02/06/2026
This is what rarely gets explained about starting birth control early.
When birth control is introduced in the teens or 20s, it alters hormone signaling long term. Progesterone goes up. But testosterone goes down.
And that matters.
Testosterone isnât just a âmale hormone.â In women, it plays a critical role in bone density, muscle integrity, energy, and long-term resilience. Itâs a hormone youâll rely on heavily in your 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond.
So when testosterone is suppressed for years during key developmental decades, that decision can have downstream effects later in life, especially on bone health.
This isnât about fear or judgment.
Itâs about understanding trade-offs.
Hormones are interconnected, and when you suppress one, thereâs always a ripple effect. The more informed the decision, the better the long-term outcome.