Why I broke up with my birth control
What exactly is birth control?
Birth control pills, according to The Department of Health, are types of medications taken daily by women in order to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Some women also take birth control pills to ease painful menstrual cycles, or for hormonal imbalances.
Birth control has became the number one practice for preventing pregnancy. Women have become so obsessed with taking birth control, because its the “normal” thing to do, that they neglect the affects the pill can have on their entire body. The pill is known to be 99% effective, and has become a convenient and successful way of preventing pregnancies for women of all ages. However, it is often over prescribed and unnecessary.
Its time we realize that the risks outweigh the benefits.
Some of the dangers of taking birth control include:
Weight gain, breast soreness, moodiness, anxiety, cystic acne, trouble having children, risk of breast cancer, migraines, gallbladder problems, liver problems, increased blood pressure, risk of blood clotting, risk of heart attack or stroke, mood changes, depression, nausea, irregular bleeding.
These risks form from the abnormally high levels of estrogen the body produces while taking the contraceptive. So if its so bad, why is it legal? Whether you feel its good or bad, it disrupts a woman’s natural biology. Think about it, the amount of money the pharmaceutical companies make on birth control is outrageous. Nearly 100 million women take birth control pills on a regular basis. I find it outrageous how we are throwing billions of dollars away each year on birth control pills which are promised by our health practitioners to be safe, yet they are putting us at risk for many health complications.
There are concerns that birth control pills can increase your risk of developing breast cancer because they use hormones to block pregnancy which can overstimulate breast cells.
In my opinion, birth control pills are over prescribed and unnecessary.
Heres my story…
When I met my first boyfriend, only 15 years old, my parents insisted that I start the pill. The pill became something I was used to, and before I knew it I was 25 and had been taking it for ten years. The problem was, I never had any reason to stop it. I felt “normal” on it and I was not trying to get pregnant at all at that time.
It was about 5 months ago when I started reading about the negative effects of long term birth control. I realized, wow, I’ve been taking birth control for ten years now. I spoke with my acupuncturist about how I was feeling about coming off the pill and she encouraged me it would be the best decision I could make. Being someone who promotes a healthy, all natural lifestyle… I made the decision that I wanted to stop the pill. Not because I am planing a pregnancy, but because I do not see a point to continuing it.
(I have been with the same man since I was 15 years old)
This past November, I finally grew enough courage to break up with my birth control and toss them in the trash. I felt unbelievable. It was like a sense on mental clarity. I felt like I had more energy, I could actually focus, and concentrate on things around me.
The first month had passed and I had a normal cycle. Light, no PMS symptoms, just as I did while on the pill. The second month had passed and it did not go as well as I expected. During the time I should have had my cycle, I had no bleeding but terrible symptoms. Extreme low back pain to the point where I felt I could not walk, excruciating migraines, fatigue, and painful cramps. It was torturous for about 3 days.
I knew I had to do something about it. I went to my acupuncturist the next day and spoke to her about the horrible experience I had. She started treating me to promote blood flow, and for a healthy menstrual cycle. She suggested I take herbs for the next 3 months until my cycles were back to a healthy schedule.
The last 3 months have been wonderful. I have been doing acupuncture treatments to promote blood flow once or twice a week, taking a Chinese herb formula 2 weeks before my cycle, undergoing “cupping” treatments on the low back 3 days before i’m due for a cycle, and taking a second Chinese herb formula 2 weeks after my period. In the last three months I have not missed a period, have not had any PMS symptoms, nor have I experienced heavy bleeding or excruciating back pain.
The first formula I take (2 weeks prior to cycle) is called Augmented Four Substances.
Chinese Symptomology: Menstrual discomfort with a shortened cycle, menstrual cramps, menstrual disorders, occasional lower abdominal pain, muscle tension.
Actions: Nourishes the Blood, tonifies the Liver and Kidney, regulates the Liver, moves Qi and Blood, regulates the menses and relieves menstrual discomfort.
Pattern: Liver and Heart Blood deficiency and Blood Stasis
Chinese name Tao Hong Si Wu Tang
English name Augmented Four Substances
The Second formula I take (2 weeks post cycle) is called, Gather Vitality.
GIU PI TONG
In chinese medicine, Gui Pi Tang Tonifies the Qi and nourishes the Blood,
Strengthens the Spleen, and nourishes the Heart.
Chinese Symptomology : Tired, achy, or painful limbs, general fatigue,menstrual disharmony.
Actions: Supplements Spleen, nourishes Heart and Blood, calms Heart Spirit
Pattern: Vacuous Spleen Qi, depleted Heart Blood, disturbed Spirit (Shen)
Chinese name: gui pi tang
English name: Gather Vitality, (1 oz)
So where do I stand…
about 6 months after stopping my birth control pills I am extremely happy i’ve done so.
Without changing anything in my diet I have lost 5 lbs.
I have more energy when I am working out.
I have no PMS symptoms, no skipped periods, nor heavy menstrual cycles.
My skin has cleared up.
I feel more concentrated, and happier.
I want to thank my acupuncturist Dr. Fate Daou DAOM, of Atlantic Wholistic Associates Manasquan NJ, for all of her help. Fate is extremely knowledgable in her field & made this process a lot easier for me. We still have a long way to go, but I am feeling better than I have in a long time. Some people may shrug & tell me its just a coincidence, but going from excruciating painful cycles to having no pain at all once I started treating with formulas… I do not believe it is a coincidence. I’ve officially broken up with my birth control & I’ve never been happier!
