{"id":10709,"date":"2023-05-24T18:45:32","date_gmt":"2023-05-25T02:45:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/?p=10709"},"modified":"2024-06-18T05:24:33","modified_gmt":"2024-06-18T13:24:33","slug":"thyroid-and-birth-control","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/thyroid-and-birth-control\/","title":{"rendered":"Birth Control and Your Thyroid Health"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"10709\" class=\"elementor elementor-10709\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-b47d3f8 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"b47d3f8\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_image&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;_id&quot;:&quot;307f4af&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_image_tablet&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;jet_parallax_layout_image_mobile&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;jet_parallax_layout_speed&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;%&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:50,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;jet_parallax_layout_type&quot;:&quot;scroll&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_direction&quot;:null,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_fx_direction&quot;:null,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_z_index&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_bg_x&quot;:50,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_bg_x_tablet&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_bg_x_mobile&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_bg_y&quot;:50,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_bg_y_tablet&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_bg_y_mobile&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_bg_size&quot;:&quot;auto&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_bg_size_tablet&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_bg_size_mobile&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_animation_prop&quot;:&quot;transform&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_on&quot;:[&quot;desktop&quot;,&quot;tablet&quot;]}]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-c537bf9\" data-id=\"c537bf9\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-64563b5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"64563b5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/0SvxwtTqhsQ\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"601\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Birth-control-and-your-thyroid-health-1024x769.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-10711 lazyload\" alt=\"birth control and your thyroid health\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Birth-control-and-your-thyroid-health-1024x769.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Birth-control-and-your-thyroid-health-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Birth-control-and-your-thyroid-health-768x577.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Birth-control-and-your-thyroid-health.jpg 1133w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"601\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Birth-control-and-your-thyroid-health-1024x769.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-10711 lazyload\" alt=\"birth control and your thyroid health\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Birth-control-and-your-thyroid-health-1024x769.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Birth-control-and-your-thyroid-health-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Birth-control-and-your-thyroid-health-768x577.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Birth-control-and-your-thyroid-health.jpg 1133w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/noscript>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"widget-image-caption wp-caption-text\">\u00a9\ufe0f Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition on Unsplash<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-e95e6a9 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"e95e6a9\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-ea75611\" data-id=\"ea75611\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c9e7702 elementor-position-left elementor-vertical-align-top elementor-widget elementor-widget-image-box\" data-id=\"c9e7702\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image-box.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-image-box-wrapper\"><figure class=\"elementor-image-box-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-1-150x150.png\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-image-10432 lazyload\" alt=\"Dr. Minako Abe\" \/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-1-150x150.png\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-image-10432 lazyload\" alt=\"Dr. Minako Abe\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-1-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-1-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-1-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-1-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-1-1536x1536.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Untitled-design-1.png 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure><div class=\"elementor-image-box-content\"><h6 class=\"elementor-image-box-title\">Medically reviewed by<\/h6><p class=\"elementor-image-box-description\"><b>Dr. Minako Abe, M.D.<\/b>, Board-certified emergency medicine physician researching the relationship between lifestyle and disease onset in relation to the immune system and cancer, Japan<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-7b9ec04 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"7b9ec04\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-cc03fc0\" data-id=\"cc03fc0\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-90ee632 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"90ee632\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Birth Control and Your Thyroid Health<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-e4051f5 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"e4051f5\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-22a190a\" data-id=\"22a190a\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5f74e09 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5f74e09\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><a href=\"https:\/\/jamanetwork.com\/journals\/jama\/fullarticle\/2787541\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Birth control<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or contraceptives are the different methods of reducing the chance of or preventing pregnancy. These methods have evolved in safety, effectiveness, and availability over the years. Modern birth control includes a range of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/reproductivehealth\/contraception\/index.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">options <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">such as intrauterine contraception (IUD), hormonal methods, barrier methods, emergency contraception, and permanent contraception.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S2414644721000427\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Intrauterine Devices (IUD)<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An IUD is a contraceptive device that often comes in a T-shape, and is inserted into the uterus. IUDs are very effective and reversible forms of birth control that are for long-term use. There are two forms of intrauterine contraception: levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG IUD) and copper T intrauterine device (IUD).<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2724187\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Levonorgestrel Intrauterine System (LNG IUD)<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LNG-IUD is often combined with estrogen as part of hormone replacement treatment. The device is small, plastic, and T-shaped and is inserted into the uterus by your healthcare professional. LNG-IUDs work similarly to levonorgestrel implants or pills, but the IUD version releases much lower doses of levonorgestrel hormone at a regulated rate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2724187\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Levonorgestrel <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">thickens the mucus that lines the cervix and prevents the endometrial lining from proliferating to prepare for egg implantation in the uterus. After ovulation, the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2699408\/#:~:text=The%20normal%20endometrium%20increases%20in,embryo%20until%20the%20placenta%20develops.