Let’s get real about the copper IUD…does it really have no effect on your hormones?

With more and more women seeking non-hormonal alternatives to the pill, the copper IUD has become a popular topic when it comes to women’s reproductive health. Now, before we dive into this post, let me be very clear: I am pro whatever birth control method you decide is best for you and your body, once you’ve been given the full picture of what it is you’re taking. With that said, there are some concerns to be aware of when determining whether or not the copper IUD is right for you.

Okay, now let’s get into it. The copper IUD is touted as a long-lasting, reversible form of birth control that does not rely on hormones, making it an appealing option for those looking to avoid the negative side effects that often accompany hormonal birth control methods.

But before you jump on the copper IUD bandwagon, there are some things you need to know. As a women's health practitioner, it is my job to inform my clients about the potential outcomes of various forms of birth control. I've heard first-hand from many women who have tried the copper IUD, and I've done my research to learn more about its potential risks and side effects. While the copper IUD can be an effective form of birth control for women, it's not without its downsides. It's important to have a full understanding of these factors before deciding if the copper IUD is the right choice for you.

One of the biggest concerns involving the copper IUD is copper toxicity. While copper is an essential trace mineral that our bodies need in small amounts, excessive amounts of copper can be toxic. Mineral imbalances should not be overlooked as they can be a significant concern. Certain forms of birth control, such as the copper IUD and the pill have been found to lead to symptoms of both estrogen dominance (due to the relationship between estrogen and copper) and copper toxicity.

Symptoms of copper toxicity include:

Mental/Psychological:

• Sudden mood changes

• Anxiety and depression

• Suicidal thoughts

• Overwhelm

• Consistent feelings of fatigue

• Brain fog

• Spaciness

• Panic attacks

• Irritability

• Increased anger and rage

• Emotionally numb

• Severe PMS

• Paranoia

• ADHD

Physical:

• Adrenal issues

• Slow metabolism

• Impaired thyroid function

• Hair loss

• Anemia

• Digestive issues (constipation, bloating, gas and indigestion)

• Nausea

• Headaches

• Missed ovulation / missed periods

• Heavy bleeding or prolonged spotting

• Reduced libido

• Joint pain

• Eczema

• Psoriasis

As well as common symptoms associated with elevated estrogen levels:

• Stubborn weight

• Acne

• Water retention/bloating

• Headaches/migraines

• PMS

• Severe menstrual cramps

• Breast tenderness

• Swollen breasts

• Fatigue

• Mood swings

• Dry/thinning hai

• Shorter periods/irregular periods

• Heavy periods

• Endometriosis

• PCOS

• Ovarian Cysts

• Fibroids

• Infertility

When a copper IUD is inserted, it releases copper ions into the uterus, which can lead to elevated copper levels in the body. This also has an impact on estrogen levels, as copper has been shown to increase estrogen. In the same way, elevated estrogen or estrogen dominance has been shown to increase copper levels in the body. So while the copper IUD is a non-hormonal form of birth control it is important to call out its direct impact on your hormone levels. Elevated copper levels and estrogen dominance are a growing concern in women, and this is something I am continuously consulting women on in my private practice. The pill is also a concern when it comes to copper toxicity, as the pill works by delivering synthetic forms of estrogen into the body.

It is important to note that copper toxicity isn’t widely acknowledged by many medical professionals. The blood level, which is homeostatic, does not indicate the stored tissue levels of metals or minerals at the cellular level and therefore, blood tests are poor markers of copper levels. Excess copper is stored in cells and tissues rather than in the blood transport system. The storage of copper in the cells and tissues is what is responsible for creating the symptoms/imbalances in women. This is best identified through properly assessing symptoms and testing through Hair and Mineral Analysis (HTMA).

Many women are coming forward to express their experience after the insertion of the copper IUD, yet some medical professionals dismiss the possibility that the IUD could be causing these symptoms.

How it works:

The copper IUD works by releasing copper ions, which are toxic to sperm, into the uterus. The copper IUD causes an inflammatory response in the uterus that makes it difficult for sperm to reach and fertilize an egg. Additionally, the copper IUD changes the quality of cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus.

Due to inflammation in the uterus, many women report excessive pain and menstrual cramping due to the copper IUD. This is reported to be the number one reason women have their IUD removed.

