Breast health is a crucial aspect of women’s wellness and overall health. Numerous health conditions, infections, inflammation, cysts, and lumps, both benign and malignant, affect breasts. Among them, breast cancer is the most critical breast health condition, as it can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated on time.

Therefore, doctors usually recommend a breast examination and mammogram once every three years for young women and once a year for women above 40 for early detection and treatment. In addition to that, addressing the risk factors of breast cancer is one of the crucial ways to combat the disease and keep it at bay. Poor reproductive health and the impact of hormonal imbalances caused by hormonal contraception are among those risk factors, and it is indispensable to consider the implications of contraception on breast health while choosing one.

This article examines how hormonal contraception affects breast health and why Saheli is a pill with a difference when it comes to breast health.

How does hormonal contraception affect breast health?

Hormonal contraception typically contains synthetic forms of female reproductive hormones, namely oestrogen and progesterone. It is available as combination pills or progestin-only pills. These pills work by manipulating the hormonal levels in the body and regulating the ovulation process. As a result, they have a significant impact on hormonal balance.

The hormonal imbalance caused by these pills impacts the reproductive health of women, affects breast health, reduces milk secretion in breastfeeding mothers, and introduces the risk of the transfer of hormones to the baby. So, hormonal contraception is not only detrimental to breast health but also unsuitable for breastfeeding mothers.

The side-effects and long-term impact of hormonal contraception on breast health include:

1. Breast Tenderness

   Breast tenderness or soreness is caused by hormonal imbalance, leading to fluid retention and changes in breast tissues. It is a widely reported side-effect among hormonal contraception users. This condition may vary depending on how long you have been using hormonal contraception. It may be more pronounced while starting a hormonal contraceptive regimen.

2. Breast Swelling

   Breast tenderness may be accompanied by swelling or changes in breast size in some cases. It occurs due to the influence of hormonal contraception on fluid and fat distribution in the body.

3. Fibrocystic Breast Changes

   It is a condition where benign lumps or rope-like cysts form in the breasts due to the increase in oestrogen levels with the consumption of combined contraceptive pills.

4. Breast Cancer

   Breast cancer is among the most serious conditions that affect breast health.

   According to the World Health Organization (WHO), several factors increase the risk of breast cancer, including family history, age, obesity, alcohol consumption, tobacco use, etc. The use of hormonal contraception is also among those reasons.

While numerous studies, including this article published in Lancet Oncology, have established how hormonal contraception reduces the risks of various cancers, including ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer, they have found it to increase the risk of breast cancer. According to the research findings of Oxford Population Health:

• There was a significant increase in the risk of breast cancer associated with hormonal contraceptive use, regardless of the type of hormonal contraception.
• The increased risk of breast cancer associated with oral contraceptive use declined after stopping use.
• The absolute excess risk of developing breast cancer over 15 years in women with five years of use of oral contraceptives ranged from eight in 100,000 women for use from age 16 to 20, to 265 in 100,000 for use from age 35 to 39.

Finding alternatives for hormonal contraception

With numerous research findings pointing towards the link between the use of hormonal contraception and increased risks of various health conditions affecting breast health, it is critical to find a safe and effective non-hormonal contraception to safeguard breast health and achieve women’s wellness. This is where Saheli comes in.

Saheli: A non-hormonal pill that benefits breast health

Saheli is the world’s first non-hormonal contraceptive pill. It has Centchroman, a Selective Oestrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM). It achieves contraception through localized action in the uterus, creating unsuitable conditions for nidation in the endometrium to prevent the implantation of the embryo. The following research papers establish the lack of side effects from Saheli usage.

1. Scoping review: Mechanism of Action, Pharmacokinetics, Effectiveness of Centchroman as a Contraceptive Pill
2. A Study of Centchroman Users with Special Reference to Its Contraceptive Benefit

Since Saheli does not manipulate the hormone levels to achieve contraception, it does not have any effect on the hormonal balance. So, it does not increase the risk of conditions affecting breast health, unlike hormonal contraception. Saheli has been found to provide additional benefits in maintaining breast health, lipid profile, and bone density in women. In addition to that, Saheli is safe for breastfeeding mothers.

DGCI has approved Saheli. Since 1995, it has proven its effectiveness in the National Family Welfare Programme of India.

Choose safe contraception and maintain breast health

Awareness, lifestyle modifications, and regular medical checkups are indispensable for ensuring breast health and long-term wellness. Contraception being a health choice with a potential impact on breast health implies that it must be considered an integral component of a comprehensive approach to women's well-being.

It is evident from numerous research findings hormonal contraception is not a safe choice for breast health. So, Saheli is the most sensible option if you want to avoid any side effects and maintain breast health. While offering all the benefits of hormonal contraception, Saheli also ensures safety and ensures peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does hormonal birth control affect breast size?

   Yes, hormonal birth control can cause temporary breast enlargement due to fluid retention or changes in breast tissue. But the effect usually subsides after a few cycles.

2. Can birth control cause breast issues?

   Hormonal birth control may cause breast tenderness, swelling, or discomfort.

3. Which contraceptive has a high risk of breast cancer?

   Long-term use of combined hormonal contraceptives (oestrogen and progestin) is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, particularly in women who use it for extended periods.

4. Does hormonal birth control affect breast milk?

   Yes, hormonal contraceptives containing oestrogen can reduce breast milk production.