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Hormonal contraception or diet may reduce side effects

Homepage Articles Hormonal contraception or diet may reduce side effects

Hormonal contraception or diet may reduce side effects

Despite its many advantages, it is not free of potential side effects, so it is important for women to be aware of the possible side effects and know how to minimize them through diet. It is available in a variety of forms: pills, patches, injections or homemade injections. Hormones can affect the body in different ways depending on a woman's individual predisposition. Hormone contraception is one of the most effective methods of preventing pregnancy.

Table of Contents

1. How hormonal contraception works

The hormones in the preparations estrogen and progestogen affect the cerebrospinal tract and reduce the secretion of gonadotropic hormones (FSH and LH). In addition, the progestin contained in hormonal contraception causes the cervical mucus to thicken, which prevents the sperm from passing through the neck of the uterus to the ovaries where fertilization could occur. A thin and unprepared endometrium does not promote embryo implantation. De Leo et al. 2016). The main action is to inhibit ovulation.

2. Potential side effects of hormonal contraception

Taking synthetic hormones in the form of birth control pills is certainly a convenient and very effective method of preventing pregnancy, but unfortunately it is not indifferent to the body and can have many side effects.

3. The effect on body weight

Gallo et al. 2014). As a result, many women observe an increase in the number of kilograms in weight, but this decreases after a few days or weeks (M.F. At an early stage, there may be water retention in the body that is caused by estrogen.

4. Breast pain

Collins, L. They usually appear early in the use of hormonal contraception and are caused by water retention in tissues by estrogen and a change in the structure of the breast glands caused by progestogen (B. Hersh 2019).

5. A decrease in mood

Therefore, increased irritability, anxiety, emotional fluctuations, and even depressive states are observed with the use of hormonal contraception (T. Estrogens and progestogens negatively affect the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, primarily serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which are responsible for mental well-being.

6. I have a headache

This is due to the enlargement of blood vessels caused by estrogen and fluctuations in hormone levels (R.E. Hormones contained in hormonal contraception can affect the frequency and intensity of headaches and migraines, especially in women with a predisposition to these conditions.

7. Increased risk of blood clots

Morimont et al. 2021) This applies primarily to women who smoke and who have a genetic predisposition to constipation (L. In particular, in the case of two-part birth control pills, there is a small but significant increase in the risk of blood clots, which can lead to deep vein thrombosis, lung poisoning or stroke.

8. Load on the liver

Since the liver is responsible for estrogen metabolism, taking birth control pills can lead to a burden on the liver (E. Chane et al. 2023).

9. Decreased insulin sensitivity

Estrogens and progestogen adversely affect glucose metabolism and insulin receptor function, which may lead to the development of insulin resistance (F. Mauvais-Jarvis 2017).

10. Increased risk of breast and cervical cancer

Westhoff, M.C. Hormonal contraception may reduce the diversity of bacteria in the gut and increase the number of unfavorable bacteria (Z. Estrogens may stimulate cell proliferation in non-sensitive tissues, which increases the risk of cancer mutation and development.

11. Lack of vitamins and minerals

However, it is worth noting that some side effects, such as headaches, depressive states or decreased libido, occur only in people with predispositions. Estrogen and progestogen can affect metabolism and absorption, including B vitamins (especially B6, B12 and folic acid), vitamins C, vitamin E, magnesium, zinc or selenium, which can lead to the development of their deficiencies (K. The key to minimizing these deficiencies is the annual examination of the gynecologist and regular studies on the basis of which the doctor will be able to choose the appropriate method of contraception and thus reduce the risk of side effects).

12. Read more about extra_id_1

When using hormonal contraception, the diet should be primarily highly nutritious, balanced, anti-inflammatory, rich in neurological minerals and vitamins, promoting liver function, microbial status and eliminating excess estrogen.

13. It supports the liver and eliminates excess estrogen

It is an ingredient that, in addition to having a positive effect on the detoxification of the body, demonstrates the ability to convert estrogens into safer derived products for the body. Szczechowiak et al. 2016). To further enhance this effect, it is advisable to include cross-vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and jam, which contain indolo-3-carbinol. Equally important for supporting liver function will be adequate hydration, which significantly facilitates the body's metabolic processes and natural cleansing (K. All of the above mentioned elements from the selected diet will certainly also contribute to supporting and eliminating estrogen in the same way.

14. It's rich in neurological minerals and vitamins

To sum up, a well-balanced and diverse diet is essential to support the body in the use of hormonal contraception and to reduce the risk of side effects. For this reason, it is important to ensure that you consume as much as possible of products rich in these ingredients: vitamin B6: yeast, meat, fish, eggs, legumes (especially liver), nuts, onion seeds, bananas, avocado, celery vegetables; B12: cereal products, especially legumes, potato meat, strawberries and celery acid;  folic acid products: green legumes of whole grains, cereals, whole grain seeds and legumes; cider vinegar, cider, cuttlefish, cottonseed grains; cuttings, cottage eggs; cottoms, carrots, raisins, cranberries, cotton seeds;

Source

Chane E. et al., Assessment of liver function tests of women taking hormonal contraceptives at University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital and Family Guidance Association of Gondar (FGAE), 2022; a comparative cross-sectional study, „PLoS One” 2023, 18(8), e0289746.
De Leo V. et al., Hormonal contraceptives: pharmacology tailored to women's health, „Human Reproduction Update” 2016, 22(5), 634–646.
Gallo M.F. et al., Combination contraceptives: effects on weight, „Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews” 2014, 2014(1), CD003987.
Guennoun R., Progesterone in the Brain: Hormone, Neurosteroid and Neuroprotectant, „International Journal of Molecular Sciences” 2020, 21(15), 5271.
Mauvais-Jarvis F. et al., Menopause, Estrogens, and Glucose Homeostasis in Women, „Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology” 2017, 1043, 217–225.
Morimont L. et al., Combined Oral Contraceptives and Venous Thromboembolism: Review and Perspective to Mitigate the Risk, „Frontiers in Endocrinology” 2021, 12, 769187.
Nappi R.E. et al., Hormonal contraception in women with migraine: is progestogen-only contraception a better choice?, „The Journal of Headache and Pain” 2013, 14(1), 66.
Robakis T. et al., Hormonal Contraceptives and Mood: Review of the Literature and Implications for Future Research, „Current Psychiatry Reports” 2019, 21(7), 57.
Salzman B., Collins E., Hersh L., Common Breast Problems, „American Family Physician” 2019, 99(8), 505–514.
Szczechowiak K. et al., The significance of diet in oral contraception, „Seksuologia Polska” 2016, 14, 88–94.
Westhoff C.L,, Pike M.C., Hormonal contraception and breast cancer, „Contraception” 2018, 98(3), 171–173.
Zhou Z. et al., Alterations in gut and genital microbiota associated with gynecological diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis, „Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology” 2024, 22(1), 13.