Birth Control and Its Side Effects

The female body is complex; through precise regulations of hormones - estrogen, progesterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) - the female body regulates an environment capable of creating a new life. Due to the complex process that is necessary for creating a new life, the female body goes through a regular cycle of hormonal changes in order to properly regulate the function of the uterus and ovaries for precise growth of the endometrial lining and for ovulation. Any imbalance of hormonal levels can cause amenorrhea (inability to menstruate), excessive pre-menstrual symptoms, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), uterine fibroids, painful periods, or infertility.

The endocrine organs responsible for manufacturing the necessary hormones for the female body are the ovaries and the adrenals. The ovaries produce primary sex hormones beginning at puberty and continue that function until menopause. Since adequate levels of sex hormones are vital to the proper function of the female body, the adrenal glands serve as a "backup system", producing secondary sex hormones should the ovaries fail to produce enough.

These sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone, serve to regulate the female cycle. Estrogen is a proliferative hormone, causing tissues to increase in size and quantity; progesterone is a maintaining hormone, ensuring proper function of the tissue. During a regular menstrual cycle, estrogen is initially high, causing the endometrial lining of the uterus to proliferate and prepare for implantation. After ovulation, estrogen levels fall and progesterone levels remain high to maintain the mature endometrial lining for implantation should fertilization of the ovum (egg) occur. If implantation occurs, progesterone levels continue to rise in order to maintain the endometrial lining. On the other hand, if implantation does not occur, progesterone levels fall and the sloughing of the endometrial lining occurs in order to prepare anew for the next ovulation.

Most methods of birth control for the female supply the body with artificial hormones that "trick" the female body into thinking that it is pregnant; this is accomplished by supplying high quantities of progesterone. Therefore, the side effects of these methods of birth control are similar to the symptoms of pregnancy - water retention, weight gain, swelling, nausea, acne, dizziness, or headaches.

When a female begins using methods of birth control that alter or interfere with regular hormone levels - pill, IUD, injection, or patch - the body begins to becomes accustomed to the regular artificial supply. Over time, the body begins to discontinue manufacturing its own sex hormones. The result can be disastrous; the endocrine organs responsible for regular hormone production can become disoriented and discontinue functioning properly. Upon terminating this hormonal altering birth control, many women experience irregular periods, heavy periods, fatigue, polycystic ovarian syndrome, uterine fibroids, loss of libido, and infertility. The system is dysfunctional as the delicate balance has been tampered with. The complex system is better regulated by the woman's body than by any other source - drug or physician.

For any woman, I recommend alternate methods of birth control that are non-hormonal. These methods include condoms, diaphragms, vasectomy, or spermicides. Ultimately, the best choice for contraception needs to be considered between the couple, but the choices should be limited to ones that do not tamper with the complexity of the female body.