I have noticed in my practice when treating thyroid or conditions triggered by a hormonal imbalance, that a lot of patients have a long history of being on the Female Contraceptive pill, or FCP. The FCP is a minefield which can have many effects on a woman’s long term health, which can continue for many years after they have come off the pill.
The FCP seems to have a considerable effect on the thyroid and research has shown that women on the FCP have a higher incidence of going on to develop a thyroid condition later in life.
The thyroid is the butterfly-shaped gland that sits at the base of your neck. Its job description includes secreting hormones — T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine) — that control metabolism.
The pituitary gland is linked to the thyroid in that it secretes TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) that tells the thyroid to start making thyroid hormones. T4 is the main hormone secreted by the thyroid gland.
The thyroid requires specific vitamins and minerals to make thyroxine (T4). Zinc, selenium, and magnesium play an essential role in overall thyroid function. FCP’s decrease the absorption of these minerals, along with folic acid, and vitamins B2, B6, B12, C, E.
Without these key vitamins, you cannot synthesize thyroid hormone.
Thyroid hormones circulating in our bodies are bound to plasma proteins in the blood, called:
Thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG).
Transthyretin (TTR).
Albumin.
Thyroid hormones need the blood proteins to travel throughout your body. TBG is the most important plasma protein in this process. There is a fine balance between the free and bound thyroid hormone levels in our blood. It is the “free” or “unbound” T4 and T3 that exert the thyroid hormones’ effect on our bodies.
FCP’s containing oestrogen or both oestrogen and progesterone can alter that delicate balance of free and bound thyroid hormone in your body.
The oestrogen in birth control pills increases the amount of thyroid binding proteins available to bind to thyroid hormone. So if you have more thyroid hormone bound to proteins, you’ll have less free T4 in your body that’s able to do its job.
The FCP affects just about every level of thyroid hormone synthesis and utilization. You make less, you convert less and you use less…this alone is enough to advise against taking the pill if you have a thyroid condition. If you were on the FCP in the past and now have a thyroid condition or conditions triggered by a hormone imbalance, working with an experienced Homeopath would be a good option.
This is because the most effective way to treat the effects of the FCP is to detox it, and the most effective way to do this is with the homeopathic remedy Folliculinum.
Folliculinum is made from Oestrogen. Oestrogen means generator of eggs. The egg is a symbol of rebirth and this remedy is, in a way, a generator of rebirth. It removes all the toxicity created by the FCP.
Physically, its primary feature is to treat conditions affected by the female hormonal system. This might include:
Acne
Cystitis
Headaches/ migraines
Premenstrual syndrome:
With anger or irritation before the period.
A prolonged and heavy period, with clotting.
Period cramps
Bleeding during Ovulation
Palpitations.
Emotionally the key factors of this remedy are very interesting:
They include:
Difficult relationship between mother and baby
Addicted to rescuing people
Becoming a doormat
Gets lost in relationships
Looses their individuality
Emotionally sucked dry
Forgets who THEY are
It is close to the remedies, Lachesis, Sepia and Pulsatilla. I also often prescribe it alongside Carcinosin, as I find that they are very similar remedies and work very well together. It is a great remedy for treating any condition that has never been well since being on OR coming off the FCP. The folliculinum picture is very passive. Typically a person who is not good at saying no. In a way, that is the effect of the FCP. It can numb some women to a certain extent, as Oestrogen makes us malleable and subdued. When some women come off the pill or have the effects removed, they become their true selves.
If any of these symptoms resonate with you, you may need to look at Folliculinum and consider booking in for a free 15 minute consultation to see how working with me might be the key to better health.
