Hormonal birth control releases hormones into the body that work by adjusting your body’s natural levels of sex hormones estrogen and progestin, or by combining both, to prevent pregnancy. In addition, the higher level of hormone thickens the cervical mucus which makes it harder for sperm to penetrate the cervix. The added hormones also thins the lining of the uterine wall to reduce the chances of implantation of a fertilized egg. 

Types

• There are different types of hormonal birth controls. 
• Oral contraceptive pills
• Hormonal IUDs
• Injections
• Implants
• Patches
• Vaginal rings
• Emergency contraception

Physical Effects

Hormonal birth control can cause physical changes such as nausea, breast tenderness, weight gain, headaches, spotting, acne, increased or decreased appetite, and more. They can also have long-term side effects like heart attacks, high blood pressure, dizziness & fainting, abdominal discomfort, bloating, and pain.

For more information on the different types of hormonal birth control and their physical effects, please visit: https://www.letenaethiopia.com/fact-sheet/contraceptives/ 

Mental Effects

When compared to non-users, hormonal contraceptive users experience higher levels of mood swings such as: 

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Neurotic symptoms
• Sexual troubles
• Compulsion
• Anger
• Changes in sleeping patterns
• Lower energy 

However, every woman reacts differently to hormonal birth control. Some women experience negative feelings and physical effects, while others don’t notice a difference in how they feel or look. In fact, for some women, it tends to improve their mood and help their skin. Women who don’t want to experience such physical and emotional shifts can take non-hormonal birth control to avoid the toil. 

Other options

There are different types of birth control: hormonal or non-hormonal. Non-hormonal ones don’t release hormones and won’t affect a woman’s moods or energy.  

Types

These include 

• Barrier methods
• Male and female condoms
• Sponge
• Cervical cap
• Diaphragm
• Spermicide
• Non-hormonal vaginal gel
• Progestin-only contraception
• Pill
• Injection
• Copper IUD
• Implant

For more information on the different types of non-hormonal birth control and their physical effects, please visit: https://www.letenaethiopia.com/fact-sheet/contraceptives/  

It is important that anyone interested in starting birth control should make an appointment with a doctor to get the necessary information.