In part 1 and part 2 of this blog series I explored how the Pill is used for more than just contraception, it’s now commonly prescribed to control a variety of hormonal problems. I shared Angela’s story about developing an unsightly and painful boil every month after taking the Pill. The case studies I have mentioned so far have used homeopathic remedies and nutrition to help detox from artificial hormones, this week I will go into more detail about the benefits of natural therapies and explore different options for contraception.
What is homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a holistic therapy that can help many acute and chronic conditions using natural remedies. The homeopath will consider the whole picture, not just merely the physical symptoms, and prescribe remedies that stimulate your body’s own natural healing mechanisms.
Homeopathy works on the principle that ‘like cures like’. Substances that cause symptoms in healthy people, such as raw onions causing sore, tearful eyes, can be used in safe diluted form to treat illnesses which cause the same symptoms. In this example, extract of raw onion could be used as an ingredient in a remedy to treat hay fever or a cold.
Benefits of homeopathy
Homeopathy focuses on the cause of your health problem, rather than just treating the symptoms. It assists in detoxing the body and can help with the side effects of any past or present medications. Homeopathy is about working with the ‘dis-ease’, rather than against it.
As homeopathic remedies work on the mind and body they can also help relieve tensions, worries and anxiety, it can also restore balance in the body improving sleep and energy levels. The remedies are natural, safe and without side effects and are suitable for all ages, during pregnancy and safe to take alongside conventional medications. They have not been tested on animals.
Using homeopathy to balance your hormones
With all homeopathic consultations the treatment is always individualised. Everyone is different and has different symptoms, even if they have the same health problem. The remedies aim to address the underlying problem in each case, to help restore natural hormonal balance, improve reproductive function, assist the affected organs (e.g. liver, kidneys, skin etc) to work better and encourage elimination of toxins that are being held within the body.
The importance of improving your nutritional intake whilst on the Pill
It is essential to replace the nutrients you are losing as a result of taking artificial hormones. You might like to include more of the following foods in your diet (preferably organic and eating meat in moderation) and consider taking some good quality nutritional supplements:
- Vitamin B6: Fish, poultry, whole grains, potatoes, sweet potatoes.
- Folic acid: Dark green leafy vegetables, dried beans
- Riboflavin: Meat, poultry, fish, dark green leafy vegetables, organ meats, enriched grains and cereals.
- Vitamin C: Citrus fruits and juices, strawberries, cantaloupe, pineapple, broccoli, peppers, brussel sprouts, spinach, cabbage.
- Vitamin A: Green leafy vegetables (spinach, turnip tops, chard, beet greens), green stem vegetables (asparagus, broccoli), yellow vegetables (carrots, sweet potatoes, winter squash), yellow fruits (apricots, peaches).
- Iron: Meat, poultry, fish, whole grain and enriched cereals and cereal products, dried beans and peas, prune juice, deep green leafy vegetables.
- Zinc: Seafood, nuts, whole grains.
Should I take a supplement?
Eating a healthy balanced diet should be first choice. Unfortunately due to modern farming methods, our soils do not contain the same number of vitamins and minerals as they used to so our food has been compromised. Sometimes we need to supplement, especially if the use of artificial hormones is affecting our vitamin and mineral balance.
It’s important to source good quality supplements as most high street stores stock synthetic versions. A good health food shop or your homeopath/nutritionist will be able to point you in the right direction. I tend to use the following brands: Higher Nature, Lamberts, Solgar, Terra Nova and Nature’s Answer.
The following supplements are helpful for supporting hormonal health
Multi: A multivitamin and mineral supplement is a good ‘all rounder’. Take a woman’s multivitamin and mineral formula, preferably one containing vitamin B6, magnesium and calcium.
Vitamin B complex: B vitamins are important for the breakdown of proteins, carbohydrates and fats in the body. B vitamins are also important for energy production, fat burning, digestion and hormone imbalances, including your thyroid gland and metabolism. B vitamins are beneficial for your nervous system and adrenals and can helpful in times of stress. They also help boost energy, and ease anxiety and irritability. They are needed by the liver to convert excess oestrogen into weaker, less dangerous forms
Omega 3 oils: (EPA & DHA) found in oily fish and flaxseeds but also as a supplement are helpful for dry skin, vaginal dryness, fatigue, depression, lack of motivation, weight problems, memory problems, blood sugar imbalances and cellular health. Research has shown that women with low intakes of Omega 3 oils have more painful periods than women who have a good intake.
Evening primrose oil: This can be helpful for breast tenderness, dry skin and vaginal dryness.
I’ve decided to come off the Pill what does it mean if my periods don’t return or I have fertility issues?
The effect of the Pill is to stop ovulation from occurring. When coming off the Pill hormone levels are in such a state of flux trying to re-balance that many women find their normal menstrual cycle does not return. For some women their hormone levels restore enough for them to get their periods back, but still not enough for them to ovulate and they may have no idea that they are not ovulating as they assume that they are if they are having a period.
Another effect the Pill can have on fertility is on the quality of cervical mucus. In order to provide a fertile environment for sperm to pass through and reach the egg, mucus needs to be of a particular consistency in the lead up to ovulation – clear and stretchy like raw egg white.
Long-term use of the Pill can be linked to Candida (yeast infection) which affects the quality of cervical mucus and makes it too acidic, which is hostile to sperm.
I’ve come off the Pill, what other contraceptives should I consider?
Often clients ask me what they should do if they decide to come off the Pill and need another form of contraception. Contraception is a very personal choice. Some of my clients have used homeopathy to detox and support their body, but have decided to continue taking the Pill. Others have chosen to use a hormone free copper IUD but have discovered new problems associated with using the copper coil. Some have gone back to using condoms or are exploring the use of the diaphragm, cervical cap and other barrier methods.
I have one friend who swears by the Honey Cap. The Honey Cap is similar to a regular diaphragm but used in combination with honey, instead of a regular spermicide. More information can be found here.
Natural family planning
Natural family planning works by observing and recording your body’s different natural signs or fertility indicators on each day of your menstrual cycle. The main fertility indicators are:
- body temperature
- cervical secretions (cervical mucous)
- length of the menstrual cycle.
Changes in these fertility indicators can help you to identify your fertile time. You can also use fertility monitoring devices which are available in stores like Boots.
That concludes this series about the Pill. I hope you have found it interesting and informative. If you’re keen to read further about the Pill then I recommend this book: ‘The Pill, are you sure it’s for you?’ written by Jane Bennett and Alexandra Pope.
Homeopathic detox
If you’ve decided to come off the Pill or you want to detox it from past use then you might like to know more about the work that I do 121. This is ideal for those suffering with PMT, acne, period problems, mood swings and more.
You can email me or book in for a free discovery call via the button below.
Until next time, have a happy, healthy week. Many thanks, Claire x
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