BY RICA CRUZ
Hello Doc Rica,
I have been in a relationship for some time now and I just started taking pills. Napansin ko kaagad na lumakas ako kumain and dumami ‘yung cravings ko. I’ve had warnings from my friends na nakakataba nga daw ‘yung pills. Pero dahil kaya ito sa brand or components or if this is for me or not? Baka kailangan ko magswitch to a different brand.
Thank you,
Bike Lock
Hello Bike Lock,
I am glad that you are taking the necessary precautions when it comes to conceiving. But remember that pills will not be able to protect you against STIs. But if the two of you are regularly tested, and are not seeing anyone else, pills will be a good contraceptive method lalo na if you do not have problems with it.
Ang food cravings ay may iba’t-ibang causes. Maaari itong galing sa stress, mood changes, hormone fluctuations, or minsan naman talagang pag nakita mo ‘yung food ay napapa-crave ka na bigla. Pero contrary to common belief, wala pang link na nakikita ang science between birth control pills and food cravings.
Birth control pills ay gumagana sa pagbalanse ng hormone levels at in turn ay humihinto ng menstrual cycle at nagpeprevent ng ovulation at of course making pregnancy unlikely. Ang hormone fluctuations naman ay responsible for food cravings. May pag-increase at pag-decrease sa appetite kapag naka-pills pero hindi ito consistent.
Ang pinaka malapit na relationsip ay ang stress levels at pagkain. Naco-consider kasi ang stress as threats and your body releases cortisol that tells your liver na kailangan mo ng sugar at pagkain. Kaya din madaming tao na dessert ang hinahanap kapag stressed and you would consider these as “comfort food.”
Kung concerned ka at alarming na ang changes sa iyong food cravings at appetite, better to consult your doctor. It can be possible that you may have to switch brands depending on your doctor’s findings. Medyo mahirap to just explore by yourself when it comes to hormonal pills, so consult, pero enjoy and be safe pa rin.
With love and lust,
Doc Rica
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Rica Cruz is a Licensed Psychologist, Sex and Relationships Therapist, and Sex Educator. Follow her at facebook.com/TheSexyMind and @_ricacruz in Twitter and IG.