Doctor warns women on birth control to watch for signs of 'hidden' serious health condition
Women are being warned that their birth control method may be ‘masking’ symptoms of a serious health condition, or even making autoimmune issues worse.
There are a vast amount of contraception methods available to people who live in the UK, including vaginal rings, contraceptive patches, diaphragms, and caps, among others.
In 2022, it was estimated that a whopping 77.5 percent of people worldwide who could bear children were using a modern, hormonal contraceptive method.
Two years earlier, 28 percent of British-based females marked the birth control pill as their main method of contraception.
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However, if you’re someone who has religiously been using hormonal birth control for some time, then listen up: you could be suffering from a health issue that affects up to 10 percent of the population (via British Thyroid Association) without even being aware of it.
The condition is called hypothyroidism, and here’s everything you need to know.
What is hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism, more commonly known as underactive thyroid disease, happens when your thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone.
The common condition may not be noticeable in its early stages. However, if it isn’t treated, then over time it can lead to other serious health issues, such as high cholesterol and heart problems.
According to a paper published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), hypothyroidism is associated with an excess mortality of around 50 percent if left untreated.
What are the symptoms associated with hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism symptoms include feeling abnormally cold, having a slower-than-usual heart rate, fatigue, and unexplained weight gain.
Feeling depressed, suffering from dry skin and coarse hair, as well as experiencing heavy menstrual periods, are all indicators that your thyroid isn’t functioning as it should.
It should be noted that many of these symptoms are signs of other medical conditions and stages of life, making it difficult to know whether your symptoms are related or are something else entirely, as per the Cleveland Clinic.
How does birth control impact hypothyroidism?
People who have been taking hormonal birth control for some time may run the risk of masking thyroid symptoms or worsening autoimmune thyroid issues, according to experts.
In a 2012 study, researchers found there was a slightly higher chance of developing hypothyroidism if the patient had been using hormonal birth control for more than 10 years.
Meanwhile, experts at Verywellhealth, including nurse Brandi Jones and Doctor of Medicine Sanaz Ghazal, state that estrogen found in most hormonal birth control can actually alter how thyroid hormones are made, used, and converted.
Estrogen also increases thyroid-binding globulins (TBG), preventing thyroid hormones from freely circulating in your blood. It can also influence iodine uptake.
According to the medical professionals, this is significant because iodine deficiency is the leading cause of hypothyroidism.
Unfortunately, there aren’t a great deal of studies dedicated to discovering how birth control masks or negatively impacts thyroid symptoms, with some evidence contradicting previous findings.
How long can you use birth control continuously for?
According to NHS England, it’s safe to take any form of contraception indefinitely, provided that a licensed medical professional has given you the all clear.
It’s advised that you discuss your individual health concerns with your doctor, who may advise you to avoid using certain types of birth control.
If your contraception isn’t working for you, speak to an expert who will help you change pills until you find one that works for you.
Topics: Health, Women's Health, Periods
Ella Scott