Why Birth Control Doesn’t Fix Your Hormonal Problems
Birth control and PCOS: Why it doesn’t help your hormones
Birth control is often prescribed as a treatment for hormonal issues like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but it's important to understand that it doesn't actually fix the underlying hormonal imbalances. Birth control masks some symptoms of hormonal imbalance associated with PCOS, but does nothing to support the root-cause and your overall health.
Why Birth Control Doesn't Fix Hormonal Problems
Masking Symptoms vs. Treating Root Causes
Birth control pills work by introducing synthetic hormones that override your body's natural hormone production, significantly suppressing ovarian function. For women with PCOS, this can help feel like your menstrual cycle is regulated and you may notice a reduction in pesky symptoms like acne and excess hair growth. However, it doesn't correct the underlying hormonal imbalances or metabolic issues that are at the core of PCOS for many women.
My client “R” was prescribed birth control by her doctor to help with excess hair growth, acne and painful periods. She noticed a change in these symptoms when taking the pill, but when she wanted a more natural approach to birth control and stopped taking it, her symptoms came back even worse than before. Through no fault of her own, she had spent the better part of a decade masking the underlying cause of her high testosterone levels, rather than addressing them. We ran a DUTCH test to get a better understanding of what was pushing her hormones down a more androgenic pathway. We started her on a protocol to support her hormone metabolism and less than a year later she felt like a new woman and her labs reflected the change.
Impact on Fertility
While birth control can provide cycle regularity, it does so artificially. Once a woman stops taking birth control, the underlying hormonal issues often resurface. This can lead to continued fertility challenges, as birth control doesn't address factors like insulin resistance or elevated androgens that contribute to ovulation problems in PCOS.
For my client, “G”, this was precisely the case. She had been on the birth control pill for over a decade because she had painful, irregular periods since high school. She felt fine through her 20s and when she decided to come off the pill in her early 30s to try to conceive, her symptoms came rushing back and she couldn’t get pregnant. We started working together with a personalized approach and figured out that she had elevated levels of estrogen and very low progesterone levels, as well as high testosterone metabolites. Within 6 months she conceived her first baby and was able to start the family she so desperately wanted.
Overlooking Metabolic Health
PCOS is often associated with insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction. Birth control doesn't improve insulin sensitivity or address the metabolic aspects of PCOS. In fact, some studies suggest certain birth control pills may even worsen insulin resistance in some women. With some lifestyle and dietary guidance as well as the right supplement cocktail, I have seen numerous clients take control of their blood sugar and lose excess weight that they previously felt was a lost cause.
Delaying Proper Diagnosis and Treatment
By masking symptoms, birth control can sometimes delay proper diagnosis and treatment of underlying hormonal disorders. This is especially problematic for women who may have undiagnosed thyroid issues or other endocrine disorders alongside PCOS, or for those who wish to get pregnant someday.
Supporting Root Causes
Rather than relying solely on birth control, a more comprehensive approach to managing PCOS and hormonal imbalances includes:
Dietary changes to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation
Regular exercise to support metabolic health
Stress management techniques
Targeted supplements to address nutritional deficiencies
Living in accordance with your cycle, not against it
Working with a healthcare provider to identify and treat any underlying thyroid or adrenal issues
By focusing on the root cause of their hormonal concerns, women are able to achieve more balanced hormones, improved fertility, and better overall health without relying on birth control as a long-term solution. While birth control can be a helpful tool for managing certain PCOS symptoms in the short-term, it's crucial to understand its limitations and impact on long-term health. Addressing the underlying hormonal and metabolic imbalances is key to truly improving PCOS and fertility outcomes in the long run.
If you’re sick of trial and error, medications and feeling miserable and you’re to heal on a functional level, book a free Meet & Greet call with me today. It is incredibly important to choose a clinician that specializes in women’s hormones to ensure the best care possible. I am now accepting new clients for Fall 2024 if you feel ready for a root-cause approach to balancing your hormones and managing your PCOS.
