How does birth control affect acid reflux. What are the risks of long-term PPI use. Can estrogen dominance cause GERD. How to manage heartburn symptoms while on birth control. What natural remedies can help with acid reflux.

The Connection Between Birth Control and Heartburn

Many women experience heartburn as a side effect of hormonal birth control. But why does this happen? Research has shown a significant link between oral contraceptives and the development of acid reflux symptoms. Let’s explore the mechanisms behind this connection and what it means for women’s health.

Estrogen Dominance and Acid Reflux

Hormonal birth control can create an “estrogen dominant” state in the body. This excess estrogen has several effects that can contribute to heartburn:

• Relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to flow back up the esophagus
• Increased risk of weight gain, which is a risk factor for acid reflux
• Potential thyroid issues that may lead to low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria)

Is estrogen the sole culprit in birth control-related heartburn? While it plays a significant role, the interplay between hormones, weight, and digestive function is complex. Understanding these connections can help women make informed decisions about their health.

The Risks of Long-Term PPI Use for Birth Control Heartburn

When faced with persistent heartburn, many healthcare providers prescribe proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). However, long-term use of these medications can come with serious risks:

1. Anemia
2. Osteoporosis
3. Increased risk of C. difficile infections
4. Magnesium and B12 deficiencies
5. Potential increased risk of dementia

Are PPIs always necessary for managing birth control-related heartburn? Not necessarily. While they can provide relief, it’s essential to consider alternative approaches and address the root cause of symptoms when possible.

Natural Remedies for Birth Control Heartburn

For those looking to manage heartburn symptoms without relying solely on medication, several natural remedies may provide relief:

• Apple cider vinegar: A simple intervention that may help balance stomach acid levels
• Dietary changes: Avoiding trigger foods and eating smaller, more frequent meals
• Herbal remedies: Ginger, licorice root, and chamomile may help soothe digestive discomfort
• Probiotics: Supporting gut health can improve overall digestion

Can natural remedies completely replace medication for severe acid reflux? While they can be effective for many people, it’s important to work with a healthcare provider to find the right approach for your individual needs.

Addressing Nutrient Depletions Caused by Birth Control

Hormonal birth control can lead to various nutrient deficiencies, which may exacerbate digestive issues. Key nutrients to consider include:

• B vitamins, especially B6 and B12
• Magnesium
• Zinc
• Selenium
• Vitamin C

How can women replenish these nutrients while on birth control? A combination of dietary changes and targeted supplementation, under the guidance of a healthcare provider, can help address these depletions and support overall health.

The Impact of Birth Control on Digestive Health

Beyond heartburn, hormonal birth control can affect the digestive system in various ways:

• Altered gut microbiome composition
• Changes in bile acid metabolism
• Increased intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”)
• Potential exacerbation of inflammatory bowel conditions

Do these effects mean women should avoid hormonal birth control? Not necessarily. The benefits of birth control often outweigh these potential side effects for many women. However, being aware of these impacts can help individuals make informed decisions and take proactive steps to support their digestive health.

Optimizing Inflammation and Immune Function

Addressing inflammation and supporting immune function can help mitigate some of the negative effects of birth control on digestive health. Strategies to consider include:

• Anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids
• Regular exercise to support overall health and reduce inflammation
• Stress management techniques such as meditation or yoga
• Adequate sleep to support immune function and hormone balance

Can lifestyle changes alone prevent birth control-related digestive issues? While they may not eliminate all side effects, these practices can significantly improve overall health and potentially reduce the severity of symptoms.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Birth Control Heartburn

While some degree of digestive discomfort is common with hormonal birth control, certain symptoms warrant medical attention:

• Severe or persistent heartburn that doesn’t respond to lifestyle changes or over-the-counter remedies
• Difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing
• Unexplained weight loss
• Chest pain or pressure (which could indicate a more serious condition)
• Vomiting blood or passing black, tarry stools

Should women immediately discontinue birth control if they experience these symptoms? It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to medication. They can help determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment options.

