These days, many teens use hormonal contraceptives. They are being prescribed as if they are lollipops and for a range of issues which actually have nothing to do with birth control. From acne, hormone imbalances, PMS, mood swings and the list goes on.
Hormonal contraceptives do not balance hormones. They shut them down. When it comes to mood swings, let’s be honest that teenagers are still establishing hormonal balance so mood swings are normal.
What are the risks of using hormonal contraceptives during the teen years?
There are a number of risks:
If there is any problem with the hormonal system, hormonal contraception will only mask it and won’t treat it. Once that person stops taking it, all the symptoms will return.
During the teen years, the cervix crypts are developing by the influence of estrogen and progesterone, especially the S crypts which are influenced by estrogen and produce fertile mucus which is responsible for conveying sperm to the uterine cavity.
Using hormonal contraceptives shuts down the production of hormones, therefore those crypts won’t develop. Once a woman stops taking the hormonal contraception it will take those crypts up to 18 months or more to develop. If she stops them because she wants to get pregnant, there might be a problem.
During these teen years, the sex hormones are starting to balance themselves and the hormonal contraception disrupts the body in finding its balance.
Many health issues reflect in our cycle and the hormonal contraception interferes with reaching this balance and gauging the problems.
Hormonal contraception cause deficiencies in the body such as zinc, magnesium, Vitamin C, B vitamins and others, which are important for our wellbeing.
Fertility Awareness is a natural contraceptive method that teaches us so much about our body.