How about the first reaction of people when it comes to birth control pills? It would probably be a question like “Are birth control pills harmful to the ovaries?” “Will it cause premature aging?” In fact, short-acting contraceptives are not the reasons for premature ovarian failure, and on top of that, they might be a potential protective source for women’s health. And what can surely make women’s ovaries premature are some lifestyle habits that are continually being overlooked by us, so what behaviors are hurting the ovaries? What to do if you want to protect your ovaries?
I. Do birth control pills really cause premature ovarian failure?
1. Short-acting contraceptives
Short-acting contraceptives are generally made to cease ovulation through the usage of estrogen and progesterone which results in a contraceptive effect. After withdrawal, it is usually possible for the ovaries to return to normal function without a compromise in the ovarian reserve function. Moreover, some birth control pills, such as those made from natural progestin preparations, may be helpful in reducing the risk of ovarian cysts and endometriosis.
2. Emergency contraceptives
Emergency contraceptive pills contain a high concentration of hormones. If used once in a while, they will have no impact on the function of the ovaries. On the other hand, if repeatedly used (for example, multiple times a month), it might gradually interfere with the endocrine production.
II. “3 things that really hurt your ovaries that you may do every day”
1. Long stay-up
Many persons consider staying up late to be a normal thing with a significantly fast-paced modern life. However, if one continues to stay up late for a long time, his/her body’s biological clock will get out of order and eventually, it will become the body’s hormone secretion disorder, which in turn will affect the function of the ovaries. Also, long sleepless nights for women with reproductive needs will make the body be in a state of chronic fatigue, the cells’ metabolic rate will drop as well, and the energy supply of the follicles in the ovary will also be insufficient, which in turn will affect the normal development of eggs, hence, the success of conception will be decreased and a big impact on health will be caused.
2. Long-term mental stress
The speed by which the ovaries become old is closely connected to the stress level of a person’s body, and prolonged mental stress turns into the “accelerator” of ovarian aging. Stress hormones like cortisol, which have an impact on the follicle reserve in the ovary directly, thus leading to the rate of follicle depletion that is very high, continue being secreted when the human body is under a state of chronic stress.
The amount of primordial follicles that the ovary has is limited and it is not possible to regenerate it after they are used up. Continued exposure to stress causes the primordial follicles, which were initially asleep, to be turned on prematurely, and because of the internal environmental disorders, a large number of atresia and apoptosis will occur in the development leading to a rapid depletion of the ovary’s available follicles. Simultaneously, stress hormones also hinder the performance of ovarian granulosa cells, which are the major cells that produce estrogen, and dysfunctional cells may cause the amount of secreted estrogen to drop which, in turn, will further aggravate ovarian function decline.
3. Smoking or drinking
Nicotine that is found in cigarettes can lead to an increase in oxidative stress levels by restricting the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the ovary. A large number of free radicals will target the DNA and cell membrane of the primordial follicle, thus, causing follicle cell apoptosis; toxic substances like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that are releasing as a result of cigarette smoking will interfere with the normal division and differentiation of follicle cells, hence the development of follicles will be stagnated and even ovarian function decline will occur earlier than that stage. On the other hand, ethanol from alcohol stimulates the secretion of androgens from the adrenal glands which, if too high, will inhibit follicular development making the follicles remain in the small follicular stage thus, exhibiting the characteristics similar to those of polycystic ovary syndrome, which further aggravates ovarian dysfunction.
III. How to scientifically maintain ovaries?
1. Periodic medical examinations
Every woman is suggested to undergo six sex hormone tests per year and be very conscious of the levels of her hormones, especially after 35 years of age, when more attention has to be paid.
2. Moderate exercise
Do aerobic exercises like jogging and yoga 3-5 times a week, avoid sitting for long hours, and build up your own resistance.
3. Go to bed early and get up early
Incorporate a healthy lifestyle into your daily routine, go to bed early and get up early, and stay away from the problems of premature ovarian failure caused by endocrine disorders.
Premature ovarian failure affects women’s physical and psychological health to a great extent. Besides causing problems of the reproductive system such as menstrual disorders and infertility, it is likely to lead to a series of diseases like osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, depression, and anxiety. So, getting to the bottom of the causes of premature ovarian failure, giving up bad living habits, and taking active prevention measures are the key to women’s ovarian health. I sincerely hope that female friends will be aware of the importance of their ovarian health and keep a good lifestyle so that they will always have the best physical condition.
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