The Importance of Informed Consent and Education

Empowering women through education about the potential side effects of birth control is crucial. This knowledge allows individuals to:

• Make informed decisions about their contraceptive choices
• Recognize and address side effects early
• Advocate for their health and explore alternative options when necessary
• Take proactive steps to support their overall well-being while using birth control

How can healthcare providers improve informed consent for birth control prescriptions? Open communication, comprehensive education materials, and regular follow-up appointments can help ensure women have the information they need to make the best decisions for their health.

Alternative Birth Control Options for Those with Persistent Heartburn

For women experiencing severe or persistent heartburn on hormonal birth control, alternative options may be worth considering:

• Non-hormonal methods such as copper IUDs or barrier methods
• Lower-dose hormonal options that may have less impact on digestive function
• Progestin-only methods that don’t contain estrogen
• Natural family planning methods for those comfortable with a higher level of user involvement

Are these alternatives equally effective as hormonal birth control? Efficacy rates vary, and it’s essential to discuss the pros and cons of each method with a healthcare provider to find the best fit for individual needs and preferences.

The Role of Individualized Care

Every woman’s body responds differently to hormonal birth control. Factors that can influence the likelihood and severity of side effects include:

• Genetic predisposition to certain health conditions
• Pre-existing digestive issues
• Overall health and lifestyle factors
• Age and hormonal status

How can healthcare providers offer more personalized care for birth control users? Comprehensive health assessments, genetic testing when appropriate, and regular monitoring can help tailor treatment plans to individual needs and minimize side effects.

The Future of Birth Control and Digestive Health Research

As our understanding of the complex relationship between hormones and digestive health grows, new avenues for research and treatment are emerging:

• Development of birth control formulations with fewer digestive side effects
• Improved diagnostic tools to identify individuals at higher risk for complications
• Targeted probiotic therapies to support gut health in birth control users
• Integration of functional medicine approaches in conventional gynecological care

What can women do to stay informed about new developments in this field? Regularly consulting with healthcare providers, staying up-to-date with reputable health news sources, and participating in clinical research when possible can help advance our understanding and improve care for future generations.

The Importance of Holistic Health Approaches

Addressing birth control-related heartburn and other digestive issues often requires a holistic approach that considers various aspects of health:

• Hormonal balance
• Nutritional status
• Stress levels and mental health
• Physical activity and body composition
• Environmental factors and toxin exposure

How can women incorporate holistic health practices into their daily lives? Small, consistent changes in diet, exercise, stress management, and self-care can have a significant cumulative effect on overall health and may help mitigate some of the side effects associated with birth control use.

Empowering Women Through Knowledge and Choice

The decision to use hormonal birth control is a personal one that should be made with full awareness of potential benefits and risks. By understanding the link between birth control and digestive health, women can:

• Take proactive steps to support their overall well-being
• Recognize and address side effects early
• Make informed decisions about their contraceptive choices
• Advocate for comprehensive care and personalized treatment plans

How can society better support women’s reproductive and digestive health? Continued research, improved education, and a healthcare system that prioritizes women’s overall well-being are crucial steps toward empowering women to make the best choices for their bodies and lives.

The Role of Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustment

Managing birth control-related heartburn and other side effects often requires ongoing attention and adjustment. Regular check-ins with healthcare providers can help:

• Assess the effectiveness of current management strategies
• Identify any new or worsening symptoms
• Adjust treatment plans as needed
• Explore alternative options if current methods are unsatisfactory

How often should women on birth control have their digestive health evaluated? While individual needs may vary, annual check-ups and prompt attention to new or worsening symptoms are generally recommended to ensure optimal health and well-being.

Balancing Contraceptive Needs with Overall Health

Finding the right balance between effective contraception and maintaining optimal health can be challenging. Factors to consider include:

• Individual health history and risk factors
• Lifestyle and personal preferences
• Severity and impact of side effects
• Long-term health goals

How can women navigate these complex decisions? Open communication with healthcare providers, seeking second opinions when necessary, and staying informed about available options can help women make choices that align with their overall health and life goals.

The Importance of Support Systems

Dealing with birth control side effects can be challenging, and having a strong support system can make a significant difference. Sources of support may include:

• Healthcare providers who listen and address concerns
• Friends and family who offer understanding and encouragement
• Support groups or online communities for women experiencing similar issues
• Mental health professionals to address any emotional impact of ongoing health concerns

How can women build and maintain effective support systems? Being open about their experiences, seeking out supportive communities, and prioritizing relationships with understanding healthcare providers can help create a network of support for navigating birth control-related health challenges.

