What is the oral contraceptive pill and common nutrient deficiencies it causes 

What is the Oral Contraceptive Pill?

 The oral contraceptive pill is a combination of synthetic oestrogen and progesterone. Most women begin taking the pill at a young age due to issues with their menstrual cycle and stay on it for duration of many years. These common problems include heavy, painful and/or loss periods, acne, anaemia, PCOS and endometriosis. The issue with this is the pill just supresses or ‘masks’ these issues rather than helping heal the root cause and therefore these issues tend to return, usually 10x worse, after coming off the pill. This is most commonly seen with acne clients.  

 The oral contraceptive pill is similar to the depo provera shot and implanon in terms of synthetic hormones and effects. As synthetic hormones are constantly circulating the body it can cause havoc on our natural hormones. Long term use of hormonal contraception can cause a large imbalance in our natural hormones, commonly presenting as oestrogen dominance, high androgens and low progesterone which contribute to further chronic conditions. 

 Unfortunately, the pill can also cause nutrient depletions which can contribute to the development of issues which present in a variety of clinical manifestations such as low mood, anxiety and loss of libido. Hormonal contraception is also evidently known to wipe out good bacteria in our gut resulting in numerous gastrointestinal issues such as gut dysbiosis. 

 How it effects your cycle?

 A normal natural menstrual cycle should be between 25 – 35 days with a 4 -7-day bleed. The oral contraceptive pill mimics this cycle making women believe they are having a normal cycle. The pill prevents the egg from being released therefore women on the pill do not ovulate. This is one of the most common myths associated with the pill. The bleed on the pill is called a withdrawal pill, which is essentially a fake period which happens in response to decrease in hormones. Natural ovulation is important to regulate natural hormones and prevent development of chronic conditions.  

Common nutrient depletions 

As mentioned previously the pill can cause many nutrient depletions in the body which may contribute to the development of many issues. Some of these common nutrients which are depleted include;

• Magnesium

  • Powerhouse of nutrients, this is crucial for all systems and required for the function of over 300 enzymes! Some functions of magnesium include; Providing energy, helping maintain mood, digestive function, stabilising blood sugar levels, production of hormones and neurotransmitters and activation of other nutrients.
  • Food sources = pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate, quinoa and cashews.
     

• B vitamins 

  • B vitamins play an important role in maintaining our nervous system to support mood, brain function and provide energy.  B vitamins are also essential for helping the absorption of other nutrients. 
  • Food sources = almonds, oats and lentils.
     

• Zinc

  • Zinc contributes to numerous processes (over 90 enzymes require zinc) in our body. Some of the roles of zinc include promoting a healthy immune system and responsible for maintain optimum skin health. 
  • Food sources = oysters, lentils, cashews and pumpkin seeds.

• Vitamin C

  • Potent antioxidant in the body which helps reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. Vitamin C is essential for supporting the immune, cardiovascular and nervous system. 
  • Food sources = kiwi fruit, blackberries, capsicum and brussel sprouts.

• Selenium

  • Selenium is most commonly known for its role in supporting a healthy thyroid and contributing to energy production. 
  • Food sources = brazil nuts, couscous and tuna. 

If you have been on the oral contraceptive pill it’s always important to get all your nutrient levels checked annually to make sure you have no nutrient deficiencies. Book in today with one of Pure Health’s nutritionists to look deep into your blood work where we can assess your levels and support you improving them.