Birth Control and Cancer: What Every Woman Should Know

Birth Control and Cancer

Hormonal birth control has played a powerful role in women’s health—offering more control over fertility, managing irregular or painful periods, treating acne, and even preventing ovarian cysts. But as more women seek to understand the long-term effects of these medications, one important question arises:

Is Birth Control a Carcinogen? 🤔

The short answer: Yes

Some hormonal birth control pills are classified as carcinogenic. But before jumping to conclusions, let’s break down what this actually means for your health.

🔴 What Does “Group 1 Carcinogen” Mean?

The World Health Organization (WHO), through its International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), has classified certain combined hormonal contraceptives as Group 1 carcinogens. This is the highest risk category, indicating there is sufficient evidence they can cause cancer in humans.

Group 1 also includes well-known substances like:

• Tobacco

• Alcohol

• Processed meats...and combined oral contraceptives (COCs).

  
  

💊 What Are Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs)?

These pills contain two synthetic hormones:

• Estrogen (usually ethinyl estradiol)

• Progestin (synthetic progesterone)

They work by:

• Suppressing ovulation

• Thickening cervical mucus

• Thinning the uterine lining

🌟 Common COCs available in Australia:

• Yaz (ethinyl estradiol + drospirenone)

• Microgynon (ethinyl estradiol + levonorgestrel)

• Estelle (ethinyl estradiol + gestodene)

• Levlen (ethinyl estradiol + levonorgestrel)

  
  

📈 Potential Cancer Risks of COCs

Research shows a slightly increased risk of:

• Breast cancer

• Cervical cancer

• (Rarely) Liver cancer

⚠️ It's important to note that the risk often returns to baseline within 10 years after stopping the pill.

📉 Protective Effects of COCs

On the other hand, COCs are protective against several types of cancer:

• ✅ Ovarian cancer – Risk can be reduced by up to 50% with long-term use

• ✅ Endometrial cancer – Especially protective in those with irregular cycles or PCOS

• ✅ Colorectal cancer

  
  

🟡 What About Other Types of Birth Control?

Not all hormonal contraceptives carry the same cancer classification. Here’s how other methods compare:

➤ Progestin-Only Pills (Mini-Pill)

• Contains only progestin

• Not classified as a Group 1 carcinogen

• Often suitable for breastfeeding women or those who can’t take estrogen

Examples:

• Microlut (levonorgestrel)

• Noriday (norethisterone)

🧪 Research on long-term cancer risk is still ongoing, but generally considered lower risk.

➤ Hormonal IUDs

• Releases localised progestin (e.g. levonorgestrel)

• Minimal systemic hormone absorption

• Not classified as Group 1

Examples:

• Mirena

• Kyleena

• Jaydess

✅ May reduce risk of endometrial cancer🔍 Ongoing debate about any influence on breast cancer

➤ Implants & Injections

• Progestin-only and long-acting

• Not currently classified as Group 1

Examples:

• Implanon/Nexplanon (etonogestrel implant)

• Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone injection)

🔎 Some research suggests a slight increase in breast cancer risk, but more evidence is needed.

🧠 The Bottom Line

Hormonal birth control can slightly increase the risk of certain cancers—but it also offers strong protection against others. For most healthy women, the overall risk is low, and individualised decision-making is essential.

🌿 Naturopathic Perspective

If you're concerned about the long-term effects of hormonal contraception or are seeking natural alternatives, a holistic approach may include:

• Supporting liver detoxification (important for estrogen clearance)

• Replenishing key nutrients (e.g. B vitamins, magnesium, zinc)

• Using herbal medicine to regulate hormones naturally

• Conducting functional hormone testing to personalise care

  
  

💚 Final Thoughts

Every woman deserves to make informed decisions about her reproductive health. Whether you choose to stay on hormonal birth control, transition off, or seek natural alternatives—what matters most is understanding your optionsand what’s best for your body.

📍 Looking for support with hormonal balance?Book a consultation at @Naturo Hayat — where we explore root causes, not just symptoms.