
Oral birth control pills affect a woman’s fertility and health—yet the implications of taking these pills is often overlooked. These pills work by suppressing ovulation to prevent pregnancy, and your ovaries are shut down from producing eggs via the hypothalamus. Although you may bleed on your period, it’s not the same as a natural cycle.
The biggest risk with birth control pills is a risk for blood clots, which can cause a stroke. More commonly, these pills can impact mood and libido. When your serotonin is suppressed, you may become depressed. When your testosterone is tampered down, your libido suffers.
Women on hormonal contraception are 1-2 times more likely to be on antidepressants. Prolonged use of oral contraception pills can also lead to deficiencies in important micronutrients like vitamin D and folate. There is also a major reduction in trace minerals like magnesium, zinc, and coenzyme Q10.
Despite these potential side effects, these pills are widely available and prescribed to combat a variety of issues. Interestingly enough, birth control pills can also change who you’re attracted to. When you cycle naturally, you’re more likely to pick partners with more diverse genetics, whereas you’re likely to choose someone more similar to you when you’re on birth control.
A woman’s body works together in synchronicity naturally, and hormones have a powerful impact on our bodies and overall health. Women need to know the risks of going on the pill, especially from a young age. Medical establishments might be fine with allowing women to take these pills long term, but we deserve informed consent.