Many women turn to birth control for many different issues. Acne, to regulate their periods, to make them not have a period, help with symptoms with PMS, and to prevent pregnancy.

But, do you actually know what is happening to the body when you start taking a birth control? Have you ever researched the side effects of birth control?

Understanding Your Cycle

The menstrual cycle is counted from the first day of one period to the first day of the next. Cycles vary from one woman to the next and can be anywhere from 21 days to 38 days. The first phase of the menstrual cycle is where the woman will shed the lining of the uterus. Estrogen and progesterone drop, which can cause “period symptoms”.

The menstrual phase lasts anywhere from 3 to 7 days (on average). The next phase (which starts at day 1 and lasts until you ovulate) is called the follicular phase. It stimulates your hypothalamus to stimulate your pituitary gland (in your brain) to release FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone). This hormone stimulates your ovaries to produce 5 to 20 follicles. Each follicle contains an egg.

Most of the follicles are reabsorbed into the body and only the healthier 1 or 2 will mature and be ready to be fertilized. The follicle causes estrogen to thicken the lining of the uterus, which prepares the body for implantation of an embryo.

Typically the follicular phase lasts for 16 days. The rise in estrogen triggers your pituitary gland to release Luteinizing hormone (LH), which kick starts ovulation. In ovulation your mature egg is released from your ovary and travels down the Fallopian tube toward the uterus. This is the only stage in your cycle where a woman can get pregnant.

Ovulation usually happens right in the middle of the cycle (example day 14 of a 28 day cycle) and can be very easily tracked if you are in tune with your body. There will be a rise in basal body temperature (this is checked before getting out of bed in the morning). Also, you will have an “egg white” discharge. Ovulation lasts 24 hours and if the egg is not fertilized the egg will die.

When the follicle releases the egg, it releases progesterone and some estrogen. This hormone release keeps the uterine lining thick to help the egg be implanted upon fertilization. If you do become pregnant, your body produces hCG, which is what a pregnancy test detect, which keeps the uterine lining thick.

If you don’t become pregnant, estrogen and progesterone levels decrease, the lining of the uterus is shed and causes an onset of the first day of your period. Starting the cycle over again.

Reasons for Irregular Cycles

There are many reasons for an irregular cycle. Some which are due to age, some which are due to a hormone imbalance, some can be contributed to food you are consuming, the products you are using on your skin, stress in your life can alter your periods (cortisol and estrogen, hormones!) or even your laundry detergent!

When women are concerned about irregular periods, they tend to turn to birth control pills. Almost all birth control pills contain a man made estrogen to help combat the bodies ability to successfully get pregnant. Birth control pills cause an specific imbalance of hormones so the body is not “ready” or “capable” of an egg implanting into the uterus.

Altering your hormones through birth control can (will) cause other issues elsewhere in your body. There are side effects and risks with each type of birth control (most of which are not discussed with many women, especially teens). Hormones are the precursor to every pathway in the body! They control everything!

Types of Birth Control

• Birth control pills: Contraceptive pills often contain both artificial progesterone and estrogen. People can also use progesterone-only pills.
• Contraceptive shots: Contraceptive shots contain progesterone and prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation. A doctor can give a contraceptive shot every 3 months.
• Contraceptive implants: An implant is a small, thin rod that a doctor inserts under the skin in the arm. It releases hormones that prevent ovulation. The implant protects from pregnancy for up to 4 years.
• Vaginal ring: A person inserts a vaginal ring inside their vagina. The person leaves the ring in for 3 weeks and then takes it out for 1 week. The ring releases hormones, which prevent ovulation.
• Contraceptive patch: The patch contains hormones that prevent pregnancy. A person sticks the patch on their back, bottom, or arm. The person changes the patch weekly for 3 weeks then takes the fourth week off. They must repeat this every month.
• Intrauterine device (IUD): An IUD is a small device that a doctor inserts in the cervix. Currently, IUDs last anywhere from 3 to 12 years. People can get hormonal or non-hormonal versions of the IUD.
• Surgical Sterilization: Options are available for both sexes. However, these are permanent methods. They are completely hormone-free.

Chiropractic

Getting adjusted helps not only to regulate your cycle, but also helps with symptoms of PMS. It’s commonly misunderstood that having pain and issues with periods are normal. Having any issues with your period is NOT normal.

I will shout it for the people in the back. SYMPTOMS ARE NOT NORMAL! If you are having symptoms before or during your period, there is something else that is causing it! Talk to your chiropractor about symptoms you experience during your period. They can help you figure out the reasons why.

Chiropractic helps you figure out what is going on with your body and help fix the root cause. That could be through diet, exercise, supplements, changing skin care products or cleaning supplies or a combination of both. All while resetting your nervous system with the chiropractic adjustment. If you interested in getting rid of birth control, look into chiropractic and natural family planning. Understanding and tracking your cycle can be the key that makes you in control of your fertility.

Give us a call today to help you live a healthier life!

~Dr. Lacey~
Carder Chiropractic Clinic, INC.
El Reno, OK 73036