It is important to call attention to the way the copper IUD works because, from a functional medicine perspective, sources of chronic inflammation are one of the primary root causes we see contributing to other imbalances and health issues in the body. Chronic inflammation = chronic stress so it is important for women to understand this when making their decision.

Other things to be aware of:

• Changes in vaginal microbiome - The presence of the IUD string creates a connection between the uterus and the vaginal canal, altering the microbial balance in the vagina. IUDs are placed in the uterus, with their strings extending down through the cervix into the vaginal canal. It's important to note that the microbiota in the uterus and vagina differ in composition and as a result, the likelihood of vaginal infections increases.

• Copper’s relationship to the adrenal glands - The adrenal glands are responsible for telling the liver to produce the enzyme required to bind to copper and make it bio-available (aka usable) by the body. This compound is known as ceruloplasmin and it is responsible for delivering copper to the cells to be used by the body. This is an essential process required for the proper balancing of copper. When copper is bio-available we don’t typically run into as many issues with toxicity. However, if our adrenals are compromised due to elevated stress (which is something I see more often than not), this will disrupt the communication from the adrenals to the liver and therefore lower the body’s production of ceruloplasmin. This then increases copper levels in the body. If you already live a high stress lifestyle, this may be something to factor into your decision.

• Heavy bleeding and spotting between periods - Heavy bleeding and spotting are common side effects of the IUD. This can lead to anemia due to excess loss of blood.

• Severe menstrual cramps - This is reported to be the number one reason women have their IUD removed. Severe menstrual pain, sometimes accompanied by heavy bleeding, can become less of an issue after 3-6 months. However, for many women, this continues to be problematic.

• Movement or perforation of the uterus - Another potential risk of the copper IUD is that it can move or become displaced from its original position in the uterus, which can increase the risk of unintended pregnancy. In rare cases, the IUD may even perforate or puncture the uterus, which can require surgical intervention.

• Infertility and menstrual cycle abnormalities - Elevated copper levels have been linked to infertility in women. Furthermore, copper and zinc compete for absorption, meaning that high copper levels will lower the amount of zinc that our bodies can absorb. This can cause menstrual cycle abnormalities and fertility issues, as zinc plays a crucial role in supporting ovulation and maintaining adequate levels of progesterone. Progesterone is a vital hormone for menstrual cycle regulation, fertility, and pregnancy.

• Mood and psychological disturbances - Copper toxicity has been linked to a variety of psychological and mood imbalances, including severe fatigue, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, anger, irritability, and more. Women (even those without an IUD) already tend to have higher levels of copper, due to the presence of estrogen and copper’s affinity for estrogen. Elevated levels of copper in the body can disrupt the balance of other essential minerals, including zinc and magnesium, which are critical for optimal brain function and mood regulation. Additionally, copper toxicity can interfere with the proper functioning of neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to a wide range of psychological symptoms. As a result, women who experience symptoms of copper toxicity after using the copper IUD may also experience mood disturbances and psychological symptoms that can impact their overall quality of life. Once again, synthetic estrogen found in hormonal forms of birth control can also lead to the presence of these symptoms.

  I want to emphasize that as a Holistic Women’s Health Practitioner it is my responsibility to assist women in making informed decisions about their overall health and wellbeing, encompassing their physical, mental, and emotional aspects. I firmly support women's choice to opt for the copper IUD as long as they possess a comprehensive understanding of its possible side effects and risks. Informed consent is crucial to me, and I strive to equip women with all the necessary information to make their own choices confidently.

In conclusion, while the copper IUD has become a popular alternative to hormonal birth control for women seeking non-hormonal options, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of its potential risks and side effects. It addition, while it does not include the use of synthetic hormones as a part of its efficacy, it does indeed impact female hormones. One of the biggest concerns with the copper IUD is copper toxicity, which can lead to mental, psychological, and physical symptoms, as well as common symptoms associated with elevated estrogen levels. Elevated copper levels and estrogen dominance are a growing concern in women, and this is something to consider before choosing the copper IUD. Other potential side effects include changes in the vaginal microbiome, copper's relationship to the adrenal glands, infertility, menstrual irregularity and inflammation in the uterus that causes excessive pain and menstrual cramping. Before deciding on the copper IUD, it's important to understand the full picture.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance related to the use of the copper IUD or other forms of birth control, I would love to be able to support you inside of my 1:1 private practice.