by Dr. Birgit Wogatzky | Mar 5, 2025 | Symptoms of nutrient deficiency
The Pill and Its Side Effects: What to Know and How to Support Your Body
The contraceptive pill is a convenient and popular choice – but did you know it affects your body in various ways? Don’t worry, we’re here to explain the most common side effects and share tips on how to keep your body balanced while using hormonal contraception.
1. Minor Symptoms, Major Impact
Many women experience headaches, mood swings, spotting, or breast tenderness. A drop in libido is also common. Sound familiar? These side effects are not unusual and can often be improved with small lifestyle adjustments.
2. Rare but Serious Risks
Did you know that the pill can increase the risk of thrombosis and embolism? This includes deep vein thrombosis, strokes, and heart attacks. Sudden vision problems or high blood pressure could be warning signs – if you notice them, see a doctor immediately!
3. Your Liver is Working Overtime
Since the pill is processed through the liver, it can put extra strain on this vital organ. Over time, this may lead to issues like gallbladder problems or even liver damage. Support your liver by staying hydrated and eating a nutrient-rich diet.
4. Could You Be Lacking Essential Nutrients?
Taking the pill can increase your body’s demand for certain vitamins and minerals – particularly vitamins B6, B9, B12, C, and E, as well as magnesium and zinc. A balanced diet and high-quality supplements can help fill these gaps.
5. Thinking Long Term
Some studies suggest that the pill may slightly raise the risk of certain cancers, such as breast or cervical cancer. On the other hand, it can also reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. The best approach? Talk to your doctor to understand the potential risks and benefits for you.
6. How’s Your Thyroid?
The hormones in the pill can influence thyroid function. If you’re suddenly feeling fatigued or low on energy, it might be worth getting your thyroid levels checked. A healthy thyroid is key to overall wellbeing.
7. What You Can Do
Regular check-ups with your doctor are essential, but there’s also a lot you can do yourself: maintain a balanced diet, stay active, get enough sleep, and manage stress levels. Supporting your body with the right supplements can also make a difference.
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by Dr. Birgit Wogatzky | Oct 25, 2024 | Symptoms of nutrient deficiency
Why is contraception so often a women’s issue? A look at shared responsibility.
In many partnerships, the issue of contraception is automatically associated with the woman. But why is this? Is it because women have a wide range of contraceptive methods to choose from, while men are limited to condoms or vasectomies? Or is it force of habit? Or is it the consequences of pregnancy that encourage women to take responsibility?
What methods of contraception are available?
The reality is that women have a wider range of contraceptive methods available to them, including hormonal and non-hormonal options such as the pill, the IUD, the condom and more. While some women do well with hormonal methods, others struggle with side effects. This is partly because hormonal contraceptives impact so many different aspects of our bodys and minds, affecting how we feel far beyond their contraceptive effect. It is therefore important to decide which method is best for you.
Is contraception still a woman’s issue?
Historically, women have often had the primary responsibility for contraception, but this dynamic has changed in recent years in many parts of the world.
Nowadays, responsibility for contraception is often a shared decision between partners, and both can be involved in choosing and using contraception.
Data from the Federal Centre for Health Education show that contraceptive behaviour has changed in recent years. More young people are using condoms, leading to a more equal distribution of responsibility. However, women still have more options, which means that they often bear the main responsibility. The fact that there are fewer contraceptive options for men obviously plays a role.
Why are there no better contraceptive methods for men?
One reason is that there has simply not been a lot of investment in research and development of male contraceptives. Although there have been some promising approaches, no really reliable contraceptive methods for men have yet been developed. The condom therefore remains the best option for men to prevent unwanted pregnancy and protect themselves from sexually transmitted diseases.
But contraception is not the sole responsibility of women. It is time to share the responsibility more equally between the sexes. Through open communication and a willingness to learn about different contraceptive methods, couples can work together to find the best solution.
What about you? Share your experiences!
