Your Contraceptives may be in ‘good nick’ but how are your hormones?
It’s a good idea to start your ‘contraception career’ with a hormone check up first so that you and importantly, the person who will write your contraceptive pill prescription, knows exactly what state your body and its hormones are in. I thought I’d pass on this information from a doctor’s newsletter I subscribe to (link to Dr. Pete below) as it is relevant to anyone who is thinking of taking oral contraceptives AND also to those who aren’t.
OK. Let’s say you are NOT on the pill- if you suffer from painful, heavy or irregular periods, irritability and mood changes, (yes, I did say NOT on the pill!) poor memory, fatigue, lack of motivation, craving sugar and chocolate, fluid retention, bloating, night sweats, hot flushes,… it could be that your hormones are out of balance. If you haven’t seen a health professional about these symptoms maybe you should- especially if want to use any type of hormonal contraceptive.
Many of us know first hand the impact that a hormone imbalance can have on every breathing moment of your waking life AND how it is maddeningly and frustratingly underestimated by ‘himself’ and the kids! Taking oral contraceptives and hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) can be beneficial in adjusting hormone levels and reducing symptoms. However, some women find that they then replace one set of side effects with another so getting a hormone check before you start down that path will place you and your doctor in a position to make the most sensible and appropriate choice to trial first.
The ingredients (synthetic hormones) in contraceptive pills are often prescribed to alleviate painful periods and other symptoms rather than to prevent pregnancy. We in the western world are having fewer children on average and experiencing approximately 400 periods during our reproductive life. Even if we only have one painful day each cycle (you wish!) that equates to an average of 400 days, or more than ONE YEAR OF PAIN. According to Dr. Pete, if you accept that 90% of women experience period pain, this has the potential to create a significant health
and socioeconomic issue.
IN SUMMARY Dr.Pete states:
Hormone Imbalance causes:Period Pain, Premenstrual Syndrome, Endometriosis, Fibroids, Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and Menopause.
What Interferes with Hormone Balance?
• “oestrogen dominance”, associate with fertility problems- this is where high or relatively high (compared to progesterone) levels of oestrogen
activity cause increased tissue activity in oestrogen-sensitive tissues, such as the lining of the uterus, ovaries and breasts
• poor liver detoxification, which is often due to allergies, food intolerances or toxins, results in a build up of harmful oestrogen break down
products
• many environmental chemicals such as pesticides
Get to know your hormones and hopefully they’ll behave themselves for many years - Having a check up at the doc’s could save you a few prescription ’swaps’ in the long run and help you to successfully manage those controlling little juices.
If you would like to join Dr. Pete’s newsletter here is the LINK
