silicone device which is placed around the cervix to prevent sperm from entering during vaginal sex. It can be inserted up to 6 hours before intercourse and should be left in place for 6 hours afterwards.
Withdrawal
The penis is to be pulled out before ejaculation occurs. To practice effectively, the man should urinate prior to penetration. This method relies solely on the man’s knowledge and self-control.
Keep in Mind
Before ditching hormonal birth control, be sure to talk with a caring healthcare provider. Also, please understand that the information in this post is not meant to instill fear within you, or discount your positive experience with hormonal birth control. Our intention is to express the significant shift in your body that synthetic hormones may bring.
