Where does the Pill stack in your food philosophy?

[teh__muffin]

A few weeks ago Ninasafiri polled the community to see what our diets are like. As it turns out, a good whack of ONTD'ers are either Clean Eaters, Vegetarians or Vegans. Whatever kind of '-arian' you are, it's pretty clear that most of us are conscientious about what goes into our bodies. We probably wouldn't be here if we weren't

Comments

[benjisho]

I personally like the Pill I'm on because it's very low-dose, it's lightened my periods quite a bit since my teen years, it makes my cramps much more manageable (I used to curl up in a ball and cry, for reals) and it helps keep my skin clearer. I've never had an issue.

I am concerned, though, because a close friend of mine did develop some blood clots in her legs because of the Pill. She is more prone to medical problems than I am, but it is something I worry about.

[shymi]

I was on the Tri-Cyclen pill for five years (14-20) and the Ortho Evra patch for two years. I decided to ditch it in December. It's been one of the greatest decisions I've recently made. I became a vegetarian in August, and that's helped too. I dropped the pill because I was sluggish and had no libido. My energy levels are back to normal. I'm almost never moody. My libido is great. I never had cramps (before/during/after) taking the pill. Best of all, I never have to worry about missing a pill or losing a patch. Expenses weren't a worry for me because I had a plan.

I wish I would have dropped the pill sooner. I feel so normal!

[dindin]

The Birth Control Pill, for example, changes our hormones on a grand scale.

On a grand scale? How exactly do you figure?

[teh__muffin]

Well, for starters, the pill contains steroidal hormones. So by taking it one is changing the normal levels of estrogen (and/or progesterone) produced by the body.

Secondly, heightened levels of these hormones in the body prevent ovulation, a process which triggers natural hormonal changes. Since ovulation doesn't happen, these changes don't, either.

If you'd like to substitute another term in there for 'grand scale,' you're welcome to. The point I'm making is that the pill does introduce significant artificial changes to hormones in the body. That's what they're designed to do.

[dindin]

By that rationale any prescription medication makes changes "on a grand scale" or makes "significant artificial changes". Your point is a bit ridiculous.

[teh__muffin]

Oh, I never claimed other prescription medications didn't create large changes-- that's what they're supposed to do, after all. Like I said, I'd take serious medication if my doctor told me to.

The Pill stands out to me because it changes the body's chemistry, not because we need it to, but for convenience. That separates it from things like thyroid meds, insulin, etc.

In any case, the post is old and was never intended to argue a case. I just wanted to hear people's opinions.