Birth control has always been a hot topic, and now TikTok influencers are stirring up the conversation even more. With the platform’s huge reach, they’ve sparked heated debates about the long-term effects of hormonal birth control. It’s got people wondering what’s actually true and what’s just trending.
There are several types of hormonal birth control methods, including the implant, intrauterine device, injections, pills, vaginal rings, and skin patches. Birth control pills, often dubbed “the pill,” are most commonly associated with preventing pregnancy, but they can also help with menstrual symptoms like irregular periods, premenstrual syndrome, endometriosis, and others. Most birth control pills contain synthetic estrogen and progestin, a synthetic form of the natural hormone progesterone, which mimic the hormones in your body. Once you take the pill, these synthetic hormones reach your brain and act as endocrine disruptors, causing the production of natural hormones to turn off, preventing ovulation, and thinning the uterine lining.
Planned Parenthood says the pill is about 93% effective in real life, which means about 7 out of every 100 women using the pill might get pregnant each year. Like with any other medication, hormonal birth control may have a range of side effects. Common side effects include nausea, weight gain, mood changes, migraines, and breast tenderness. Some people may experience changes in their menstrual cycle, such as irregular spotting or missed periods. More serious side effects include increased risk of blood clots, hypertension, or heart issues, particularly among smokers or those with a history of cardiovascular problems.
Birth control pills can also affect your brain and mental well-being. To feel happy and healthy, it’s important to have balanced hormones, which natural hormones achieve by binding specifically to their respective receptors without cross-reactivity. Synthetic hormones like progestins can bind to multiple receptors, potentially causing hormonal imbalances and side effects, as seen with some birth control pills. A study in 2019 showed women on the pill have a hypothalamus that’s about 6% smaller than those who don’t take it. Danish scientists found women on the pill are 23% more likely to start using antidepressants, and 16% to 56% report feeling depressed because their serotonin levels drop. These pills can also raise your cortisol and lower testosterone, which can impact sexual and mental health over time. A UK study published in 2023 shows both progestogen-only and combination contraceptives may increase the risk of breast cancer by 20 to 30 percent for current or recent users. Depo-Provera, a Pfizer contraceptive injection, may increase brain tumor risk, and Pfizer is being sued for not warning users. Although it’s been FDA-approved for more than 30 years, the U.S. label doesn’t mention this risk, unlike the European Union and UK labels, and the lawsuit cites a 2024 British Medical Journal study supporting these claims. Several similar lawsuits have been filed recently in California and Indiana.
What happens when you decide to stop taking the pill? It might not be as straightforward as you’d expect. Some women notice mood swings, anxiety, and even depression after stopping hormonal birth control — what’s often called “post-birth control syndrome“. If you’re using the pill to manage irregular periods or conditions like endometriosis, remember that it’s just a temporary fix. Once you stop, those issues might come back. If you’ve been on the pill for a while, it might take a few months for your hormones to balance out again, and hormone supplements might be beneficial during this time. If staying on the pill is your best option, ask your doctor about natural progesterone or testosterone to help you feel your best. Whatever symptoms you run into, open communication with your healthcare provider is key. They can help you figure out whether you need a different type or brand of birth control or perhaps a non-hormonal option altogether.
Choosing the right birth control can be challenging, but knowing the effects and potential side effects can guide you to the best option for your needs. It’s important to remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution — what works for one person may not be right for you. Whatever you decide, just make sure your health and well-being come first.
