What You Need to Know Hormonal IUDs

Hormonal IUD´s offer unique benefits and drawbacks compared to other forms of hormonal birth control like the pill. Unlike some methods, they don’t always prevent ovulation, allowing for natural cycling. They’re commonly prescribed to manage heavy periods and alleviate symptoms of conditions like endometriosis.

Advantages of Hormonal IUDs: They don’t always suppress ovulation completely, which is essential for hormone production. – Studies show that Mirena, a popular type of hormonal IUD, suppresses ovulation in a significant percentage of cycles, especially in the first year of use.

Disadvantages of Hormonal IUDs: Hormonal IUDs release levonorgestrel, a contraceptive drug that can affect the entire body, leading to various side effects such as acne, hair loss, and mood changes. – While they may suppress ovulation at times, they can also cause irregular bleeding and spotting, which may persist beyond the initial months of use. – Due to their synthetic progestin content, hormonal IUDs like Mirena may not support natural progesterone levels, potentially leading to anxiety and sleep disturbances.

Considering Alternatives: Suppressing ovulation with hormonal IUDs may not address underlying hormonal imbalances that contribute to heavy or painful periods, such as oestrogen dominance or low progesterone.

DURING MENOPAUSE

Many gynaecologists may suggest IUDs or birth control pills to manage hormone levels during perimenopause and menopause, but I advise against it.

Why?

Because both options work by suppressing progesterone and ovulation.

Progestin differs significantly from the progesterone naturally produced in your body. While both substances share the roles of protecting the endometrium and regulating menstrual bleeding, their functions thereafter diverge.

Progestins can elevate the risk of dementia, heart disease, stroke, breast cancer, and blood clots, whereas progesterone exerts the opposite effects. Chemically, progestins more closely resemble testosterone than progesterone, contributing to issues like weight gain, mood disturbances, and hair loss in many women.

Progestin, often labelled as synthetic progesterone, is commonly found in contraceptives like the birth control pill and hormonal IUDs, under names such as medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), norethindrone acetate (NETA), drospirenone, or levonorgestrel.

Many OB/GYNs may mistakenly use these terms interchangeably, unaware of the crucial distinctions. It’s common for women prescribed these contraceptives to be told they contain progesterone when they do not. The only reliable sources of progesterone are through ovulation, where the corpus luteum produces it, or via oral micronized progesterone or natural progesterone cream supplementation.

Menopause isn’t a lack of contraception; it’s a phase where oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels naturally decrease. Additionally, these methods deplete essential nutrients like folic acid, vitamins B2, B6, B12, C, and E, as well as minerals like magnesium, selenium, and zinc.

Using chemical contraception can exacerbate hormonal imbalances, leading to symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, weight gain, hot flashes, thyroid problems, and cognitive fog.

Bottom line, while hormonal IUDs offer convenience and effectiveness for birth control and period management, it’s essential to weigh their pros and cons and consider alternative approaches tailored to your individual hormonal needs. If you’re experiencing issues with heavy bleeding or painful periods, exploring holistic solutions may provide valuable insights and long-term benefits. If you’re interested in alternatives, consider scheduling an initial consultation with our healthcare provide to switch to Hormone Therapy once you´ve entered menopause.

Book your free consultation

Menopause signals the importance of replenishing the hormones your body once naturally produced, with doses customised to suit your individual needs. 

Interestingly, hormone replenishment during menopause typically involves doses that are only about one-fifth of those found in birth control pills.

Thanks for reading!

Louise xx