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">endometrium <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">is an attachment site and provides nutrients for a potential embryo.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By thinning the lining of the uterus, levonorgestrel effectively prevents fertilization and implantation of an egg, while also creating an unsuitable environment for sperm. With a thick mucus lining, sperm motility, the ability to move, is inhibited and the sperm cannot reach enter the uterus.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The LNG IUD is over <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2724187\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">99%<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> effective at preventing unintended pregnancy. LNG-IUDs also have non-contraceptive benefits such as treating gynecological disorders such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK536910\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">menorrhagia <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(heavy bleeding), <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK560834\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dysmenorrhea<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhlbi.nih.gov\/health\/anemia\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">anemia<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and pain caused by <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nichd.nih.gov\/health\/topics\/endometri\/conditioninfo\/treatment\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">endometriosis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It should be noted that LNG-IUDs cannot prevent sexually transmitted infections such as HIV, therefore, an LND-IUD needs to be used in addition to condoms and\/or other protective barrier methods.\u00a0 Depending on the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/reproductivehealth\/contraception\/index.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">type of LNG-IUD<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, they can last between 3 to 8 years, and have a failure rate of 0.1-0.4%.<\/span><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK441576\/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hormonal Methods<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hormonal contraceptives are some of the most popular forms of birth control, especially the birth control pill. This contraceptive changes an individual\u2019s hormone levels to prevent a mature egg from being released by the ovaries into the uterus during ovulation. Some also prevent the egg from implanting in the womb. Others make the mucus lining of the uterus thicker to prevent sperm from reaching the egg. Hormonal methods can be impacted by other medications such as antibiotics, blood pressure medication, and antifungal products.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK441576\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Side Effects:<\/span><\/a><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headaches<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sore breasts<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vaginal yeast infections<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thrombosis (blood clots)<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hormonal contraceptives are also used to relieve period pain and improve skin by reducing acne. Hormonal contraceptives can be administered orally, injected, transdermal (through the skin), transvaginal (through the vagina), and intrauterine (in the uterus).<\/span><\/p><p>Types of Hormonal Contraceptives:<\/p><p>1. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK430882\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Birth Control Pill<\/span><\/a><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They contain a combination of estrogen and progesterone hormones that are taken at the same time every day. Estrogen helps control menstrual bleeding, while progesterone prevents pregnancy. There are three types of birth control pills: combined estrogen-progesterone, progesterone-only, and continuous-use pills. It was estimated that in the United States, approximately 25% of contraceptive users preferred the birth control pill. The typical <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/reproductivehealth\/contraception\/index.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">failure rate<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is 7%<\/span><\/p><p>2. <a href=\"https:\/\/reproductive-health-journal.biomedcentral.com\/articles\/10.1186\/1742-4755-11-33\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contraceptive Skin Patch<\/span><\/a><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depending on the brand, the typical contraceptive skin patch contains 0.6 mg of ethinylestradiol (EE) and 6.0 mg of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/17107221\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">norelgestromin (NGMN)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. EE is the estrogen hormone needed for menstrual bleeding, while NGMN mimics progesterone, the pregnancy-prevention hormone. The patch is worn on the upper body, lower abdomen, or buttocks to directly release estrogen and progesterone into the bloodstream. The typical <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/reproductivehealth\/contraception\/index.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">failure rate<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is 7%.<\/span><\/p><p>3. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2504064\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hormonal Contraceptive Vaginal Ring<\/span><\/a><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The contraceptive ring is typically implanted in the vagina for 3 weeks and removed for one week to allow for menstruation before being replaced. It is a soft, flexible ring that is 4 mm thick and 54 mm in diameter. The ring releases progesterone and estrogen that are absorbed by the vaginal epithelium lining.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This method avoids any hormones being absorbed by the gastrointestinal system, but it does not produce the same level of hormones as a combined estrogen-progesterone birth control pill. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are also concerns about <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/topics\/medicine-and-dentistry\/leukorrhea\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">leukorrhea<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, vaginal discomfort, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/women\/guide\/sexual-health-vaginal-infections\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">vaginitis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The typical <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/reproductivehealth\/contraception\/index.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">failure rate<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is 7%.<\/span><\/p><p>4. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8229462\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hormonal Birth Control Implant<\/span><\/a><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Progesterone-only implants have a similar advantage to an IUD which is long-acting and reversible. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The implant reduces the amount of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone in the blood. <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Luteinizing hormone helps trigger the release of an egg from the ovaries while follicle-stimulating hormone is needed to grow ovarian follicles that will then release estrogen and progesterone. By preventing both hormones, ovulation is suppressed. The typical <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/reproductivehealth\/contraception\/index.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">failure rate<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is 0.1%.<\/span><\/p><p>5. