Synthetic Birth Control Hormones
by Samantha Drew, Clayton State University
Full Article: Historically, the prevention of pregnancy is no modern idea. Women were using various methods "dating back to around 1550 B.C" (HealthSquare, 2009). The first discovered prescription written for "contraception on papyrus is called for a crocodile dung to be inserted into the vagina, which was an Egyptian method" (HealthSquare, 2009). Alternatively, for "the Arabians elephant dung mixed with honey" was a sufficient choice (HealthSquare, 2009). Canadian women "drank a potion of dried beaver testicles mixed with alcohol" to avoid pregnancy (HealthSquare, 2009). However, currently other alternatives are available for safer and more efficient contraception. We no longer have to rely on primitive forms of pregnancy prevention, due to the technology our society offers.
The real difference between now and then is the usage of hormones. Modern forms of birth control are "synthetic forms of hormones progesterone and estrogen" according to NWHRC (2009). The purpose of the hormones is to hinder your reproductive system from producing a mature egg. Estrogen is one of the synthetic hormones, which helps thicken the lining of the uterus to prepare for a fertilized egg" (NWHCR, 2009). If estrogen levels peak, "about 14 days into the menstrual cycle, one of the ovaries releases an egg," (NWHRC, 2009). Prevention of ovulation takes place by maintaining hormone levels. If there is no peak in the estrogen level, no signal will takes place to release an egg. However, once ovulation has ended another hormone is involved called progesterone and it rises to help "prepare the uterus to house a fertilized egg by thickening its lining" (NWHRC, 2009). "The egg travels through the fallopian tubes toward the uterus, and if the egg is fertilized and successfully implants itself in the uterine lining, conception (pregnancy) takes place" (NWHRC, 2009). Some pregnancy prevention only uses progesterone because it affects the cervix by making the mucus hardened, thus causing sperm to not enter or eggs to transport.
"Suppression of ovulation is the main mode by which OCs and Depo-Provera prevent pregnancy" (Healthsquare, 2009). However, by the addition of hormones, there are benefits and risks that take in account. The hormone dosage holds significance in correlation to the side effects that are prevalent in taking hormonal birth control. Amongst the vast selection of birth control forms, side effects such as breakthrough spotting, acne, weight gain, etc., will occur depending on the hormone intake. Through the conduction of research, data has shown statistically that low dose hormone birth control is said by women and by testing to have the least amount of side effects. Women in the experiment were tested upon various forms of contraception. The most common birth control methods tested were oral contraception, intrauterine contraceptive, and the Depo-Provera injection. Studies have shown that the intrauterine contraceptive and low dose pills increase the quality of life for the patients, whereas the Depo-Provera injection caused severe side effects and discomfort. The difference between the two methods of pregnancy prevention is the amount of hormone intake, which is proven to lessen the side effects and reduce discomforting symptoms.
The low dose birth control pills reduce the side effects due to the reduction of synthetic hormones. Not all oral contraception has exactly the same amount of estrogen and progestin. Women have said they experienced fewer and/or reduced side effects from the most commonly promoted pills, Ortho Tri-Cyclen-Lo and Loestrin 24. For a pill to be considered "Low dose", it must contain less that 50mcg of estrogen. Ortho Tri-Cyclen-Low contains 24 mcg per pill, whereas Loestrin 24 contains 20mcg per pill. Research has proven that both medications decrease incidents such as nausea, menstrual cramps, acne, weight gain, and mood swings. Many other reactions have been stated, however in comparison from the analysis of results low dose oral contraceptives increase the quality of life. Other hormonal pills with higher measures of estrogen and progestin cause the same adverse symptoms, but are far more prevalent in the evidence researched. According to Dr. Donnica, two large studies were formed comparing a low dose birth control pill and one with a greater amount of hormones. Through the study they "proved to prevent pregnancy," but the lower dose pill had fewer breaks through spotting and weight gain (Donnica, 2002).
The intrauterine device is an alternative to the daily oral method of pregnancy prevention. The intrauterine device is a small, plastic, flexible, "T-shaped device that is placed into the uterus and prevents pregnancy" (WebMd, 2009). The Paragard is kept in place for ten years, whereas the Mirena is kept in place for five years. The Paragard "releases cooper into the uterine cavity, which prevents the sperm from fertilizing the egg" (WebMD, 2009). The Paragard is hormone free, yet is proven to have severe side effects in relation to the menstrual cycle. However, the Mirena "releases progestin that causes cervical mucus to become thicker so sperm cannot reach the egg" (WebMD, 2009). The hormone also "changes the lining in the uterus, so implantation of an egg cannot occur" (WebMD, 2009). The Mirena has a low dose of progestin of 52 mg; however, it only releases 20 µg/day. "The IUD does not change the hormone levels throughout the body as do other contraception methods such as the pill" (Palo Alto Medical Foundation, 2009). Research has shown that reduced menstrual flow is associated with the Mirena, whereas the Paragard causes heavier bleeding. Additional research has shown that like any medication, there are reported side effects, which occur in a small number of women. Most women will use the Mirena without difficulties.
Another method is the Depo Provera, which is a hormone injection that contains progesterone and no estrogen. It stops the ovaries from releasing eggs. ‘It also causes the cervical mucus to thicken and changes the uterine lining making it harder for sperm to either enter or survive in the uterus" (HealthSquare, 2009). Depo Provera protects against pregnancy for up to 13weeks. Provera dosage is 104 mg of medroxyprogesterone, which is a derivative of progesterone. It does not contain estrogen. Research has shown many women complain about an array of symptoms experienced while using the contraception. Severe weight gain, acne, headaches, and anxiety have been the most commonly shared side effects. Weight gain is the most common symptom experienced by users. According to U.S. news, the higher dose of progesterone lower's the body's metabolism, which either causes fat storage or appetite increase (2009) .Weight gain is reported to not be caused by to fluid retention. Research shows that women taking Depo Provea "gained an average of 11 pounds over three years and experienced a 3 percent increase in body fat compared with an average of 3 to 4 pounds and less than half the increase in body fat for those who used other forms of contraception" (U.S. news, 2009). Many women who begin to experience the side effects of Depo Provera find them to be unacceptable and do not continue the treatment.
In comparison to the hormone intake of the low dose pills, the low dose Mirena, and the Depo Provera shot, there is a significant difference in the hormone amount per use. The greater the amount of hormones in the medication, the more side affects the patient experiences. Depo-Provera injection has the most dosage of progesterone hormones than Mirena and the oral contraceptives. The reduction of progesterone hormones relieves the patient of the vast symptoms that she faces. Most patients who use either Mirena or low dose oral contraceptives have less risk of frequent and severe side effects, whereas with the Depo Provera injection, patients experience significant weight gain and an increase in body fat. Thus, the reduction of synthetic hormones reduces side effects and discomfort for the patient.
Affiliates click here