Lutea™ and hormonal contraception
Hormonal contraception is a widely used method for preventing pregnancy, yet its effects can vary significantly among individuals. Understanding how it works is essential for comprehending its potential interactions with Lutea™’s Menstrual Neuromodulation Therapy (MNT).
Hormonal contraceptives, whether combined oral contraceptives (COCs) (containing both estrogen and progestin) or progestin-only (the “mini” pill), function primarily by inhibiting ovulation, and thickening cervical mucus to block sperm from entering the uterus. Additionally, long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), such as intrauterine devices (IUDs), contraceptive implants, and injections provide extended prevention of conception.
MNT is safe to use with all versions of hormonal contraception and there are no known or expected interactions between MNT and hormonal contraception, but the timing of MNT’s use may need to be adjusted based on your individual response to the hormonal contraception you’re currently using. This is briefly explained below.
It's important to understand that bleeding observed with hormonal contraception is a normal occurrence, although it doesn't signify true menstruation. This type of bleeding is commonly referred to as "breakthrough bleeding" or "spotting". It happens because hormonal contraception prevents the typical cyclical build-up and shedding of the uterine lining during the menstrual cycle, resulting in irregular bleeding patterns, particularly in the initial months of use. However, this bleeding usually becomes lighter and more predictable over time.
Considering this, if you're using hormonal contraception and experience regular withdrawal bleeding, you might want to synchronize Lutea™ therapy with CycleSync™, even though it's not real menstruation per se. On the other hand, for those encountering irregular bleeding despite hormonal contraception use, incorporating Lutea™ therapy in a disconnected mode from the menstrual cycle would be advisable.
Based on scientific evidence, we know that throughout the menstrual cycle, the brain undergoes dynamic changes in structure and connectivity in response to fluctuating hormone levels. A growing body of research demonstrates that fluctuations in oestrogen, progesterone, follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinising hormone (LH) levels intricately influence brain morphology and connectivity patterns. Specifically, key regions responsible for cognitive processes including memory, such as the temporal lobe, and hippocampus demonstrate notable alterations in response to these hormonal fluxes.
These cyclical modifications in brain structure may suggest a monthly cycle of neuroplastic changes and reorganisation taking place in women's brains, governed by the rhythmic ebb and flow of ovarian hormones. It’s important to note that the precise mechanisms underpinning this relationship remain incompletely understood, likely stemming from a multifaceted interplay of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors.
Interestingly, the impact of widely used hormonal contraception on these dynamic brain changes remains relatively unexplored. Therefore, you should always discuss contraceptive options and potential integration between Lutea™ and your hormonal contraceptive choices with your healthcare professional to ensure a personalised treatment approach and optimal results.