Contraceptive pills are very popular methods to avoid pregnancy after unprotected sex but are you aware of the risk they cause to the liver? Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) are hormone-containing medications that are taken orally. They prevent pregnancy by blocking ovulation as well as sperm penetration into the cervix.”
The liver is one of the most important organs in the human body. It is because of its functions. The liver produces fluids that help the body digest and detoxify. And if we don’t watch what we eat, toxic substances like drugs, alcohol, and junk food can seriously harm our liver. Other diseases or cancers that affect other organs also affect the liver. Infections in the blood, if they reach the liver, can be harmful.
Contraceptive pills contain estrogen and progesterone hormones, which primarily affect the ovaries and uterus. However, like all other medications, it gets metabolized in the liver. Taking any drug/ medications or even oral contraceptives affects the liver. If you take these pills on a regular basis, you are surely putting at risk your Liver’s health. Because contraceptive pills contain hormones, they gently restrict bilirubin excretion and cause sinusoidal dilatation, increase gall bladder size, cholestasis, and other side effects in patients who already have liver disease, resulting in jaundice, abnormal liver function tests, itching, and stomach pain, among other things. However, these are extremely unusual in adults with healthy livers. Since birth control pills can cause a variety of liver issues over time, taking them for longer period has not been found to be safe for your liver. High estrogen hormone content pills are dangerous and should only be used occasionally.
Other side effects of taking oral Contraceptive pills / Birth control pills:-
- Nausea
- Tender breasts
- Abrupt weight gain
- Chronic headache or migraine
- Mood swings
- Vaginal discharge
- Missed periods
- Spotting between period or vaginal bleeding between periods
Despite having an impact on liver health, very severe adverse effects are quite uncommon. However, any pre-existing liver issues must be cut before using these pills. If you are required to take these pills for the long term, it is advisable to consult with a Liver Specialist in India for diagnosis and tests.
