Dr. Molly Sears, ND
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine

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Birth Control & Poly Pharmacy- The Series: Part 5 : Acid Reflex and PPI’s

Once again-I am all for the use of Birth Control, it is empowering. I am also all for the use of adequate Informed consent about the use of the birth control and I love empowering women through education surrounding the use of the birth control. This week I will be sharing a series about the reality of the Pill and PolyPharm (;the use of multiple medications to address side effects of previously prescribed medications.)

Women on the birth control are SIGNIFICANTLY more likely to be prescribed multiple drugs after starting Hormonal Birth Control:

Part 5:Protein Pump Inhibitors

Used to manage

  • Acid reflex

  • GERD

  • Heartburn

The Facts

  • According to the authors of a 2007 study in the "Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology," a relationship has been found between the use of oral contraceptives and the development of acid reflux.

  • Long term use of PPI’s can put you as risk of Anemia, Osteoporosis, C. Diff infections, Magnesium and B12 deficiencies, and Dementia.

Developing Heartburn, GERD, and Acid Reflex while on the Pill: The connection

  • Hormonal birth control can cause an “estrogen dominant” state within the body. This excess estrogen relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing regurgitation up the esophagus

  • An Increase in Estrogen predisposes you to obesity and vice versa. Both being overweight and this state of estrogen excess caused by the pill concurrently increases your risk for developing Acid reflex.

  • Thyroid issues that arise on the pill can contribute to hypochlorydia (low stomach acid) and most acid reflex is caused by low amounts of stomach acid

Final thoughts:

Does this mean you need to come off the birth control? Again, maybe- but probably not, it is your choice. I am writing this to create a space where women can educate themselves and empower them to know what side effects there are, what it can lead to, and how awareness can help them avoid falling into the cycle of poly pharm. With my patients on hormonal birth control we work to specifically ensure that we are replenishing the nutrient depletions, supporting our immune system, and optimizing our inflammation in our body to prevent these negative processes from occurring. For low stomach acid and heartburn symptoms clinically we try a simple intervention with Apple Cider Vinegar to manage this symptom. Sometimes this is enough and sometimes your body requires additional digestive support and repair.

Resources:

Heidelbaugh JJ, Kim AH, Chang R, Walker PC. Overutilization of proton-pump inhibitors: what the clinician needs to know. Ther Adv Gastroenterol. 2012;5(4):219-232.

Schoenfeld AJ, Grady D. Adverse effects associated with proton pump inhibitors. JAMA Intern Med. 2016;176(2):172-174.

Molly Sears