Unveiling the Truth Behind Hormonal Contraceptives: Empowering Women with Feminine Body Independence
For too long, women have been fed a myth: that hormonal contraceptives are the cure-all for a myriad of health issues, from acne to heavy periods, and even cancer prevention. However, the reality couldn't be further from the truth. Today, I aim to shed light on the origins and dangers of hormonal birth control, empowering you with the knowledge of your reproductive health and its correlation to overall well-being based on sound physiological principles.
A bit about me: After grappling with chronic pain and migraines post my ballet career, I transitioned into becoming a Pilates instructor. Despite this change, I still battled ailments like cystic acne, food sensitivities, low libido, and recurring yeast infections. Desperate for a solution, I delved into the world of holistic health coaching and discovered the concept of menstrual cycle phases, cycle syncing, and the detrimental effects of hormonal birth control on women's health. This realization prompted me to deepen my understanding as a holistic hormone health coach and embark on breaking up with hormonal birth control.
Around the same time, I founded my brand, the Spring to Life Method, to guide women in embracing their natural cycles, balancing hormones naturally, and living cyclically through Pilates, nutrition, and low-tox choices. Sensing a need for more comprehensive services, I studied the FEMM fertility awareness method in 2022 to provide my clients and community with a safe alternative to hormonal contraceptives. And here we are today.
Let's uncover the truth behind the lie. The Pill was initially developed not to empower women with sexual freedom but as a means to combat overpopulation. Gregory Pincus, the creator, was quoted as being against sexual freedom for both men and women. Moreover, questionable tactics were used, including testing synthetic hormones on low-income patients without consent. By 1956, human trials were conducted in Puerto Rico, where a staggering 22-50% of female participants dropped out due to severe side effects, which were often dismissed as "psychogenic" by Pincus.
Fast forward to 1957, and the FDA approved the combined oral contraceptive pill, complete with placebo pills to simulate a withdrawal bleed, effectively deceiving women into believing they were still experiencing their periods while avoiding pregnancy. However, this deception came at a cost, with numerous risks associated with hormonal contraceptives, including increased blood clots, heart attacks, cancers, loss of vision, irregular bleeding, reduced bone density, and more.
This all sounds pretty doom and gloom… but fear not, you have options!
Contrary to popular belief, there are alternatives beyond hormonal contraceptives and risking unwanted pregnancy.
You have your obvious choices for hormonal contraceptives- the Pill, patch, or IUD. These methods effectively shut off healthy hormone production using a constant, low-level dose of hormones.
Then you’ve got your barrier methods. Good old fashioned condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps.
The third and lesser known option is knowledge-based- to monitor hormonal activity to avoid pregnancy. Fertility awareness methods such as tracking cervical mucus and LH monitoring offer effective, non-invasive options that empower you to take control of your reproductive health.
But is there a catch? Not necessarily. While hormonal contraceptives boast high effectiveness rates, they also come with a plethora of side effects. In contrast, feminine body independence methods, such as fertility awareness, offer comparable effectiveness with zero health risks, providing a safe and empowering alternative with a similar efficacy rate. For reference, the Pill is about 92% effective with typical use; fertility awareness is about 92-98% effective with typical use.
Through my Cyclical Living course, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of your body, menstrual cycle, and hormonal activity, empowering you to make informed decisions about your healthcare and fertility. By shedding the stigma surrounding hormonal fluctuations and embracing your womanhood, you'll embark on a journey of self-compassion, connection, and empowerment.
Generations of women have been misled into denying their biology to conform to the male rhythm. It's time to reclaim our bodies, embrace our cycles, and celebrate the beauty of our feminine nature.
Are you ready to commit to your break up with hormonal birth control and embark on a journey of feminine body independence? get synced today!
