Hormonal birth control methods often contain progestin (e.g., birth control pills, hormonal IUDs, implants, shots, mini-pills). Progestin increases the risk of various types of cancer with long-term use, although it provides protection against uterine cancer. Progestin is hormonally disruptive, meaning it can block ovulation, preventing pregnancy, or thin the uterine lining so a fertilized egg cannot implant. Progestin can lower libido because it affects the woman’s natural hormonal cycle, and unfortunately, it can take a long time to restore balance. Sometimes SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin) levels may remain elevated for up to 10 years after stopping progestin-based birth control. Progestin can also impact the body’s production of testosterone and estrogen, which are necessary for women to experience sexual desire and maintain good hormonal health. Hormonal health, in turn, affects sleep, appetite, and overall well-being. This is why choosing the right birth control method is so important and crucial.
- Progestin is also known as Levonorgestrel – used in hormonal IUDs (Mirena, Kyleena) and mini-pills (Noriday, Cerazette).
- Progestin is also known as Desogestrel – found in birth control pills like Cerazette (mini-pills).
- Progestin is also known as Norethisterone – found in birth control pills and mini-pills.
- Progestin is also known as Medroxyprogesterone acetate – used in birth control shots (Depo-Provera).
- Progestin is also known as Etonogestrel – contained in birth control implants (Implanon, Nexplanon).
Birth control pills also contain progestin (both mini-pills, combined pills, and regular pills). Some research shows that birth control pills lower the risk of ovarian cancer and uterine cancer (by 34%), but we also see that birth control pills increase the risk of cervical cancer by 31%. It’s important to distinguish between uterine cancer and cervical cancer, as they are two different types of cancer. The risk disappears about 5 years after a woman stops using birth control pills, but during their use, the woman is still exposed to this risk. Birth control pills also increase the risk of breast cancer, HPV, and lung cancer in smokers. Birth control pills block your fertile cycle, can reduce libido, increase the risk of depression, and lead to chlamydia infections. Side effects such as nausea, headaches, breast tenderness, mood swings, and weight gain can occur.
Often, the reduced cancer risk is used as an argument that birth control pills are good for the body because the protection lasts a lifetime, and the increased cancer risk disappears after 5 years of stopping. But this assumes that a woman actually stops using birth control pills, and the risk is still present while taking them. Moreover, when we look at common side effects like PMS and impaired nutrient absorption, we can conclude that birth control pills do not necessarily promote health. Therefore, it is important not to refer to birth control pills as health-promoting, as that is not the whole truth.
Some healthcare professionals recommend hormonal birth control to address certain physiological issues like acne and PMS. Studies support this, but there are also studies showing the negative effects, and sometimes, we as consumers do not receive enough information about these side effects. For example, using birth control pills to prevent acne or similar issues is something we advise against. It’s a bit like putting a lid on the problem and pretending it will go away, but the reality is that the symptoms might move or reappear later. *References: 1. E. Odeblad, V. Kirsner, 2015. 2. A. Schnittger, L. Rosengren, 2019. 3. S. Björkman 2018. J. Koos 2018. 4. E. Osansky, 2018. 5. C. Northrup, p. 410, 2010. 6. I. Helander, 2017, Läkemedelsvärlden*
*References 1. E. Odeblad, V. Kirsner, 2015. 2. A. Schnittger, L. Rosengren, 2019. 3. S. Björkman 2018. J. Koos 2018. 4. E. Osansky, 2018. 5. C. Northrup, s. 410, 2010. 6. I. Helander, 2017, Läkemedelsvärlden
