Recent discussions among healthcare professionals emphasize the necessity for women using hormonal contraception to regularly consult with their general practitioners (GPs). This consultation comes at a time when awareness of the risks of the long term use of contraceptive pill is rising. This concern grows in importance for women as they age. Importantly, migraines can be a warning sign of an ‘oestrogen overload’, according to Dr Philip Batty, which can put you at risk of stroke.
Dr Pav Nanayakkara, gynaecological surgeon with Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, explains that migraines are a key side effect. This problem is further magnified among women, especially those 40 to 50. He encourages women to take the initiative in talking about their contraceptive options. Rather than a “set-and-forget” approach, he encourages patients to take an active interest in their medication.
The Dangers of ‘Set and Forget’
Dr. Phoebe Holdenson Kimura from the University of Sydney’s General Practice Clinical School stresses that taking hormonal contraception should not be viewed as a static arrangement. Women need to have open, two-way conversations with their clinicians to determine the right contraceptive choice for them.
“The key message is that taking hormonal contraception should not be a ‘set-and-forget process’,” – Dr. Phoebe Holdenson Kimura.
Dr Holdenson Kimura recommends the importance of consistent check-ins with a GP. These consultations are critical for recognizing when changes to a woman’s health or lifestyle require an adjustment in care. • If warranted, they encourage a reconsideration of her contraceptive choice.
Are you happy with what you’ve achieved so far? Are you satisfied with the pill, or do you want to talk about other options. She recommends as guiding questions for these comment periods.
Personal Experiences Highlight The Need for Awareness
When she was 18, Stephanie Jenkins began using hormonal birth control to control her acne. After a decade of predictable and uncomplicated use, she started developing debilitating migraines. Her case highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and dialogue about medication side effects.
“It was the only thing that was offered to me as an acne treatment which seems wild to me because now I’m more educated,” Jenkins remarked about her experience. She talked to her doctor about her persistent symptoms. He told her to stop taking her current pill right away and underscored the need for patients to know about likely side effects.
As individuals navigate various life milestones, such as significant birthdays or changes in lifestyle, these moments provide an opportunity to evaluate their contraceptive methods. Dr. Nanayakkara explains that like other women’s health awareness months, these milestones are an opportunity for women to reconnect with their healthcare providers.
“Or a big birthday, so any birthday ending in a zero or a five is a really good time to check in,” – Dr. Pav Nanayakkara.
Understanding Risks and Alternatives
Healthcare professionals have further advocated for increased awareness of the risk of depressive disorders as adverse effects of hormonal contraception. Dr Eveline Mu, lead author, says doctors have to start comprehensively addressing these risks in routine consultations with patients.
“There needs to be greater awareness at GP-patient consultations of the risks of depressive disorders,” said Dr. Mu, highlighting an often-overlooked aspect of hormonal contraceptive use.
Additionally, Dr. Holdenson Kimura recommends holistic conversations about what contraception was used for and when it was begun. Being aware of these pitfalls is half the battle. This is beneficial because it allows us to determine if we should continue with the proven method or pursue something different.
“Finding out when it was started, what it was started for is important,” – Dr. Phoebe Holdenson Kimura.
On the first question, lifestyle changes can obviously have a huge effect on a woman’s health. In the long term, this can cause serious health problems such as migraines or hypertension. Therefore, routine check-ups are important especially in adjusting contraceptive methods to meet changing health circumstances.
