How does birth control affect acid reflux. What are the risks of long-term PPI use for heartburn. How can women on birth control manage acid reflux symptoms naturally. What is the connection between estrogen and GERD.

The Relationship Between Birth Control and Acid Reflux

Birth control pills are widely used for contraception and managing various hormonal issues. However, research has uncovered a potential link between oral contraceptives and an increased risk of acid reflux symptoms. A 2007 study published in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology found a relationship between oral contraceptive use and the development of acid reflux.

Why does this connection exist? The primary reason lies in the hormonal changes induced by birth control pills:

• Hormonal birth control can create an “estrogen dominant” state in the body
• Excess estrogen relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter
• This relaxation allows stomach acid to regurgitate up the esophagus more easily
• The result is an increased likelihood of experiencing acid reflux symptoms

The Estrogen-GERD Connection: A Closer Look

Understanding the relationship between estrogen and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is crucial for women using hormonal birth control. Here’s a breakdown of the connection:

1. Estrogen dominance: Birth control pills can lead to higher levels of estrogen in the body
2. Sphincter relaxation: Excess estrogen causes the lower esophageal sphincter to relax
3. Acid reflux: The relaxed sphincter allows stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus
4. Weight gain: Increased estrogen can predispose some women to weight gain
5. Compounding effect: Being overweight further increases the risk of acid reflux

How does estrogen affect weight and acid reflux risk?

Estrogen plays a complex role in metabolism and body composition. Higher estrogen levels can lead to:
– Increased fat storage, particularly in the abdominal area
– Changes in insulin sensitivity
– Alterations in appetite regulation

These factors can contribute to weight gain in some women using hormonal birth control. Excess weight, especially around the midsection, puts additional pressure on the stomach and lower esophageal sphincter, further exacerbating acid reflux symptoms.

The Dangers of Long-Term PPI Use for Birth Control-Related Heartburn

Many women experiencing acid reflux symptoms while on birth control turn to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for relief. While these medications can be effective in managing symptoms, long-term use carries significant risks:

• Anemia: PPIs can interfere with iron absorption
• Osteoporosis: Reduced calcium absorption increases fracture risk
• C. difficile infections: PPIs may alter gut bacteria, increasing susceptibility
• Nutrient deficiencies: Magnesium and B12 levels can be affected
• Dementia: Some studies suggest a potential link between long-term PPI use and cognitive decline

Are there safer alternatives to PPIs for managing birth control-related heartburn?

Yes, several natural approaches can help manage acid reflux symptoms without the risks associated with long-term PPI use:
– Dietary modifications (avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals)
– Lifestyle changes (weight management, not lying down after meals)
– Herbal remedies (ginger, chamomile, licorice root)
– Apple cider vinegar: Some find relief by taking a small amount before meals
– Digestive enzymes: These can support optimal digestion and reduce reflux

Thyroid Function, Birth Control, and Acid Reflux: An Overlooked Connection

The relationship between birth control, thyroid function, and acid reflux is complex and often overlooked. Hormonal contraceptives can affect thyroid hormone levels and binding proteins in the body. This interaction may lead to thyroid issues in some women, which in turn can contribute to acid reflux symptoms.

How do thyroid problems contribute to acid reflux?

Thyroid dysfunction, particularly hypothyroidism, can slow digestion and lead to a condition called hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid). Contrary to popular belief, many cases of acid reflux are actually caused by insufficient stomach acid rather than excess acid. Low stomach acid can result in:
– Incomplete digestion of food
– Bacterial overgrowth in the stomach and small intestine
– Increased intra-abdominal pressure
– Relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter

All of these factors can contribute to the development or worsening of acid reflux symptoms.

Natural Approaches to Managing Birth Control-Related Acid Reflux

For women experiencing acid reflux while on birth control, there are several natural strategies that can help manage symptoms without resorting to long-term PPI use:

1. Apple Cider Vinegar: A tablespoon of ACV in water before meals may help increase stomach acid and improve digestion
2. Digestive Enzymes: These supplements can support optimal breakdown of food and reduce reflux
3. Probiotics: Balancing gut bacteria may help reduce reflux symptoms
4. Dietary Changes: Identify and avoid trigger foods, eat smaller meals, and avoid eating close to bedtime
5. Stress Reduction: Practice stress management techniques like meditation or yoga
6. Elevate the Head of the Bed: This can help prevent nighttime reflux
7. Herbal Remedies: Ginger, chamomile, and marshmallow root may soothe the digestive tract

Can lifestyle modifications really make a difference in managing birth control-related acid reflux?

Absolutely. Many women find significant relief from acid reflux symptoms by implementing lifestyle changes such as:
– Maintaining a healthy weight
– Quitting smoking
– Limiting alcohol consumption
– Wearing loose-fitting clothing
– Practicing mindful eating
– Staying upright for at least 3 hours after meals
These modifications, combined with natural remedies and dietary adjustments, can often provide substantial relief without the need for long-term medication use.

