The Contraceptive Pill: Its Relation to Allergy and Illness

Abstract

Since 1961 it has become increasingly evident that the use of oral contraceptive steroids is causing an epidemic of illness among previously healthy young women in their child bearing years. There have been dramatic increases in the incidences of migraine headaches, depressive mood changes and suicide attempts, allergies to food and chemicals and cervical and breast cancer. Exogenous hormones alter many homeostatic mechanisms. Liver function may be altered and patients with the most abnormal liver function have the most numerous reactions to foods and chemicals and a reduced ability to deal with carcinogens and mutagens. Women who have taken the pill are more likely to have abnormal or allergic children and breast feeding may not offer protection if the mother is eating foods to which she has allergic reactions.