Hormones
Food for Thought: Birth Control and Emotions (Sex Ed 101)
wondering, 18 writes...
Birth control pills trick your body into thinking it's pregnant, right? They also make some people more moody. If that's the case, is it safe to say that those would be the same emotional changes you will experience when you actually become pregnant (more or less)?Brittany says...
When thinking about these things, it's important to keep in mind that every woman is different. Some women won't become moody on birth control, and those women who aren't moody on birth control, might be moody if they become pregnant... and vice versa.
Saying that birth control "tricks" your body into thinking its' pregnant is also a very simplified way of describing how the birth control pill works. Essentially, what is really does is send synthetic hormones to your reproductive system in order to prevent an egg from being released, which also makes the mucus thicker so it's more difficult for sperm to reach the egg just in case something happened and it did get released. It also affects the uterine lining so it doesn't build up as much as it would if you weren't taking any hormonal birth control, so if an egg did get fertilized, it won't have anything to implant to. All together, this prevents pregnancy.
As far as moodiness goes, it's hard to tell. If you're on a birth control pill that's right for you (keeping in mind that there are TONS of different pills out there), you shouldn't really have any side effects that are noticable. That's why a doctor usually has you come back after a few months of being on a new pill, just to see if it's working out for you and if you're unhappy with it at all.
But all that aside, there are many other hormones that affect a pregnancy. Generally, when dealing with birth control pills - it's either estrogen with progestin, or just progesterone. When you're talking pregnancy, it's Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), estrogen, progesterone, Human placental lactogen (HPL), Relaxin, Oxytocin, Prolactin, Placental growth factor, erythropoietin, calcitonin, vasopression, thyroxine, growth hormones, thyroid stimulating hormone, Adrenocorticotropic hormone, cortisol, Prostaglandin, endorphins, and then some.
Many of those hormones are present in your body even when you're not pregnant, but once you get pregnant, they begin to increase and start working together to create a healthy little baby. And when all that starts happening, you can imagine your body, mind, and emotions start to go a little haywire, not to mention all the thoughts that might be going through your head about how you're going to raise your child, will you be a good parent, etc.
There's more about the hormones I listed which can be found in this article if you're curious! I found it really interesting; it's great reading material.
Tags: pregnancy, the pill, birth control pills, emotions, hormones, pregnant, mood swings, moody
Fulfilling Hormones (Sex Ed 101)
Anon, 13 writes...
I'm a teenage girl and my hormones are crazy. I'm getting really... let's say "unfulfilled". How can I make myself satisfied??Brittany says...
Masturbate.Tags: masturbation, hormones
I Want a Baby! (Sex Ed 101)
kayla.khemical, 13 writes...
I'm 13 years old and currently in 7th grade. Ever since fifth grade I've wanted a baby. I know I'm way too young- trust me I know this. I'm also still a virgin. Ever since last month, the feeling has gotten stronger than ever. Sometimes I feel like I need a baby more than I want it. Is it normal for me to feel like this and is there a way to stop it?Brittany says...
It's probably just your hormones pumping hard and I wouldn't worry about it. Why don't you volunteer some of your time at a local daycare or try to get a babysitting job. Either one will look really good when you need to talk about experience when you're older and it'll take care of your maternal cravings, too!
Tags: sex ed 101, hormones, baby
Crush and Hormones (Big Sister)
xenyth, 14 writes...
I have a little personal problem and I'm not even really sure this is the right column. I would have posted in the Ask a Guy column, but I wanted a girls opinion. I've been going to a home school group at the local YMCA for two years, and there's this girl there that I think likes me. At first I was like, "ok, another girl, nothing special" and went back to reading. And then last year in March the home school group had a variety show and after it was over the girl walked over and said bye, that was it. Except my mom instantly said, "oh she has a crush on you, she got away from her friends to come say hi by herself." (She usually has at least one friend with her at all times). As is typical of my family, word got out immediately and they bugged me about it for several months. (I can still hear them). Even now, every time her name comes up, someones face lights up like a Christmas tree. And during this time I guess I developed feelings for her. (I say "guess" because I'm at that age where the hormones are so bad that one second I'm happy and the next I'm plotting a murder). So ever since I've wondered if she actually likes me or if I'm actually gonna get to yell "I told you so" at my family. It's gotten so bad that several times I've debated asking her brother, or, god forbid, her. So, what I want to know is, does she actually like me? And how much of these feelings that I have for her are hormones, and how much are actual feelings?Ivette says...
She might find you interesting or cute, but you can't really know for sure. Some shy girls may be like that but the girl can just be outgoing and say hi to everyone. Your best bet is when next time she comes around and says hi, spark up a little small talk! Ask her about her day, and random stuff like that. If you don't feel comfortable on asking her to hang out right away just wait a bit then. Talk to her when you're comfortable and feel like talking. Be friendly and smile, you can even compliment her top or shoes just to be nice. When you're comfortable, hang out with her and see what goes on from there. You can ask her for her number or facebook (if you know her name just add her) and do most of the talking there so you don't feel like you need to get to know her always in person (sometimes the internet makes it easier for us to socialize). As for feelings go, you never know either. I am telling you, hang out with her and see if you like her not. She may turn out to be some obnoxious snobby girl or the nicest girl you'll ever encounter. The only way is to get to know her and follow your heart.Tags: advice, relationships, big sister, love, crush, family, hormones, guy, puberty, homeschooled