Acid Reflex and PPI’s — Dr. Molly Sears, ND

Once again-I am all for the use of Birth Control, it is empowering. I am also all for the use of adequate Informed consent about the use of the birth control and I love empowering women through education surrounding the use of the birth control. This week I will be sharing a series about the reality of the Pill and PolyPharm (;the use of multiple medications to address side effects of previously prescribed medications.)

Women on the birth control are SIGNIFICANTLY more likely to be prescribed multiple drugs after starting Hormonal Birth Control:

Used to manage

• Acid reflex

• GERD

• Heartburn

The Facts

• According to the authors of a 2007 study in the “Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology,” a relationship has been found between the use of oral contraceptives and the development of acid reflux.

• Long term use of PPI’s can put you as risk of Anemia, Osteoporosis, C. Diff infections, Magnesium and B12 deficiencies, and Dementia.

Developing Heartburn, GERD, and Acid Reflex while on the Pill: The connection

• Hormonal birth control can cause an “estrogen dominant” state within the body. This excess estrogen relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing regurgitation up the esophagus

• An Increase in Estrogen predisposes you to obesity and vice versa. Both being overweight and this state of estrogen excess caused by the pill concurrently increases your risk for developing Acid reflex.

• Thyroid issues that arise on the pill can contribute to hypochlorydia (low stomach acid) and most acid reflex is caused by low amounts of stomach acid

Final thoughts:

Does this mean you need to come off the birth control? Again, maybe- but probably not, it is your choice. I am writing this to create a space where women can educate themselves and empower them to know what side effects there are, what it can lead to, and how awareness can help them avoid falling into the cycle of poly pharm. With my patients on hormonal birth control we work to specifically ensure that we are replenishing the nutrient depletions, supporting our immune system, and optimizing our inflammation in our body to prevent these negative processes from occurring. For low stomach acid and heartburn symptoms clinically we try a simple intervention with Apple Cider Vinegar to manage this symptom. Sometimes this is enough and sometimes your body requires additional digestive support and repair.

Resources:

Heidelbaugh JJ, Kim AH, Chang R, Walker PC. Overutilization of proton-pump inhibitors: what the clinician needs to know. Ther Adv Gastroenterol. 2012;5(4):219-232.

Schoenfeld AJ, Grady D. Adverse effects associated with proton pump inhibitors. JAMA Intern Med. 2016;176(2):172-174.

Molly SearsNovember 5, 2019

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Postmenopausal hormone therapy as a risk factor for gastroesophageal reflux symptoms among female twins

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“Birth control pills have made my life a nightmare”

January 13, 2017

Millions of women take birth control pills, and many are quite happy. However, there are times when these pills have a detrimental effect on the psyche.

Vicki Spratt, Associate Editor of The Debrief, tells how she battled depression, anxiety and panic attacks for years while trying to find the right medication.

How it all started o

My mother and I came to my local doctor with a complaint that my periods had not ended for three weeks. She recommended birth control pills for me – with some reservations, of course. Pills do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, the doctor stressed, and unprotected sex can lead to the development of cervical cancer. She was forced to say this, although I was only 14 years old, and I thought about sex last.

Image copyright VICKY SPRATT

The nurse filled out the prescription and I ended up with a three month supply of oral contraceptives. Going to the pharmacy for green blisters with tiny yellow pills I took as a kind of rite of passage into women. These were not just pills, but a sweetened concentrate of feminism, the struggle for women’s rights, medical progress.

That’s how it all started. It was 14 years ago, and since then I have been “playing drug roulette” for more than ten years, testing various drugs on myself with varying success. At the same time, I began to experience anxiety, depression, and mood swings that, with minor interruptions, haunted me all my adult life.

I had several failed romances and had to miss a year of university. All this I attributed to my shortcomings. Like, such a person I am: unadapted to life, insecure, unhappy. It wasn’t until my 20s, when I had already graduated from university and my mental and behavioral problems could no longer be attributed to “difficult adolescence”, that I first seriously thought about the side effects of pills.

