LONG-TERM HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVE USERS
Hormonal contraceptives (HC’s) have been shown to affect a number of metabolic and nutritional processes. HC’s decrease the levels of key vitamins and minerals and potentially increase the demands of important nutrients. Most of the B vitamins, particularly vitamin B6 and folic acid, are needed in higher amounts when HCs are taken. Zinc, and magnesium levels often fall and there is an increased need for vitamins C and E.
Long-term use of HC’s has been associated with cervical cell changes, cardiovascular irregularities, hair loss and skin changes. Supplementation of key vitamins and minerals may help to decrease the chances of certain nutrient related conditions that may not only improve the overall health of the HC user, but also provide for a more positive experience.
Cervical dysplasia, the development of abnormal precancerous cells in the uterus is related to decreased levels of folic acid and vitamin B12. Supplemental folic acid and B12 has been shown to reverse cervical dysplasia.
Increased risk of cardiovascular irregularities is the most frequent major side effect of HC use. HC’s cause an oxidative stress that generates free radicals and increases levels of homocysteine. Free radicals and homocysteine cause damage to the cells that line the arteries. This damage can lead to decreased blood flow and blood clots. Deficiency of vitamin B6 and folic acid is responsible for the increased levels of homocysteine. Supplementing with vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid helps metabolize homocysteine to non-damaging forms; in addition, antioxidants can help decrease oxidative stress caused by free radicals.
Biotin, vitamin E and zinc may help decrease skin and hair changes seen in long term OC users such as dark patchy spots on the face and loss of scalp hair.
If you are a smoker, FEMTABS provides a combination of antioxidants and important minerals that may help provide nutritional insurance while taking HC’s.
Overall, FEMTABS provides a “Triple Complex” of micronutrients that includes an essential B complex including vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, biotin (B7) and folic acid (B9), an important antioxidant complex and a mineral complex, all key nutrients known to be helpful in women taking hormonal contraceptives.
Increased risk of cardiovascular irregularities is the most frequent major side effect of OC use. OC’s cause an oxidative stress that generates free radicals and increases levels of homocysteine. Free radicals and homocysteine cause damage to the cells that line the arteries. This damage can lead to decreased blood flow and blood clots. Deficiency of vitamin B6 and folic acid is responsible for the increased levels of homocysteine. Supplementing with vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid helps metabolize homocysteine to non-damaging forms; in addition antioxidants can help decrease oxidative stress caused by free radicals.
Biotin, vitamin E and zinc may help decrease skin and hair changes seen in long term OC users such as dark patchy spots on the face and loss of scalp hair.
FEMTABS provides “Triple Complex” of a combination of antioxidants, along with B complex vitamins and important minerals that may help decrease your risk for smoking related side effects while taking OC’s.
FEMTABS provides a “Triple Complex” of nutrients that includes an essential B complex including vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, folic acid, and biotin, an important antioxidant complex and a mineral complex, all key nutrients known to be helpful in women taking oral contraceptives.
Note: All information on this website is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for a specific medical condition. Please consult your physician if you have questions or concerns regarding your health.