The use of hormonal contraception, which began its triumphant march across the world with the invention of the pill in the early 1960s, is still recommended by gynaecologists very uncritically and almost without restrictions. Besides the undoubtedly pleasant effects of the pill, such as regular and easy menstrual cycles, prevention of acne and safe contraception, more and more unfavourable effects are coming to light. New studies show that users of the pill suffer more often from depression and have a multiple risk of suicide than women who do not use artificial hormones.

Particularly high risk among young users

These unfavourable effects occur especially in young users, and in some cases only a short time after starting hormonal contraception. The studies also show that there is hardly any difference between the pill, hormone ring, hormone coil, hormone stick or three-month injection.

Typical complaints caused by taking artificial hormones

Although there are undoubtedly many women who tolerate this artificial hormonal change well, we also see in our practice that many women who use hormonal contraception suffer from mood changes, listlessness, significant weight gain, drive disorders, chronic fatigue and loss of libido. When they stop hormonal contraception, they usually experience a significant improvement in their symptoms, but the weight gain is often irreversible. Today, many young girls receive their first prescription of the pill from their well-meaning gynaecologist at the age of 13 to 14, often at the request of concerned parents. Apart from contraception, complaints such as period pains, heavy bleeding, irregular menstrual cycles and acne are the most common reasons for the first prescription at a young age. A large-scale Danish study indicates that young girls often consult a doctor for depression only two months after being prescribed hormonal contraception, and that the risk of developing depression is increased even years later. Another study shows that the risk of a suicide attempt triples in this group of people.

The Pill from the Perspective of Ayurvedic Medicine

In Ayurvedic medicine, a woman's monthly cycle is of great importance. It is considered something important, almost sacred, in a woman's life. With puberty, the woman takes on a special, distinctive rhythm, which is similar to the rhythm of the moon. To suppress this rhythm, as is the case with hormonal contraception, corresponds to a massive disturbance of the natural balance. The Ayurvedic doctor is obliged to treat women with medicinal herbs, massages and purging therapies when these natural rhythms are disturbed, in order to restore the balance. With the experience of thousands of years, Maharishi Ayurveda has reliable methods to satisfactorily treat the symptoms of puberty, menopause, menstruation and pregnancy.

Suppression of natural rhythms

Suppression of natural bodily processes is considered in classical Ayurvedic texts to be one of the most important and dangerous causes of disease. Hormonal contraception corresponds to a permanent suppression of natural bodily rhythms and is viewed very critically by Ayurvedic doctors. Especially in the case of chronic complaints that have no clear cause, discontinuation of hormonal contraception is a frequently given advice that usually results in a strong improvement of the state of health.

How should you use contraception?

In times of AIDS and other infectious diseases, mechanical contraception by means of a condom is absolutely indispensable for all first sexual contacts. For longer-lasting relationships, other mechanical contraceptives such as gold or copper IUDs can be used. In the meantime, there are also computer-assisted contraceptive methods that offer almost the same protection against conception as the pill. More and more young women and girls are also becoming aware of the possible consequences of long-term hormonal contraception and are asking their gynaecologist for a mechanical contraceptive instead of the pill and co.

BOOK TIP

You can find more information on this topic in the book "Pille, Spirale und Co." by gynaecologist Dr. med. A.F. Scheuernstuhl, which not only describes the side effects of artificial hormones, but also shows alternative solutions to contraception.

 

 

 

 

Find the link to the original studies here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27680324

https://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/abs/10.1176/appi.ajp.2017.17060616