More teen girls are using hormonal methods of contraception as a means of avoiding pregnancy these days compared to previous generations. This is due to a change in attitude towards the use of hormone contraceptives, both by parents and teens, as well as the ease of availability.
While the pill (oral contraceptive) and injection are the favored methods, there are odd cases where teen girls are using hormonal skin patches and vaginal rings that release hormones. The “morning after pill” is an emergency hormonal contraceptive, which is effective when used within a certain period of time after having unprotected sex.
Whatever the method of use, this means of contraception makes use of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, together in certain preparations, or progesterone alone in others. These are hormones, that are normally present in a woman’s body, vary in concentration at different stages of a woman’s life such as at the time of puberty, pregnancy and menopause.
In trying to prevent unwanted pregnancies by using hormones you are increasing the levels of these hormones in the body. In an adolescent, where the body is already trying to cope with a surge of hormones, the addition of extra hormones may lead to effects that may have long term complications.
As a teenager, before you think of starting on hormone contraceptives, you should be aware of the risks so that you can make a well informed decision about it. It might help to talk to your doctor or the school nurse before even contemplating hormone contraceptives. They may be convenient and effective in preventing pregnancy but can give a false sense of security in that you may opt not to use condoms during intercourse. This results in an increased risk of contracting STD’s (sexually transmitted diseases) like HIV, syphilis and gonorrhea.
Research has shown that use of hormonal contraceptives in young girls definitely increases the chance of breast cancer. The younger the age of starting on hormonal contraceptives, the greater risk of developing breast cancer at a later stage. Another effect of earlier and hence prolonged use of hormonal contraceptives is that there is a risk of infertility developing later on in adulthood. As a result of suppressing ovulation artificially for a long time, ovarian function may not be able to restore completely when contraceptives are withdrawn.
Hormonal contraceptives may cause weight gain. As a teenager or young woman, this can have a significant impact on your self image, confidence and social interaction. While some type of oral contraceptives may be used for the treatment of acne in teen girls, it is also possible that using a hormone contraceptive can trigger or aggravate acne. Similar to weight gain, acne has a profound psychosocial impact particularly in teens.
Increased risk of developing cervical cancer after prolonged use is a well-documented fact and needs to be considered before starting on hormonal contraceptives from a young age. Smoking and the increased risk of developing heart attacks or stroke with the use of oral contraceptives in young women is another consideration that should not be overlooked. Teens with a history of liver disease or migraines may aggravate their conditions further with the use of hormone contraceptives.
Chances of blood clots, especially deep vein thrombosis (DVT) are also increased. Mood changes, irritability, depression, nausea, headache, painful breasts and spotting are some of the side effects which may occur. Depletion of certain vitamins from the body, such as vitamin B6, and folic acid is also a possibility and while these micronutrients are necessary for all age groups, they are of particular importance to the developing body of a teenager.
There is also the danger of weakening bones due to calcium loss if hormone contraceptives are used for a long time. This is more so if injectable forms of hormonal contraceptives are used and is of special significance in teenagers whose bones are still growing. Bones may become brittle and fracture easily. With some types of contraceptives (those containing progesterone only, as in the mini pill or implants) your periods can become irregular, scanty or stop altogether.
A teenager may not be able to fully understand the impact of sexual intercourse and the responsibility that comes with it. Some teens may see this as a ‘license’ to become more liberal with their bodies, practicing unprotected sex with more than one partner. This increases the chance of contracting STD’s and with the ever increasing rate of HIV infection, this could be disastrous for a young person. Abstinence is always a better option until a person is mature and within a secure relationship to partake in sex and the early use of hormone contraceptives may blur these lines at at times for teens.
The considerations above are not only relevant for the teenager in question but also for the parent(s) who assist teens with acquiring hormone contraceptives. While avoiding a teen pregnancy may be the main focus, the impact of using a hormone contraceptive from an early age can have other consequences, some of which can be more detrimental to one’s life and career, than teen pregnancy.