Nutrient Depletion: A Hidden Consequence of Birth Control Use

While not directly related to acid reflux, it’s important to address the issue of nutrient depletion associated with hormonal birth control use. Several key nutrients can become depleted over time, potentially contributing to various health issues, including digestive problems.

Which nutrients are most commonly depleted by birth control use?

Research has identified several nutrients that may be affected by long-term use of hormonal contraceptives:
– B vitamins (particularly B6, B12, and folate)
– Vitamin C
– Vitamin E
– Magnesium
– Zinc
– Selenium

These nutrient deficiencies can have wide-ranging effects on health, including:
– Impaired immune function
– Reduced antioxidant capacity
– Alterations in mood and cognitive function
– Disrupted hormone metabolism
– Compromised digestive health

How can women on birth control address nutrient depletion?

To support overall health and potentially reduce the risk of acid reflux and other side effects, women on hormonal birth control may benefit from:
– A high-quality multivitamin tailored for women on birth control
– Additional B-complex supplementation
– Increased intake of nutrient-dense foods
– Regular blood tests to monitor nutrient levels
– Working with a healthcare provider to address any deficiencies

The Importance of Informed Consent and Empowered Decision-Making

While hormonal birth control remains a valuable and empowering option for many women, it’s crucial to approach its use with full awareness of potential side effects and long-term health implications. The goal is not to discourage birth control use but to empower women with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their health.

What steps can women take to make informed decisions about birth control and manage potential side effects?

To take control of your health while using hormonal birth control:
1. Discuss all potential side effects with your healthcare provider before starting
2. Monitor your body for changes and report any new symptoms promptly
3. Consider regular check-ups to assess overall health and nutrient status
4. Explore natural methods for managing side effects like acid reflux
5. Stay informed about the latest research on birth control and women’s health
6. Don’t hesitate to discuss alternative contraceptive methods if side effects persist

Remember, every woman’s body responds differently to hormonal birth control. What works well for one person may not be the best choice for another. By staying informed and proactive, you can make the best decisions for your individual health needs.

Polypharmacy: The Hidden Danger of Managing Birth Control Side Effects

One concerning trend in women’s health is the increasing prevalence of polypharmacy – the use of multiple medications to address side effects of previously prescribed drugs. This pattern is particularly evident among women using hormonal birth control who experience side effects like acid reflux.

Why is polypharmacy a concern for women on birth control?

The risks associated with polypharmacy include:
– Increased likelihood of adverse drug interactions
– Greater potential for medication errors
– Higher healthcare costs
– Reduced quality of life due to managing multiple medications
– Masking of underlying health issues that may require attention

In the case of birth control and acid reflux, a woman might start with oral contraceptives, develop reflux symptoms, and then be prescribed a PPI. If she experiences side effects from the PPI, additional medications might be added to manage those issues, creating a cascade of prescriptions.

How can women avoid falling into the polypharmacy trap?

To minimize the risk of polypharmacy while using birth control:
1. Communicate openly with your healthcare provider about all symptoms and concerns
2. Explore root causes of side effects rather than simply treating symptoms
3. Consider lifestyle modifications and natural remedies as first-line approaches
4. Regularly review all medications with your doctor to ensure they’re still necessary
5. Be proactive about addressing nutrient depletions and supporting overall health
6. Don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion if you’re concerned about your medication regimen

By taking a holistic approach to health and being an active participant in your healthcare decisions, you can reduce the risk of unnecessary medication use and potential complications.

Future Directions: Research and Innovation in Women’s Health

As our understanding of the complex interactions between hormonal birth control, digestive health, and overall well-being continues to evolve, there’s a growing need for innovative approaches to women’s health care. Future research and development in this area may focus on:

• New formulations of hormonal contraceptives with fewer side effects
• Advanced diagnostic tools to predict individual responses to birth control
• Personalized nutrition and supplementation protocols for women on birth control
• Integration of wearable technology to monitor hormonal changes and health markers
• Development of non-hormonal contraceptive options with high efficacy and safety profiles

What role can women play in advancing research and innovation in birth control and women’s health?

Women can contribute to progress in this field by:
– Participating in clinical trials and research studies
– Sharing their experiences with healthcare providers and researchers
– Advocating for increased funding for women’s health research
– Supporting organizations dedicated to advancing women’s health
– Staying informed about new developments and discussing them with their healthcare team

By actively engaging in the ongoing dialogue about birth control, side effects, and overall health, women can help shape the future of contraceptive options and women’s healthcare as a whole.

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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JAZZ

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In the presence of the merchant: 179 pcs

323.60UAH.

Jazz tab in / about No. 28

JAZZ

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Available in stock: 164 units

317UAH.

Divigel gel 0.1% package 1 g №28

DIVIGEL

Dufaston tab i.v. 10mg №14

DUFASTON

0005

482.30 UAH

Dufaston tab i. v. 10mg №20

DUFASTON

Escapel tab 1.5mg No. 1

ESCAPEL

free of charge

Available in stock: 154 pcs

370.70 UAH.

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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.