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Thrive+

Body positivity: let’s talk birth control

Looking for a “hormone clinic near me?”  Maybe you’re having some unusual period symptoms and you think you might have a hormonal imbalance. I totally get that. Your health is important, and you deserve answers to your questions. Here at ThriVe, we specialize in no-cost services for women experiencing unplanned pregnancies. If the care and answers you need are related to pregnancy, abortion information, or STI testing — we’re here for you!

If you have other women’s health questions, our blog is a great resource. Check out the information on this site to learn about your cycle, tips on navigating relationships, and common issues like UTIs.

Sometimes all it takes is a visit to your women’s specialist to get the treatment you need. Women’s specialists are different from general practitioner doctors. They are experts on women’s health and reproductive systems.

So how do you find a hormone clinic near me, or a women’s specialist? Look for words like, “gynecology,” “women’s health,” or “OBGYN” in your search. If you think you might be pregnant and need answers, ThriVe offers top notch, no-cost care. I’d highly recommend them if you’re seeking help with your sexual health or if you think you could be pregnant. Our center is super chic and friendly, so it doesn’t feel like a sterile clinic or hospital. Plus the staff is pro-woman! We don’t judge, and always strive to make you feel super comfortable.

Let’s take a peek into the lives of Nina and Angela, friends who confide in each other about their health. Nina has been experiencing some unusual things going on with her body and she’s ready to get help for it.

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Nina’s health journey

Nina: Hey Angela, you busy? Can I talk to you about something weird that’s going on? I’ve been having these imbalances, my periods are all over the place, and I’m just exhausted all the time. Ugh. It’s starting to freak me out. Have you ever gone through anything like this?

Angela: Oh girl, totally! I have time — I’m just getting home from the gym. Our bodies can be such a mystery sometimes. It sounds like it could be your hormones acting up. Have you thought about seeing if you have some kind of imbalance?

Nina: I actually googled “hormone clinic near me” the other day, but I have no idea where to even start. Hormone replacement therapy? I don’t know. I’ve never seen a women’s doctor before, and I’m nervous about the whole process.

Angela: Yeah, it can be overwhelming. But seriously, understanding our cycles and how our bodies work is so important. A lot of women go through this stuff and it can be a real eye-opener. I actually love my OB. She knows a lot about hormone replacement therapy and all things hormone. She’s nice and I never feel like she’s judging me. She’s just a regular woman like us.

Nina: Oh! Well that makes me feel better. Maybe I’ll look into it. Are you on birth control? I feel like everyone just expects you to get on birth control as soon as you hit a certain age. But I’ve been hearing more about women delaying sex? I’ve heard that it can help you get in tune with your natural cycle better.

Angela: Exactly! Yeah it just makes sense. A lot of girls think that birth control is just something everyone is on, but it’s SO important to know the risks, like heart attacks, strokes, blood clots, cancer risks, depression, and gaining weight. Your cycle is changed when you are on birth control.1 That’s why it makes sense to understand your natural cycle and find solutions that don’t mess with your hormones.

Nina: I had no idea there were so many risks. Do you think my symptoms could be something else?

Angela: It’s possible. Fatigue, mood changes, irregular periods, discharge, or pelvic pain could also mean pregnancy or an STI.2, 3

Nina: Whoa, I hadn’t even thought about that. I haven’t been sexually active for a while, but I guess an STI could be hidden, huh?

Angela: If you’re worried, you should get screened for STIs. It doesn’t take long. ThriVe+ actually does them for no cost. I’ve gotten tested there before, and they were super nice. It doesn’t feel like a hospital! It’s a cute, relaxed environment and the nurses there are super sweet. It’s worth it.

Nina: That sounds amazing. I’ve been feeling so lost and stressed about all this.

Angela: ThriVe is great. They’re super supportive and non-judgmental. Plus they help you make informed decisions. Like, they gave me info I didn’t even know about my body. They gave me tips on how to start doing more proactive things for my health. That’s why I’ve been hitting the gym! But they didn’t lecture me at all. It just felt like talking with a friend. Their blog is also full of awesome stuff about understanding and celebrating our natural bodies.

Nina: ThriVe sounds like exactly what I need right now. Thanks so much for the heads-up, Angela.

Angela: Anytime, Nina. It’s so important to take care of ourselves. I’m sorry you’re having weird symptoms, friend. Let me know if you want me to go with you to your appointment. I can come support you if you want.

Still have birth control questions?

1. What are the risks of taking birth control?

– Birth control can increase the risk of cardiovascular (heart) issues like blood clots, stroke, and heart attacks. Especially for smokers and older women. There are also potential cancer risks, such as a higher likelihood of breast and cervical cancer. Some women experience mood swings, depression, and weight gain.1 The risks of each specific brand will be listed in the box. Take time to read through those; your health is worth protecting.

2. How does birth control affect my natural cycle?

– Birth control pills suppress your natural cycle. That means you’re not experiencing the natural fluctuations of hormones that your body would normally go through. This can lead to a disconnect with your body’s natural rhythms and signals. It’s more of an artificial cycle. This can make it hard to read your hormones, and to be proactive about them. This is true body positivity — allowing your body to do its beautiful and natural thing.

3. Are there long-term effects of using birth control?

– Scientific studies say that taking birth control pills for longer periods of time increases your risk of some cancers. This risk goes down after you stop taking birth control. After you stop taking birth control pills, it sometimes takes awhile for your body to start producing natural hormones again. This might keep you from ovulating or having normal cycles for several months.4

4. What are some alternatives to birth control?

– Many women use birth control because it can be used to control the symptoms of a period. But just take a look at the risks. There are natural changes you can make to your lifestyle to make your period symptoms better. Of course, the main purpose of birth control is to prevent pregnancy. 

Here at ThriVe, we believe that women are capable of taking charge of their health. Ask your doctor about hormone replacement therapy for more options, aside from birth control. For more and more women lately, that means postponing sex until a time when they’re ready for pregnancy. Delaying sex is empowering. It’s keeping control of your health and your future. If you need someone to talk to about this, just give us a shout.

5. How do I decide about hormonal birth control?

– Avoiding birth control can help you maintain a natural hormonal balance. If you’re looking into a “hormone clinic near me,” that means you’re probably dealing with some unpleasant symptoms. We get it. But you can reduce the risk of serious side effects, and keep yourself more in tune with your body’s natural processes if you avoid birth control. Many women find they feel better physically and emotionally when not on contraceptives. You’re capable of taking charge of your health.

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6. How can I learn more about my natural cycle and reproductive health?

– Resources like ThriVe offer comprehensive info and support. They provide no-cost services like pregnancy tests, STI testing and treatment, ultrasounds, and detailed information about pregnancy options. Our blog is a great place to start learning about your natural body and how to care for it.

Need help with some unusual symptoms? Maybe you don’t have symptoms, but you want to get tested for an STI. Or perhaps you just need someone to talk to. I understand, girl. We’ve all been there. Plenty of us have visited doctors about specific things like hot flashes, menopause, hormone replacement therapy, estrogen and progesterone, and haven’t gotten answers. If the answers you need are about pregnancy, STIs, or abortion information we’re here for you.

Here at ThriVe, we offer pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and medically-accurate information for women facing unplanned pregnancies. All our services are for women, by women. We understand and want to help. You can also get tested for STIs at no cost. Plus, their women’s advocates are there to give you emotional support. How many clinics offer that? Make your appointment when you feel ready. 

Healthy • Safe • Strong

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