What happens when you chase unnatural beauty goals? You end up ruining your self-esteem and health both. I had a first-hand experience when I decided to go for a laser hair reduction treatment and backed it up with birth control pills. Let me tell you that I didn’t need either. But the sheer fascination for a flawless, hairless makeup base made me want to get rid of the peach fuzz once and for all.
I went to a well-known dermatologist, who recommended contraceptive pills along with regular laser sessions. “They’ll help control your hormones,” he said. “They’ll reduce hair growth and the acne on your chin and enhance laser results,” he added. So my ill-considered progestin-only-pill (POP) journey began from there.
I popped one on the first day of my period, continued the ritual for 21 days, and then took a week-long break till my next period. It took me five torturous months of physical and mental health imbalance to finally stop. I went against my doctor’s advice of “it’ll get better with time” and threw the pill pack out the window. Here’s why it was the best decision I have ever made:
My Mental Health Became Better
POPs led to severe mood swings and unexplained bouts of crying almost every day. The situation got worse and culminated into anxiety and panic attacks. But one day, I forgot to take the pill and noticed that things went on smoothly. My suspicion about POPs affecting my mental health was confirmed by a study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology. The research pointed out progestin in hormonal pills can decrease the concentration of serotonin and dopamine (happy hormones). This can worsen or lead to depression, anxiety, and mood swings. Once I was off them, my mental health gradually became better.
I Got Back In Shape
Discussions about my pill problems with my doc always ended with “it’s all in your head”. However, this particular side-effect of the pill was reflecting on the weighing scale and my (puffier) face. Considering that I was eating healthy and working out daily to deal with my mental health issues, I couldn’t understand the weight gain. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, birth control pills can increase your weight. Progestin-based ones can cause bloating and can also increase your appetite. It results in more fat storage, especially around the belly. I was able to shed the extra pounds within three months of quitting while following the same exercise and diet. So, I am sure that pills had a role to play.
I Understood The Importance Of Hormonal Health
The primary reason I dwelled on oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) was because there were signs of hormonal imbalance in my body. Recurring acne on the chin, hair thinning, and painful periods were the most evident ones. However, I came across Sirona’s PMS Gummies and understood that it was possible to restore hormonal balance naturally.
These chewable gummies are rich in vitamin B6 and chasteberry that help balance hormones and alleviate PMS symptoms. Regular consumption of one gummy a day can also reduce acne and make you feel more energetic.
I Unknowingly Warded Off Some Serious Health Complications
According to a study conducted by the National Cancer Institute, prolonged and continuous use of oral contraceptives has serious health impacts. It can increase the risk of breast, cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancer. These pills contain synthetic versions of female hormones that can stimulate the development and growth of some cancers. Even though I wasn’t aware of this fact when I stopped taking the pills, I am glad I did.
In a 2013 National Health Statistics Report published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 62.9% of women who stopped using oral contraceptives did so because of such side effects. So, if you’re on OCPs or want to try them, please do so under strict supervision. Cheers to good health!
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