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5895545\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Injectable Contraceptive<\/span><\/a><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These contraceptives contain hormones such as progesterone to prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus, which makes it difficult for sperm to reach the egg. They are highly effective and have a success rate of around 96%. Unlike birth control pills, they only need to be administered every 1 to 3 months and have a long-lasting effect. <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, like all forms of birth control, injectable contraceptives can cause the user to experience irregular bleeding or unusual changes in their menstrual cycle. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is also a possibility of reduced bone mineral density in individuals over 40 who plan on using injectable contraceptives for longer than two years. <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Two progesterone-only injectable contraceptives exist: Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) and norethisterone-enanthate (NET-EN). The typical <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/reproductivehealth\/contraception\/index.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">failure rate<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is 4%.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-3b29b7c elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"3b29b7c\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-17e8eee\" data-id=\"17e8eee\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9278f94 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"9278f94\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The Effects of Birth Control on Thyroid Health: How Does it Affect the Thyroid Gland?<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-b016a34 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"b016a34\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-5dc166f\" data-id=\"5dc166f\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bd16b34 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"bd16b34\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hormonal birth control uses synthetic versions of estrogen and progesterone to prevent ovulation, egg implantation, or sperm mobility; however, these synthetic hormones can affect the function of the thyroid gland which produces hormones to regulate metabolism in the body. <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The thyroid gland releases two iodine-containing hormones called thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). The production of these hormones is managed by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">T4 and T3 circulate in the bloodstream with thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG), a plasma protein made by the liver, binding to them. T4 and T3 are also sometimes bound to other plasma proteins such as transthyretin (TTR) and albumin. <\/span><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32219692\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Studies <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">find that contraceptives that use estrogens and\/or progesterones can influence the concentration of thyroid hormone-binding proteins in the blood. Estrogen can increase the concentration of TBG in the bloodstream within 2 weeks of use. This means that those with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.niddk.nih.gov\/health-information\/endocrine-diseases\/hypothyroidism#:~:text=Trials%20for%20Hypothyroidism-,What%20is%20hypothyroidism%3F,the%20front%20of%20your%20neck.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hypothyroidism<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, where the body is not making enough thyroid hormones, will require a higher dose of T4 treatment to maintain normal TSH levels and compensate for the decreasing amount of unbound thyroid hormones in the blood.<\/span><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8230965\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> even found that females with a long history of taking birth control pills had a higher prevalence of hypothyroidism. Non-hormonal methods like barrier contraceptives (condoms) or copper IUDs are alternatives for those with hormone sensitivities, but anyone looking to start birth control who has been diagnosed with hypothyroidism should always consult their healthcare professional. <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before starting a new medication, they may need adjustments to their medication dosage or switch to a different type of contraception without the use of synthetic hormones. You should note that not all women who take birth control pills will experience these side effects. Hormonal imbalances can also be caused by genetic factors and other health conditions.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-732ecff elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"732ecff\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-b473886\" data-id=\"b473886\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-76a1c93 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"76a1c93\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Alternatives to Hormonal Contraception<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-7a91a2b elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"7a91a2b\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-731cd0f\" data-id=\"731cd0f\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ddd7365 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ddd7365\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are alternatives available for an individual who cannot take hormonal contraceptives due to thyroid conditions, breastfeeding individuals, and for convenience purposes.<\/span><\/p><p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Barrier Methods<\/span><\/i><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The purpose of the barrier is to prevent the sperm and egg from making contact and for fertilization to occur.<\/span><\/p><p>1. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8719323\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diaphragm or cervical cap<\/span><\/a><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is a vaginal barrier contraceptive by covering the cervix. The device blocks sperm and contains <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/drugs-supplements\/spermicide-vaginal-route\/proper-use\/drg-20070769\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">spermicide<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a chemical that damages and kills the sperm before it can enter the uterus.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A cervical cap is smaller than a diaphragm and lasts longer as it can be worn for up to 72 hours compared to a diaphragm which can be worn for up to 30 hours. Both methods are reversible and user-controlled, as in the individual inserts and removal of the device themselves. <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before using a diaphragm or cervical cap, you would need to get fitted by your doctor. The use of spermicide increases the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), and while maximum application times exist, the longer the device is used, the more risk there is of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/drugs-supplements\/spermicide-vaginal-route\/side-effects\/drg-20070769\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">toxic shock syndrome<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Moreover, neither device will protect against STIs. The typical use <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/reproductivehealth\/contraception\/index.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">failure rate<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for the diaphragm is 17%.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-68c2345 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"68c2345\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-51106a9\" data-id=\"51106a9\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-00f55a9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"00f55a9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>Cervical Cap<\/strong><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smaller<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maximum of 30 to 72 hours after insertion<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6 to 8 hours after intercourse<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Covers the cervix with suction<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-70b30e4\" data-id=\"70b30e4\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-672ecf1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"672ecf1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>Diaphragm<\/strong><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maximum of 24 to 30 hours after insertion<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Forms a seal between the diaphragm and vaginal wall (not a complete seal)<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-84ef28e elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"84ef28e\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-4f352d5\" data-id=\"4f352d5\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c4f08fb elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c4f08fb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>2. