In functional medicine at The Age Less Clinic & General Practice, contraception—including IUDs—is evaluated not just for effectiveness, but for its impact on the body’s broader systems such as hormonal balance, gut health, and detoxification pathways. Functional practitioners often take a cautious approach, especially with hormonal methods, due to concerns about potential systemic effects like mood changes, nutrient depletion, microbiome disruption, and liver stress. Even hormonal IUDs, though localized, can influence the body's endocrine signalling. Non-hormonal options like the copper IUD are hormone-free but may pose issues for some individuals, such as increased menstrual bleeding or concerns about copper accumulation and inflammation.
Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, functional medicine emphasizes individualized care and informed choice. Women are encouraged to consider their overall health, mineral status, hormone levels, and personal goals when choosing a contraceptive method. Natural methods like fertility awareness or barrier methods may be recommended when hormonal or device-based options are problematic. Ultimately, the goal in functional medicine is to support reproductive autonomy while minimizing unintended effects on whole-body health.
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