The Pill and Hashimoto's: What the Latest Research Tells Us
We’re continuing this series on Hashimoto’s and birth control based on questions and feedback from this week’s posts — we’re on a roll! This is an incredibly important subject given how many women of reproductive age are currently on "the pill" for various reasons, including contraception, menstrual cycle regulation, and acne management.
There isn’t a lot of research studying the direct relationship between hormonal birth control like “the pill” and Hashimoto’s. However, there is some research on how long-term use of “the pill” can lead to hypothyroidism (which is often caused by Hashimoto’s). Let’s remember that correlation does not equal causation — but staying informed can be helpful for our health.
So let’s dive into an important recent study that examined this relationship.
What Does The Research Say?
A recent study published under the title "Birth control pills and risk of hypothyroidism: a cross-sectional study of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2007–2012" has thrown some light on this topic of how (or if) “the pill” and Hashimoto’s are related. This research, which considered a large cohort of over 5,000 female adults, found a strong association between a longer history of using birth control pills and hypothyroidism.
This relationship was particularly when the pill had been used for more than 10 years. According to the study, women who have taken birth control pills have a higher prevalence of hypothyroidism (17.7% vs. 14.1%).
What Does This Mean for Women With Hashimoto's?
Hypothyroidism is often the result of Hashimoto's disease, an autoimmune disorder. While the study does not explicitly link the use of birth control pills to Hashimoto's, the findings may be relevant, particularly for those who already have a predisposition for autoimmune conditions or currently manage Hashimoto's symptoms.
The hormonal changes caused by birth control pills could potentially trigger or exacerbate Hashimoto's symptoms. However, “the pill” could still be advantageous not just for birth control, but for other reasons, such as managing endometriosis. So what should you do?
How Should You Proceed?
Before making any changes to your medication or lifestyle, it is essential to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice. If you are currently on the pill and are concerned about its long-term impact on your thyroid health, here are some steps you can take:
Consult Your Physician: It’s important to stay in communication and be transparent with your doctor. Discuss the study and its implications for your specific health needs.
Consider Alternative Methods: If you're on the pill mainly for contraception, you might discuss alternative methods such as a non-hormonal IUD, physical barrier methods, or natural cycle methods with your healthcare provider.
Regular Monitoring: If you continue on the pill, regular thyroid function tests could be beneficial. You want to stay on top of any changes before they become too severe.
The Takeaway
While the recent study provides valuable insights, it is essential to remember that correlation does not equal causation. More research is needed to draw definitive conclusions, especially regarding the mechanism through which the pill may affect thyroid function.
Until then, simply make sure you’re working closely with healthcare professionals to monitor and manage your symptoms effectively.
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