The Contraceptive Pill- What We Weren’t Told
You’re 16, and suddenly, new blemishes start appearing—ones you’ve never dealt with before. As if secondary school wasn’t already throwing enough curveballs your way, now you’ve got big, red breakouts adding to the joy of adolescence. In desperation, you rush to the nearest pharmacy and grab a tub of Clean & Clear or St. Ives… (don’t worry, we’ve all been there). But instead of fixing things, your skin feels even worse—more irritated, more inflamed, and more frustrating than ever.
In enters - The Pill. Hoorah - a quick solution to give you the clear skin you have been dreaming of. This is exactly what you have been looking for- a quick solution - now you can focus on all the other teeanage drama with acne free skin. It's as easy as that. Or is it ?
I genuinely feel that the Pill has been an incredible tool for women since it was introduced in 1961 - offering women a choice when it came to childbearing - they were given more power over their bodies. This in itself was a huge step forward for more independence when it came to woman's choices. I, myself went on the pill for ten years - it provided me with a safety net for not becoming pregnant before I was ready.
What baffles me is the fact that the contraceptive pill is still prescribed to women of all ages for many issues aside from preventing pregnancy - one mainly being acne or blemish prone skin. It's the first go to for GP's all across the globe. Trouble with your Skin ? Go on the Pill. Struggling with PMS ? Go on the Pill. Heavy Periods ? Go on The Pill. You get the message.
What happens when you come off the Pill ? What do you do then ? We have become so accustomed to throwing a quick fix solution at everything - we are missing the core reason why these issues may be occurring in the first place. Are you meant to stay on the Pill forever ? What happens when you want to start making a family ? Or quite simply you just don't want to take the pill any more ?
Let's have a look at some of the side effects that the Pill will have in our bodies -
What bothers me most is how rarely the side effects are actually discussed with us. I know they certainly weren’t mentioned to me back in 2008. Let's discuss some of the common side effects linked to the contraceptive pill:
GUT HEALTH
Your gut is a very delicate eco system of micro organisms that support the bodies functions in a variety of ways. The stress in our lives, the food we eat, and the medicine we take - including oral contraceptives - can all alter the state of our microbiomes.
If there is any alteration of the delicate eco system in our gut it can lead to bloating, IBS, mental fog, diarrhea, indigestion, acid reflux among other gut health issues.
You can support your gut health while being on the Pill by using foods that are rich in prebiotic and probiotic ingredients.
Foods that are rich in in these PreBiotics are :
Chicory Root , Asparagus, Leeks, Banannas, Leeks, Onions, Jerusalem Artichoke, Dandelion Greens and Garlic
Foods Rich in Probiotics are :
Yogurt, Kefir, Saurkrout, Tempeh, Kombucha , fermented foods, miso.
MOOD SWINGS
A change in your estrogen and progesterone levels can effect your brain function and can increase anxiety & depression. The synthetic hormones can affect neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, leading to mood swings, anxiety, and depression. Some women feel "flat" or disconnected emotionally.
DECREASED LIBIDO
Ironically - your libido may decrease so essentially you have accidentally double down on your efforts to not become pregnant ! Synthetic hormones override your natural ovulation cycle which not only impact your overall hormone balance but essentially flatlines the time of month when you are feeling most attractive and well - to put more delicately - up for some fun in the bedroom !
MINIMISED NUTRIENT ABSORBTION
The pill is known to deplete vitamins B6, B12, folate, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin C, all of which are crucial for hormone health, energy, and skin.
Common Nutrients Depleted by the Pill
B Vitamins (B2, B6, B12, Folate): Essential for energy, detoxification, mood, and hormone regulation. Deficiencies can contribute to fatigue, poor skin health, and mood swings.
Magnesium: Important for muscle relaxation, stress response, and hormonal balance. Low levels can lead to headaches, anxiety, and PMS symptoms.
Zinc: Vital for immune function, skin health, and wound healing. Deficiency may contribute to acne, hair loss, and weakened immunity.
Vitamin C: Important for collagen production, skin health, and immunity. The pill can reduce circulating vitamin C levels.
Vitamin E: An antioxidant that protects skin and cells from oxidative stress.
Selenium: Supports thyroid function and protects against oxidative damage.
CoQ10: A key player in cellular energy production and skin health. Depletion can contribute to fatigue and premature aging.
TRIGGERS POST PILL ACNE
It is very common to be put on the pill for acne or blemish prone skin - but what happens when you come off the pill? It is common approximately 6 months post coming odd the pill as the body rebounds suppressed androgens. Many woman battle with this as they just don't have the tools to manage their skin. So what is the best solution here ? Panic and go back on the pill. I have heard this many times over the years - does this sound familiar to you ?
LIVER BURDEN
The liver plays a crucial role in detoxifying the body, metabolising hormones, processing nutrients, and breaking down toxins. When you take the contraceptive pill, the synthetic hormones it contains—mainly estrogen and progestins—need to be processed by the liver. This extra hormonal load can impact the liver's detox capacity in several ways.
Other known Side Effects
Other impacts on the body can include : Candida overgrowth, suppresses natural hormone production, increases risk of gallbladder issues, increase risk of gallbladder and stroke, thinning of cervical mucus, can mask underlying conditions.
This article hasn’t been created to demonise the Contraceptive Pill—far from it. Every woman’s body, lifestyle, and health journey are unique, and for many, the pill is a necessary or beneficial choice. My goal is simply to ensure that women have access to the full picture—because when we understand how something affects our bodies, we can make more empowered, informed decisions.
Whether you’re currently on the pill or thinking about coming off it, there are ways to support your body through the changes. Prioritising key nutrients, maintaining gut health, and balancing hormones naturally can make a huge difference in how you feel. Simple steps like focusing on nutrient-dense foods, managing stress, and working with someone who understands the complexities of female health can help you navigate this journey with confidence.
Women deserve knowledge, options, and support when it comes to their hormonal health—and that starts with having open, honest conversations.
With Love,
Éasa x