The Pill is effective and allows women to be sexually active without worrying that they will fall pregnant.

But what I have a problem with is the way its ‘sold’ to women as safe (by well-meaning GP’s) and as the only answer to their menstrual issues such as PMS, painful periods, breast tenderness and fatigue.

All those symptoms are due to hormonal imbalances, things that can be fixed or modulated through diet and lifestyle changes, herbal medicines and exercise.

The Pill does not fix the underlying problems with your cycle.

It’s the pits and I understand why people might want to take it. But quite frankly, it’s deceit. Unfortunately, the medical profession has limited tools to help support and regulate hormones.

If you are taking the Pill, you might recognise some of the short term side effects such as:

·      intermenstrual spotting

·      nausea

·      breast tenderness

·      headaches and migraine

·      weight gain

·      mood changes including depression

·      missed periods

·      low libido

·      vaginal discharge

·      changes to eyesight for those using contact lenses 

Not to mention the long term increased risk of:

·      DVT

·      clots on the lungs

·      stroke and heart attack

·      linked to an increased cancer risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer

·      breast cancer

·      adverse effects of menopause and liver cancer

WTF? I know. Most of my patients have no idea this is what they have agreed to. I wonder if so many women would choose the Pill, if the side effects were clearly explained by their GP’s.

Women need to cycle. The Pill cuts off the communication between the brain and the ovaries and so you don’t experience a proper cycle or bleed at all. It’s a breakthrough bleed where no endometrial lining is breaking away just a small superficial layer which over time affects your fertility.  The Pill does not balance your hormones. The Pill turns your hormones off completely.

This is where nutritionists, acupuncturists, naturopaths and herbalists come in. Get in touch if you would like to get to the root cause and fix your hormonal imbalance naturally.