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/sex\/birth-control\/birth-control-sponge\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sponge<\/span><\/a><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A sponge is made of polyurethane foam coated with spermicide. The sponge is inserted into the vagina up to 24 before intercourse and must stay in place for at least 6 hours afterward. It should never stay inside for longer than 30 hours total as it increases the risk of UTIs, vaginal infections, and toxic shock syndrome.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It does not protect against STIs and can cause some users to experience a burning feeling or allergic reaction. The typical use <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/reproductivehealth\/contraception\/index.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">failure rate<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is 14% for women who have never had a baby and 27% for women who have had a baby (this is because childbirth can stretch the cervix and vagina and prevents the sponge from fully preventing sperm from reaching the cervix).<\/span><\/p><p>3. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2971735\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Copper IUD<\/span><\/a><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unlike LNG-IUDs that release progesterone, copper IUDs are T-shaped devices coated in copper. Copper is toxic to sperm. By releasing copper ions into the cervical and uterine\u00a0 space, a cytotoxic inflammatory reaction occurs, and sperm are killed. <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While rates of complication are low, copper IUDs can cause increased menstrual bleeding, pain, and infection right after insertion. A copper IUD can be used long-term for up to 10 years and can be used as an emergency contraceptive up to 5 days after intercourse. Like other female contraceptives, IUDs do not prevent STIs.The typical use <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/reproductivehealth\/contraception\/index.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">failure rate<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is 0.8%.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-a1378d7 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"a1378d7\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-c469c14\" data-id=\"c469c14\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fbf21f1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"fbf21f1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Birth Control and Thyroid Medication<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-0637995 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"0637995\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-f2eda03\" data-id=\"f2eda03\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-081f06d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"081f06d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Like all medications, when taking thyroid medication always talk to your healthcare professional about what can be consumed before and after taking the medication. For example, you should take levothyroxine, a common thyroid hormone replacement medication, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK539808\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">before <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a meal by between 30 minutes to 1 hour, and at least 3-4 hours <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uclahealth.org\/medical-services\/surgery\/endocrine-surgery\/conditions-treated\/thyroid\/how-should-i-take-thyroid-hormone#:~:text=Taking%20your%20thyroid%20hormone%20at,3%2D4%20hours%20after%20eating.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">after<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> a meal. <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Levothyroxine is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/drugs-supplements\/levothyroxine-oral-route\/proper-use\/drg-20072133\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">recommended <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">to be taken on an empty stomach to maximize how much of the medication is absorbed by the body. It is best to take your birth control separately from your thyroid medication, and always take the medication prescribed by your doctors. <\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>ALWAYS<\/strong> listen to your healthcare professional when it comes to your medication.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-2a532ff elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"2a532ff\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-20b0bf3\" data-id=\"20b0bf3\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5664688 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"5664688\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-8341681 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"8341681\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-1f8f0fc\" data-id=\"1f8f0fc\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7574204 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7574204\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-a11398f elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"a11398f\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-63e2656\" data-id=\"63e2656\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0817eee elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0817eee\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Modern birth control includes a range of options such as intrauterine contraception (IUD), hormonal methods, barrier methods, emergency contraception, and permanent contraception.\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hormonal birth control includes birth control pills, skin patches, contraceptive vaginal rings, birth control implants, and injectable contraceptives.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hormonal birth control uses synthetic versions of estrogen and progesterone that can affect the function of the thyroid gland\u2019s ability to regulate T4, T3, TSH, and TBG.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Estrogen can increase the concentration of TBG in the bloodstream which means that hypothyroid patients may require a higher dose of T4 treatment to maintain normal TSH levels and compensate for the reduced number of unbound thyroid hormones in the blood.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alternatives to hormonal birth control include cervical caps, diaphragms, contraceptive sponges, and copper IUDs.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When living with a thyroid condition it can be challenging to exercise and incorporate movement into your daily life. However, exercise can help alleviate symptoms associated with various thyroid conditions and improve the condition.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":10711,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[31,25],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10709","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-healthy-living","category-medication"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Birth Control and Your Thyroid Health - ThyForLife<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Hormonal birth control uses synthetic versions of estrogen and progesterone; however, these synthetic hormones can affect the function of the thyroid gland.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/thyroid-and-birth-control\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Birth Control and Your Thyroid Health - ThyForLife\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Hormonal birth control uses synthetic versions of estrogen and progesterone; 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