There are two different types of birth control pill, the combined and the mini pill. The combined containing artificial versions of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone, and the mini containing the artificial version of the hormone oestrogen. Both pills stop eggs being released and thin the lining of the womb to stop eggs implanting. Although they both do the same thing, prevent pregnancy, it is key to remember that they affect every person differently. For example, laboratory neuroscience discoveries have shown that oestrogen and progesterone greatly influence brain function and neurotransmitter activity. The progesterone only pill, or the mini pill, seems to create a larger propensity for depressive disorders in vulnerable women.
It is not your responsibility as a woman to be on birth control, but a choice
The controversies surrounding the pill are not what’s in them or their possible side effects necessarily, but the way in which they are distributed. Many young girls go to their GP about acne, distressing periods or even endometriosis symptoms, and are given the pill with little to no guidance or investigation into their symptoms. At the end of July 2021 in fact, the mini pill became available to purchase over the counter without a prescription, and by 2025 there had been a 31% uptake in the contraceptive pill. The pill is a liberating medical discovery, there is no doubt in that, but it is concerning how many women know a friend who went to the GP at fifteen for some skin issues and came away with birth control. So many women and young girls accept that they just trade one symptom for another because it is the only option given to them with no further research into their symptoms or alternative treatments: acne for weight loss, regular periods for depressive episodes, weight gain for mood swings. Although the pill works for many people, who listens to you when you’re fifteen and something doesn’t feel right? If it’s "just your hormones", how should you know when something’s really wrong?
It is important to remain open minded when it comes to birth control.
The increase in accessibility of the pill is amazing with endless positives: more accessible hormone control, fewer teenage or unwanted pregnancies. Unstable hormones can cause a range of issues, and birth control can be a brilliant solution for many women and young girls. However, more young people are able to take birth control without being properly informed on the significant side effects it can possibly have on your mental and physical health.
It is important to remain open minded when it comes to birth control. What doesn’t work for your best friend might be the answer to your issues; everyone’s body is completely different, and so everyone’s experience on birth control will be completely different. I can bet you have a flatmate or course friend at university that raves about the pill they are on for clearing their skin or for helping their painful periods. You can always try something new and stop what doesn’t feel right. It is not your responsibility as a woman to be on birth control, but a choice that should help you not put you under stress. If you would like to know more about birth control or hormone regulation, you can reach out to your GP, a local sexual health clinic or the NUSU sexual health drop in. Alternatively, you can look online at sexual health services, for Newcastle students take a look at North East’s NHS sexual health website.
https://nusu.co.uk/support/wellbeing/sexual-health-resources