Understanding the Effects of Birth Control on Women

Birth control changed the game for women’s health, giving us more control over our bodies, education, finances, and overall life choices. It’s not just about family planning; it can also help manage issues like painful periods, acne, chronic conditions including endometriosis, and menopause. In talking to hundreds of women while developing Ourself, many shared how birth control has improved their health and, in some cases, transformed their lives.

But it’s not all sunshine and roses. Some women experience frustrating side effects, including worsening chronic conditions, headaches, mood changes, depression, and weight gain. In addition, finding the right method can feel like a trial-and-error process. A lot of women have told us they wish they had had more information about their options, including the effects of replacing natural hormones with synthetic ones and potential long-term impacts. We need more research to understand both the short- and long-term effects of birth control so that women aren’t left to figure it all out on their own.

I can relate! In my 20s, I was put on birth control during a routine visit, and the conversation was pretty minimal. It felt like everyone my age was just expected to start using it. I didn’t notice any major side effects—other than my periods stopping, which seemed normal. What birth control did do for me was it allowed me to have children when I wanted and gave me greater control over my life choices. However, I often think back and wish we’d had a more thorough discussion about the risks and all options available. Now that I’m managing a highly hormone-sensitive chronic illness, I have often wondered if my years of birth control use have made me more vulnerable to my current condition.

The good news is that there are now more options available, including non-hormonal methods like diaphragms, cervical caps, and copper IUDs. It’s essential for women to approach these decisions thoughtfully—ask questions, do your research, and really think about what works best for you. Tracking your symptoms can also help you figure out what changes with different methods.

At Ourself, we’re all about providing personalized health insights, especially when it comes to hormones. Our tools let you compare symptoms with your menstrual cycle, ovulation, and medication, helping you spot patterns and make sense of it all. Our extensive section on birth control lets you explore and track different options, so you can make informed choices that fit your needs.

Check out Ourself today to start tracking your health and hormones - and take charge of your well-being!