Tag Archives: Mood

Medical Industry, News, Pharmaceutical Industry

What your doctor may not tell you about oral contraceptives and depression

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(From NaturalHealth365) 

In a world where contraception is often viewed as a fundamental aspect of women’s reproductive health, examining the impact of various birth control methods on physical and mental well-being is crucial.  For example, startling statistics released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shed light on the widespread use of oral contraceptives and other implantable devices among women.

In fact, recent research has brought to the forefront a concerning revelation – a potential connection between oral contraceptives and the onset of depression.  Delving into the details of this study, we uncover the important implications it holds for women’s mental health and contraceptive choices.

Could ‘the pill’ be contributing to depression?

If you’ve been experiencing persistent sadness and restlessness, it might be worth examining an unexpected culprit: your birth control pill.  Depression, a prevalent mental health condition affecting countless individuals, can manifest with debilitating symptoms that may be influenced, in part, by oral contraceptives.

Recent research involving a substantial cohort of over a quarter-million women in the United Kingdom has shed light on a potential association between oral contraceptive use and an increased risk of depression, particularly during the first few years of usage.  Published in the Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences journal, this study reveals a startling finding: women who take oral contraceptives face over a 120% higher risk of developing depression.

Why do oral contraceptives affect mood?

The study above focused on unraveling the impact of oral contraceptives on mood alterations.  Birth control pills inherently carry risks as they manipulate hormonal levels, and hormones have long been recognized as influential factors in determining one’s vulnerability to depression.  The study findings revealed a notable association between the initial few years of birth control pill usage and a higher incidence of depression versus non-users.

Interestingly, even women who discontinued the use of oral contraceptives after using them during their adolescence remained at a heightened risk of depression.  Notably, among adult women, the researchers did not identify an increased risk of depression a couple of years after discontinuing birth control pill use.

Delving deeper into the study’s data uncovers intriguing insights, particularly in relation to sibling pairs.  Sisters who used birth control pills exhibited a higher likelihood of experiencing depression, suggesting a genuine causal relationship between birth control usage and depressive symptoms.

These findings emphasize the significance of understanding the potential impact of birth control pills on women’s mental well-being, urging further exploration and consideration of individual differences and susceptibility to depression.

Consider natural family planning methods

For women who are currently taking the birth control pill and experiencing feelings of depression, it is important to be aware of how this medication can impact hormonal levels and potentially contribute to mood changes.  If you have not yet started using birth control and are in your teenage years or early 20s, it is worth noting that beginning hormonal contraception at a young age may increase the risk of depression.  On the other hand, adult women who have been using birth control for more than two years may be less likely to experience depression as they have surpassed the critical two-year mark of usage.

If you are seeking alternatives to the pill, there are various options.  Switching to barrier methods, such as condoms, can provide contraception without the hormonal effects that may contribute to mood changes.  Additionally, exploring natural family planning methods can be an option for those who prefer hormone-free contraception.

Natural family planning methods involve tracking and monitoring your menstrual cycle to identify fertile and non-fertile days.  This can be done through methods such as tracking basal body temperature, cervical mucus observation, and calendar-based tracking.  While natural family planning requires commitment, consistency, and education, it can be an effective method when followed correctly.

As always, consulting with a healthcare professional or a certified natural family planning instructor is highly recommended when considering natural family planning methods.  They can provide guidance and support and help you determine the most suitable contraceptive option based on your individual needs, preferences, and circumstances.

Ultimately, the safest way to avoid an unwanted pregnancy would be to abstain from having sexual intercourse, until you are ready to start a family.  No doubt, starting a family is a big decision and should not be taken lightly.

Sources for this article include:

Cambridge.org
Medicalnewstoday.com

SOURCE

https://www.naturalhealth365.com/what-your-doctor-may-not-tell-you-about-oral-contraceptives-and-depression.html

Photo by Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition on Unsplash

Food, GMO, Health, News

Reverse 28 health conditions when you cut out GMOs — researchers tracked the health benefits

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(Natural News) You might be aware that organic food is better for you than GMO options, but sometimes the price difference can be prohibitive. If you’ve ever stood in the produce section of the supermarket and asked yourself if the higher price tag on organic offerings is worth it, the results of a peer-reviewed study published recently in the International Journal of Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine will probably help make that decision a lot easier.

The survey of 3,256 people found that 28 conditions could be reversed by switching to a mostly non-GMO and organic diet. This research is consistent with physician reports that show the power of making this type of dietary improvement.

The respondents were asked, among other questions, what conditions or symptoms they have seen improve since making the switch to a GMO-free diet. For each of the 28 symptoms listed, they chose between “some mild improvement,” “moderate improvement,” “significant improvement,” “nearly gone,” “complete recovery” and “not applicable,” which was the default.

Some of the most common conditions to note improvements from making the switch to non-GMO were digestive problems like fatigue and leaky gut, along with obesity.

In total, 85.2 percent of respondents with digestive problems noted they were severely reduced or reversed by switching to non-GMO food. More than 60 percent with fatigue and low energy reported improvements, while 54.6 percent said it turned around weight problems such as being obese or overweight. This is not surprising when you consider that a GMO diet has been linked to excessive cell growth in the lining of the stomach and intestines along with other physiological issues.

More than half of people said a non-GMO diet eliminated that feeling of “brain fog” that is familiar to many people, while a similar amount noted that the change helped them avoid food allergies and sensitivities.

Mood problems also benefited from the switch, with 51.1 percent saying it helped with anxiety and depression, and 48.1 percent noting improvements in memory and concentration.

Meanwhile, 47.5 percent of people said their joint pain improved, and 46.6 percent said a non-GMO diet meant the end of their seasonal allergies.

READ MORE

https://www.naturalnews.com/2017-11-16-reverse-28-health-conditions-when-you-cut-out-gmos-researchers-tracked-the-health-benefits.html

Corporations, EMFs, Mobile Phones, Money, WiFi

15 minutes on your cell phone can alter brain structure and function, new study reveals

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(NaturalNews) “A new clinical study has found that just 15 minutes of cell phone talk time radiation exposure can alter the structure and function of the brain, including brain wave activity that is connected to cognition, mood and behavior.

Thirty-one healthy females took part in the study, published in PLOS ONE; all participants were measured twice. On one of the days, the mobile phone was attached to the women’s ears with a sham phone being placed on their chests. On the other day, the mobile phone was attached to the chest and the sham phone to the ear. During each assessment, EEG activity and radio-frequency radiation were recorded….”

The question is asked … why have we not been hearing about the potential effects of cell phone radiation?

“Dr. Devra Davis in her book Disconnect lays the blame fairly and squarely at the telecoms industry, accusing them of war-gaming the science in much the same way that tobacco companies and GMO corporations like Monsanto do.” (from the article)

Not rocket science really when you know how corporations work. Their bottom line is profits not people or any risks to their health. (EnvirowatchRangitikei)