What does contraception do to your body?

Would you like to learn more about the impact of natural hormones on our gut health? Read more here.

What's 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 explain 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 to inhibit ovulation by suppressing the production of luteinising hormone (LH). It also helps to thicken the cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to reach the womb.

Where is oestrogen found?

There are various 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 other things, 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, among other things, 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 primarily used in emergency contraception, such as the morning-after pill, but is also found in certain combination pills and hormonal coils.

Due to its strong progestogenic effect, dienogest can help suppress ovulation and thicken the uterine lining, thereby 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 bodies

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

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

The impact of the contraceptive pill on our bodies

The pill affects no fewer than 150 bodily functions. This is significantly 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 absorption of nutrients. The pill also suppresses the function of the thyroid gland. Having low thyroid hormone levels can, in turn, cause symptoms such as constipation and memory and cognitive issues.

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

The contraceptive pill can also affect mood, with progesterone being responsible for this. On one hand, it can reduce mood swings, but on the other hand, it can make you feel somewhat flat and experience emotions less intensely. Ethinylestradiol or estradiol plays a significant role in serotonin production and suppresses it. This is unfortunate because serotonin, as the 'happiness hormone', plays a major role in how we feel.

The impact of the hormonal coil on our bodies

There are different hormonal coils. 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 can cause 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 the same. 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 hormonal balance and helps maintain normal cognitive function. It is good for memory, concentration, and maintaining a clear mind. You can find zinc in oysters, eggs, and seafood.