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Synthetic Hormones ~ Not Such Smart Choices?
3 Negative Side-Effects
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Let’s begin with addressing what a “synthetic hormone” is.
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There are various reasons a woman might find herself needing to use synthetic hormones, including but not limited to:
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- Contraception. The pill, the implant and various other methods of contraception all use synthetic hormones – most prominently, synthetic progesterone.
- Attempting to conceive/during IVF treatment.
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after menopause.
- Due to correct hormonal imbalances, such as those caused by PCOS or other congenital illnesses.
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So it’s fair to say that over the general life cycle of the average woman, there is a high probability that she will have to use synthetic hormones. These are medical substances which require a prescription for use, and for good reason.
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You may assume that because these hormones are just synthetic versions of the same naturally-occurring hormones found in the body, they are harmless.
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The truth is they do come with their own special set of side effects; a set of side effects one should be aware of before using them. The only way you should ever proceed with any health-related treatment is when you have the full facts.
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Synthetic hormones can, and do, cause numerous changes to the body. Some of these are pleasant.
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For example, if you want to stop your periods then these treatments are a reliable way of doing so – perfect if you’ve got a vacation you don’t want to be ruined! For all of their benefits, however, there are a few considerations to be aware of…These are listed below:
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Your Skin Might Suffer
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One of the major side effects women get with synthetic hormones is an overproduction of sebum (often just generically referred to as oil) on their face.
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The impact of this is often rapid; it can result in acne the likes of which you have not seen since you were a teenager.
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This can leave you struggling to cope with pain and inflammation during the treatment, but don’t assume ceasing hormones will end the problem. You might find yourself dealing with acne scars and needing to try treatments using a fractional co2 laser for acne scars to return your facial skin to its normal state.
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Your Hair Texture and Thickness Might Change
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Another common side effect of these treatments are changes in how your hair looks and feels.
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The major issue tends to be sebum again; this time making hair more prone to greasiness and needing more frequent washing.
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You may also notice that your hair thins or you suffer more hair loss than is usual for you. Furthermore, this may not reverse when you cease treatment – so it’s definitely an aspect you need to be aware of.
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Mood Changes To Manage
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Our hormones control our lives and, perhaps most of all, our moods. Synthetic hormones can throw our natural balance into a tailspin, leading to what feels like month-long PMS.
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You may be more prone to depression, quicker to anger and feel tearful for no reason. If you suspect this is happening, it’s only fair to warn the people in your life that you may be a little more sensitive than usual!
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Thankfully, these changes will return to normal when you cease treatment.
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