Hormonal Contraceptives - Complications That You Need To Know

Introduction:

Hormonal contraceptives are devices or pills used to prevent pregnancy. The contraceptives contain estrogen and progestin, a combination of them or alone. These contraceptives come in a variety of forms. These contraceptives affect a person's hormone levels leading to various effects such as mood changes, weight gain, acne, increased or decreased libido, spotting, headache, breast tenderness, irregular periods, vaginal discharge, etc. Some severe complications associated with these pills include cardiovascular disorders and cancer.

However, some alternatives to hormonal contraceptive pills exist, such as condoms, diaphragms, vaginal rings, intrauterine devices, implants, and birth control injections.

What Are Hormonal Contraceptives?

Hormonal contraceptives are devices or medications used to reduce the risk of getting pregnant. These contraceptives contain hormones such as estrogen and progestin or a combination.

Some of these combination methods are called contraceptive pills or birth control pills.

These contraceptives can come in various forms, such as patches worn on the skin, rings placed in the vagina, pills taken orally, implants, and other intrauterine devices (IUDs).

What Are the Side Effects of Hormonal Contraceptives?

Hormonal contraceptives or birth control pills affect a person's hormones, leading to various adverse effects. Most women do not have any side effects from these contraceptives. However, some side effects are common and probably go away on their own within a short time (usually a few months).

Some types (particular combinations or brands) of hormonal contraceptives are more prone to specific side effects than others.

Some of the adverse effects are as follows:

• Spotting Between Periods: Spotting or vaginal bleeding between the menstrual cycle is contraceptives' most common side effect. It appears like light bleeding, usually brownish. It happens because the body is trying to adjust to the changing hormone levels, and the uterus is adopting a thinner lining. Taking the pills at the same time every day can prevent spotting.

• Weight Gain: Birth control pills are often associated with weight gain. The reason is birth control pills can lead to an increase in fluid retention in the body. This leads to an increase in fat or muscle mass.

• Mood Swings: Hormones are essential in deciding an individual's mood and emotions. Taking pills may lead to changes in hormone level that ultimately affects a person's mood. Some research suggests a strong link between hormonal contraception and depression. The best way to treat depression or mood change associated with a particular pill is to change the medicine.

• Headache: Changes in the female hormones (due to intake of contraceptives) can trigger the episode and frequency of headaches and migraine. Symptoms depend upon the dosage of the pill.

• Sore Breast: Taking hormonal contraceptives can cause tenderness of the breast. Wearing a supportive bra can help one feel better. Along with sensitivity, the pills can make the breast grow bigger. If a lump or any other changes are seen, one must consult their healthcare provider.

• Irregular Periods: Birth control pills can cause very light or missed periods because of the hormones they contain.

If a person suspects pregnancy, it is best to take a test. Birth control pills are effective, but improper use may result in pregnancies.

Many factors that lead to late or missed periods are stress, illness, travel, thyroid, or other hormonal problems.

• Decreased Libido (Sexual Desire): Hormonal changes can affect sex drive or libido in some people. Others might experience increased sex drive.

• Vaginal Discharge: Changes in vaginal discharge may occur after taking pills. There may be a change in discharge, an increase or decrease in vaginal lubrication, or a change in the nature of the discharge. If the pill causes vaginal dryness, using lubrication while engaging in sexual activity might aid comfort. These changes do not signify any harm, but changes in color and odor could indicate infection.

• Nausea: Some people might feel nausea after taking the pills, but the symptoms subside when the pill is taken with food or at bedtime.

• Acne: Hormonal changes may also lead to acne and other skin-related problems.

How to Lower the Chances of Having Side Effects?

The following measures are taken to reduce the risk of side effects.

• If individuals are taking the pill, take one every day without skipping.

• Progestin-only pills should be taken each day at the same time.

• The contraceptive ring and patch should be changed according to the schedule as advised by the doctor.

What Should Be Done If There Are Side Effects?

Birth control pills work by preventing the body from producing eggs. This means there is nothing for the sperm to fertilize and for pregnancy to occur.

They are helpful in dealing with irregular, painful, or heavy periods, acne, endometriosis, and premenstrual syndrome.

The side effects vary among different individuals and pills. Usually, the side effects are minimal and go away with time. But if the side effects last more than three months, talk to your doctor and switch to another method.

What Are the Risks Associated With Contraceptive Pills?

The pills are safest to use in most females. However, birth control pills are linked with high blood pressure or blood clots. In addition, it might lead to heart attacks or strokes.

The pills may not prove safe for people who:

• Have untreated hypertension.

• Smoke.

• Have a history of a heart attack.

• Have severe migraine.

• Have a history of cancer (breast or endometrial).

A person should visit a healthcare worker if any of the mentioned health concerns arise, such as:

• Severe abdominal pain.

• Chest pain.

• Severe headache.

• Eye problems.

• Swelling in the legs.

What Are the Long-Term Complications of Taking Hormonal Contraceptives?

Birth control pills are the safest. However, long-term risks of specific health problems might occur.

Some of them are:

• Cardiovascular Problems: Combination pills (Estrogen and Progestin) might increase the risk of heart attack, strokes, and blood clots (atherosclerosis). The risk is higher for anyone with uncontrolled hypertension or a family history of cardiovascular problems.

• Cancer: The natural female sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone affect the risk of some cancers. Taking pills can affect a person's risk of certain cancers, such as:

  • Breast Cancer: The risk of breast cancer is remarkably higher in people who use birth control pills than in those who have never used them.

  • Ovarian and Endometrial Cancer: These cancers tend to occur in those who take pills.

  • Cervical Cancer: Taking pills for more than five years is linked with a higher risk of cervical cancer.

Conclusion:

Birth control pills can affect the body in many ways, and that's why the side effects are common. Side effects can vary from one pill to another and from person to person. The side effects ease within two to three months after starting the pill. After that, each person reacts differently to each pill. The body returns to normal when the person stops taking the pills. If the side effects are severe and last for more than three months, it is best to take advice from a healthcare provider.