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Synthetic hormones like the pill can diminish key vitamins and nutrients in the body, so it’s important to replenish what you have lost.
Over three million women in the UK regularly take oestrogen-containing medications such as the contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The contraceptive pill is a form of medication that contains synthetic hormones including a combination of oestrogen and progestogen.
Whilst the pill can be an effective way of avoiding unwanted pregnancies, and HRT can be an effective way of minimising uncomfortable symptoms associated with the menopause, synthetic hormone medications can cause our bodies to lack certain vital nutrients.
When nutrients start to become imbalanced, the knock-on health effects can be widespread, so it’s important to understand which ones you are most at risk of so you can take steps to bring them back into balance.
The Effects of the Contraceptive Pill on Hormones
The main function of the contraceptive pill is of course to be a form of birth control, however, the pill can also be used to treat other health concerns such as menstrual relief and skin conditions. However, as with many medications, there are several potential side effects – especially related to your hormones.
One issue with synthetic hormone medications such as the contraceptive pill is that they can leave you deficient in certain nutrients. Two of the main nutrients which can be depleted through the use of contraceptive pills are zinc and B vitamins, and it’s essential that women who are taking the pill are able to replenish these vital nutrients.
The Role of Zinc
Zinc has a variety of roles within the body, and it is a vital nutrient for many bodily functions. One of its major functions is helping the immune system defend against harmful bacteria and viruses. In addition to this, zinc also plays an important role in enabling the production of protein and DNA in the body.
The specific benefits of zinc include its importance in the protection of skin and the reduction of acne. More specifically for women, zinc can help reduce pains associated with periods by reducing inflammation and help combat vaginal dryness. Zinc can also be an important nutrient for collagen formation as well as combatting other symptoms often associated with the menopause.
Zinc deficiencies can be more common within women, and this is often down to synthetic hormone medications such as the contraceptive pill. Many women choose to use supplements such as Cleanmarine V-good, which helps to maintain the necessary level of zinc along with other essential vitamins in the body; One Nutrition Revive & Go is also a great option containing 10mg of Zinc.
The Role of B Vitamins
B vitamins make up an essential group of nutrients that play many different roles in the body. The importance of B vitamins can’t be understated as they help to support your metabolism whilst also contributing to the body’s ability to produce and energy.
Deficiencies in B vitamins can often be more common in women and a lack of B vitamins is often a side effect of taking synthetic hormones. This is why it’s important that women are able to replace any lost vital nutrients and many people choose to use supplements such as Cleanmarine For Women or Menomin, which contains a combination of omega-3 with B vitamins and other important vitamins.
Replenishing your B vitamin levels can help to support multiple bodily functions including the growth of red blood cells, regulating healthy digestion, maintaining an appetite, supporting good eyesight and proper nerve function. Because of the important varied role B vitamins play, it’s essential that you have the necessary amount of them in your body. If you are taking the contraceptive pill or other medications that can affect your levels, it’s important that you keep on top of your B vitamin intake.
