Is Hormonal Birth Control Bad for You?
By: Kaytlin Kelly
“Hormone imbalance”, “horrible hormones”, “synthetic hormones”, and “causes miscarriages.” Why do these phrases sound familiar? If you were thinking TikTok, you are right! Social media is one of the most popular information sources for news right now; the rise of social media, coupled with people’s frustration with medical institutions, has led to the spread of misinformation about hormonal birth control. Let's talk about some of the myths that are gaining traction online. (FYI: This is a brief overview of hormonal birth control and none of the information provided below should replace anything said by a medical professional).
What kinds of side effects are normal with hormonal birth control?
The side effects of hormonal birth control are real and can vary from person to person. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, side effects can include the following: headaches, sore breasts, irregular periods, mood changes, decreased libido (aka sexual desire), acne, nausea, and more. The majority of people who take birth control do not experience severe side effects from hormonal contraception, but minor side effects are relatively common. If you do experience any negative effects, they will generally go away on their own in a few months. Side effects are normal and can be managed. For many people, the benefits of hormonal birth control (reduced acne, pregnancy prevention, etc.) outweigh the minor side effects that may occur. It is important to consult with a provider if you’re concerned about the side effects of your current birth control method or if it isn’t working for you.
Consequences of Misinformation
Pregnancy is a very real risk, especially as access to abortion care is increasingly tenuous; and if we’re talking about side effects, pregnancy may be the most dangerous time in a person’s life. The US has the highest rate of maternal mortality in the developed world, and tens of thousands of people every year suffer severe harm to their health due to pregnancy, labor, and childbirth. We don’t want to make pregnancy sound super scary, but it’s important to understand the full context of what birth control is intended to prevent!
Many TikTok influencers promote fertility awareness methods (FAMs) of birth control, which involves forgoing sex around the time of ovulation to prevent unintended pregnancies. Non-hormonal birth control can be a good fit for some but is more complicated than many online can make it seem. Cycle tracking is only 75% effective with typical use – which is significantly less effective than hormonal contraceptives, which are up to 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, or condoms, which are 98% effective when used correctly.
Building Trust Between Patients and Providers
It’s important to acknowledge that many people with uteruses have been frustrated by the healthcare system, and it’s understandable that many are looking for alternative sources of information. This still doesn’t change the fact that the best place to get medical information is from a medical provider directly. Bridgercare strives to meet people where they are, and our providers are eager to help people find the best birth control method for them, whether that’s a hormonal or non-hormonal method.
What’s the next step?
Navigating the different forms of birth control can be a confusing process for many, and the medical community has often failed to meet patients where they are and take their concerns seriously. But we need to be wary of misinformation on social media, and the very real consequences that it can have for people. If you have questions about something you heard online, are struggling with the side effects of your birth control, or have any questions about changing birth control methods, schedule an appointment with one of our providers!