Image copyright BSIP/Getty

Types of birth control pills

There are two main types of birth control pills: combination pills, which contain estrogen and progestin (a synthetic form of progesterone), and “pure progestin pills” or “mini pills,” which contain only one hormone (progestin).

• Combination tablets are available under many different names. They differ in dosage and ratio of estrogen and progestin.
• Progestin tablets also vary depending on the combination of norethisterone or desogestrel in their composition.
• Many women experience individual intolerance to certain components of hormonal contraceptives.

One day after another panic attack and as a result of a sleepless night, I sat down at the computer and started looking for information on Google. The day before, I switched to new progestin contraceptives, which I was prescribed because of a migraine. As it turned out, combination pills are contraindicated for those who suffer from migraine with aura.

I typed in the name of my drug and the words “depression” and “anxiety”. The Internet immediately showed me forum threads and posts by bloggers who were suffering from the same symptoms as me.

By that time, I had already gone to my local doctor several times complaining of sudden and powerful panic attacks – this had never happened before. The topic of contraceptives never came up in the conversation, despite the fact that the attacks occurred simultaneously with the transition to new pills. Instead, I was prescribed a large dose of beta-blockers – drugs that treat anxiety – and advised to take a course of cognitive-behavioral therapy.

So I lived for about six or eight months. I can’t say for sure, because this period in my memory is very blurred and accelerated, because the feeling of anxiety and danger was constantly pulsing in my veins.

Photo credit, BSIP/Getty

Learn more

The Debrief conducted a survey of 1022 readers aged 18 to 30:

• 93% of respondents were taking birth control intravenous tablets at or before the interview .
• Of these, 45% suffered from anxiety, the other 45% from depression.
• 46% said the pills reduced their sex drive.
• 58% believe the pills have had a negative impact on their mental health.
• 4% speak of the positive effect of the tablets.

I would like to laugh when I think about it. This is how all good stories should end, right? But there was nothing funny about what I went through. It was horror. I felt fear all the time. I did not recognize myself, did not love and could not live in peace. I didn’t know what to do, who to turn to and whether this would end. In addition to anxiety, I was seized by apathy. I felt like a complete mediocrity and blamed only myself for what was happening.

Thinking I was crazy, I told my doctor that I “felt like I’m not myself, but someone else,” as if my brain had become moldy and shrunken.

“Don’t you think it has something to do with my pills?” I asked. I remember the expression on her face: she was trying to keep a neutral look, but she could hardly contain her sarcasm. I explained that six of the seven types of pills I was taking had a negative effect on my well-being. The only exception was high estrogen pills, which made me feel like a superwoman for a year until they were discontinued (partly due to migraines, partly because long-term use of this drug increases the risk of thrombosis).

Having mastered herself, the doctor said categorically “no”: my problems are not related to pills.

However, I didn’t listen to her or my therapist and stopped taking progestin pills.

What happened next, I can only call a gradual and careful return of my “I”. After three to four weeks, I stopped taking beta-blockers. To this day, I always carry them with me in my purse in case I fall “off the high rock of my consciousness” again. However, for three and a half years they were never needed.

Of course, my problems didn’t disappear overnight, but the panic attacks stopped. None have happened over the years. From time to time I experience depression, anxiety and stress, but not to the extent that when I took the progestin pills. I remembered what joy is. My sex drive has returned. I stopped being afraid of everyone and everyone.

A year after the panic attacks stopped, I went on a solo trip to the other side of the world. A year earlier, this would have been unthinkable. Sitting on a distant tropical beach under a warm thunderstorm, I suddenly burst into tears of joy. What a relief it was that I became myself again, that I can control my thoughts, that I was not mistaken – I really know myself better than the doctors assured me.

I am now 28 years old and no longer take hormonal contraceptives. With the exception of mild mood swings during the day before my period, I was completely free from anxiety, depression, and panic attacks.

Image copyright VICKY SPRATT

Ever since I lost myself on progestin pills and found myself again on a South Asian beach, my problem has gradually begun to attract more and more attention. In 2013, Holly Grigg Spall’s book Sweetening The Pill was published, in which the author stated the impact of hormonal contraception on women’s mental health.

