Hormonal birth control affects several body functions, but it’s still unknown if it impacts the thyroid.
Understanding the Connection Between Birth Control and Your Thyroid
Traditionally, birth control pills were used to help prevent unintended pregnancy. Though still used primarily for this purpose, some women use birth control to avoid excessively painful or long-lasting periods. Others turn to the pill for clearer skin, stronger bones and reduced risk for certain cancers. But some fear birth control can have negative consequences. One of these is thyroid problems.
How Birth Control Works
Birth control contains the hormones progestin and/or estrogen. Through use of these hormones, birth control regulates how your body works. When on birth control, your body does a few things it otherwise wouldn’t. It keeps your body from releasing an egg each month. It makes it harder for sperm to reach eggs. And it can stop any available eggs from attaching to the uterine wall.
While these pills focus on the function of your ovaries and uterus, the effects can extend beyond these organs. That’s why many take the pill for reasons outside of birth control.
How the Thyroid Works
Your thyroid gland is located in the lower front part of your neck. Shaped like a butterfly, this small gland is responsible for producing the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Once produced, these hormones are released into your bloodstream and carried throughout your body to keep your organs working properly. It also helps you stay warm and burn calories. When the thyroid is too active or not active enough, you may lose or gain weight, have changes in your mental health or a variety of other symptoms.
The Birth Control-Thyroid Connection
Because birth control introduces hormones to your body, researchers suspect it can impact the thyroid’s ability to function. However, it is unclear whether birth control actually causes thyroid issues. While birth control has been proven to have other potential side effects ranging from headache and breast tenderness to mood changes, there is no clear birth control-thyroid issue connection.
Regardless, it’s best to remember you’re in control of your health. Discuss any concerns you may have at your annual OB/GYN exam. Ask about the potential risks and benefits of birth control and what your options are. Then take the treatment path that’s best for you.
Has it been a while since your last check-up, or do you need a new physician? Call us at 317.565.0535 to request an appointment.
Sources: plannedparenthood.org, thyroid.org, kidshealth.org, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, niddk.nih.gov, sciencedirect.com, uofmhealth.org
