What does contraception do to your body?

Do you want to learn more about the influence of natural hormones on our gut health? Read more here.

What is in hormonal contraception?

Most hormonal contraceptives contain a combination of two hormones: a variant of oestrogen and a variant of progestogen. Each combination can cause different side effects, so we will briefly discuss what the different hormones entail.

Tip: Check the packaging of your contraceptive to find out which hormone combination you have.

Oestrogen: referred to in contraceptives as ethinylestradiol or estradiol

What is oestrogen?

Oestrogen helps inhibit ovulation by suppressing the production of luteinising hormone (LH). It also helps thicken the mucus in the cervix, making it more difficult for sperm to reach the uterus.

Where is oestrogen found?

There are different oestrogen hormones, the most well-known being ethinylestradiol and estradiol. Ethinylestradiol is the most commonly used oestrogen hormone in contraceptives, in combination with a progestogen hormone in, among others, combination pills, patches, and vaginal rings.

Estradiol is the main natural oestrogen hormone produced in women's bodies. Estradiol is used in some hormonal contraceptives such as patches, rings, and combination pills.

Progestogen: referred to in contraceptives as levonorgestrel, drospirenone, or dienogest

What is progestogen?

Progestogen is a synthetic hormone similar to the naturally occurring hormone progesterone. Progestogen prevents pregnancy by suppressing ovulation and thickening the uterine lining.

Where is progestogen found?

There are various progestogen hormones. In contraception, levonorgestrel, drospirenone, and dienogest are the most well-known. Levonorgestrel is mainly used in emergency contraception such as the morning-after pill, but also appears in certain combination pills and hormonal coils.

Due to its strong progestogenic effect, dienogest can help suppress ovulation and thicken the uterine lining, reducing the chance of pregnancy. Dienogest is also sometimes used in the treatment of certain menstruation-related conditions, such as endometriosis and heavy menstrual bleeding.

The impact of hormonal contraception on our body

We have briefly discussed the most common hormones in hormonal contraception. Because the pill contains larger amounts of hormones than a hormonal coil, we will discuss the impact of both contraceptives on our body below. We will specifically look at the effect on our brain and gut health.

Note: there are many different combinations in terms of the amounts and types of hormones in contraception. In the paragraphs below, we have looked at generally known side effects for the most common formulations.

The impact of the contraceptive pill on our body

The pill affects as many as 150 bodily functions. These include much more than just preventing pregnancy. For instance, the contraceptive pill can cause gut dysbiosis, also known as an imbalance in the gut, leading to poorer nutrient absorption. The pill also suppresses thyroid function. Having low thyroid hormone levels can then lead to symptoms such as constipation and memory and cognitive issues.

The contraceptive pill depletes the body of important nutrients such as antioxidants, B vitamins, and key minerals like zinc and selenium. These nutrients are crucial for neurotransmitters (the body's 'messenger substances' that transmit signals), hormone balance, the production of thyroid hormone, and regulation of the immune system.

The contraceptive pill can also affect mood, for which progesterone is responsible. On one hand, it can reduce mood swings, but on the other hand, it can make you feel a bit flattened and experience emotions less intensely. Ethinylestradiol or estradiol plays a major role in the production of serotonin and causes this to be suppressed. This is unfortunate, as serotonin, known as the 'happiness hormone,' plays a significant role in how we feel.

The impact of the hormonal coil on our body

There are different hormonal coils available. The most well-known are the Mirena and Kyleena. The Mirena coil contains only progestogen, and because it is released locally, less hormone enters our bloodstream. Despite a smaller amount of hormones, the Mirena coil may bring possible side effects such as depression, nervousness, and bloating.

The Kyleena coil also contains only one hormone: progestogen, often in the form of levonorgestrel, just like the Mirena. However, the Kyleena contains less hormone: the Mirena releases 0.020 mg of levonorgestrel per day, while Kyleena releases only 0.009 mg. Because it is the same hormone, the possible side effects are similar. Since no oestrogen is added to the Mirena and Kyleena coils, they often cause fewer hormonal side effects such as mood swings.

Another important mineral is zinc. Zinc contributes to normal hormone regulation and helps maintain normal cognitive function. It is beneficial for memory, concentration, and maintaining a clear mind. You can find zinc in oysters, eggs, and seafood.