In addition, an important study was conducted: Professor Øyvind Lidegaard from the University of Copenhagen found that women who take birth control pills (both combined and progestin) are more likely to be prescribed antidepressants than others. This difference was especially noticeable among young women aged 15-19 who took the combination pill.

Lidegaard was able to carry out this study because he was given access to the health records of over a million Danish women aged 15 to 34.

After reading about this study, I sent an information request to the National Health Service. As a journalist for The Debrief, I knew that many British women also suffer from such effects of pills – our readers complained to us almost daily. I asked how many women take birth control pills along with antidepressants or beta-blockers. I was told that their system does not yet allow sampling of this data.

Pills and depression

Here is what Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, President of the Royal College of Physicians says:

“Hormones have been proven to affect mood – both positively and negatively. For most women, reliable contraception and regulation of the menstrual cycle are undeniable the benefits outweigh the side effects, if any. In addition, many women claim that hormonal drugs improve their mood.

If a woman thinks that contraceptives are negatively affecting her mood, she should see a doctor. ”

Depression is now considered a possible but rare side effect of hormonal contraceptives, according to the instructions that come with the pills. The National Health Service website refers to “mood swings” without directly naming depression, anxiety, or panic attacks.

You don’t have to give up pills, but you don’t have to put up with the negative side effects that keep us from living. We need information to make a choice. We need more thorough research on the effect of hormonal contraceptives on the female psyche, monitoring the reaction of patients, more support for those who suffer from serious side effects. Women should not feel ignored or not taken seriously.

Vicki Spratt is Associate Editor of The Debrief, website for women in their 20s and 30s. Now this site publishes a series of materials “ Mad About The Pill “.

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Anti-drug pills

Regardless of the name of the drug, practically all anti-drug pills are taken according to one principle. The stench ignores ovulation, zapobigayuchi themselves attaching the zaplodne ova to the mucosal surface of the uterus.

Antiseptic drugs can be seen:

• lower implants;
• injectables;
• min-drank;
• estrogen-progestin combination drugs;
• hormonal packs for vaginal congestion;
• hormonal preparations;
• postcoital medications;
• contraceptive plasters.

You can buy anti-inflammatory tablets not only for the prevention of non-emergency vaginess, but also for:

Types of oral contraceptives

Oral contraceptives, the price of which is available in our online pharmacy, show different effects on the reproductive organs:

• to attach a frozen egg;
• block the onset of the ovulation process;
• reduce the friability of spermatozoa due to the increase in the viscosity of the mucus;
• add to the life of spermatozoa.

Oral contraceptives are recommended for the quantity and amount of hormones and are supplemented with combinations and one-component (gestagenic).

Distinguished by number of hormones:

• low dose preparations – recommended for patients of reproductive age;
• microdosing – to prescribe on the very cob of state maturity to women up to 25 years of age;
• high-dose – zastosovuyutsya when the balance of state hormones is disturbed, due to pathology or century-old changes.

Emergency high-dose oral contraceptives and buy to lie down with different mechanical barriers or if they are damaged. Enter them next no later than 72 years after the act and not more often than three times on the river. Such disposable drugs for emergency help block the onset of ovulation and cause bleeding, similar to menstruation.

Antizaplide pills – list 040

Hormonal contraceptives

Classified hormonal contraceptives per:

• gestagenic – avoid synthetic analogues of progestin;
• combinations – include both types of female hormones: analogues of progestin and estrogen.

Combinations of preparations for which can be single-phase, if the dosing and hormonal levels are not changed by the prolongation of the last cycle, two- and three-phase, which mimic the equalization of hormones in the daily cycle. You can also look at prostatitis with us.

Biphasic preparations at the same time are practically not vicarious for contraception. It is important to prescribe them to summer women for the relief of menopausal symptoms.

Triphasic people also step by step: they don’t give any significant advantage over monophasic people and they show much more respect when taking them.

In general, it is obvious that the lower the concentration of hormones, and the lower the injection of the drug into the body, the doctors recommend hormonal microdosing tablets to healthy women.

If you want to buy hormonal contraceptives, it is necessary to buy not insoles for contraception, but also to improve the balance of hormones, the drug can give you a preparation with a higher concentration of hormones.