The Cura Convergence: Healing Through Science and Spirituality™

™

It seems I always take the path less traveled.  Half way through college I switched my major from Pre-Med to English, Education, and Religion only to find myself back in chiropractic school a few years later. The word “doctor” is derived from the Latin, docco, which means “to teach,” so perhaps the paths were truly one in the same.  In my life and practice, they have merged profoundly, creating The Cura Convergence.     

As co-creators in this Universe, we are born with the desire and ability to bring to life the urgings of our hearts and souls.  Two years ago, I began the birthing of what I call my third child.  A book: The Cura Convergence: Healing through Science and Spirituality.  A labor of love.  This book has been midwifed by Masters, Teachers, and Loved Ones.  It is now cradled in the hands of Dr. Caroline Myss, PhD, who honors the work with an endorsement.  She has been a trail blazer in the field of human consciousness, spirituality, and energy healing, and I am so deeply grateful for the privilege of her words.  I bow, I bow, I bow.   

This book is intended to start, and continue, the conversation toward wholeness and healing...individually and collectively, between ancient wisdom and advancing science... between Eastern Practices and Western Medicine.  

The restoration of science and spirituality is imperative for healing.  The division needs to end.  We are Spirit Made Flesh.  We need to address all aspects of ourselves for wholeness and healing.  Even if this message alters the hearts and minds of individuals or health care professionals just a quarter turn, the horizon of possibilities becomes drastically different.  

I share the news of my forthcoming book with great excitement and humility.  I acknowledge that this book is a collaboration of heart, of life experiences, of profound ah-ha moments, of pain and sorrow. It was conceived from a deep, abiding Love that was instilled many moons ago, and it was birthed after appropriate time and space.  I am confident that the Spirit which accompanied its creation will also abide with those who embrace its message.  

“Doctors, nurses and practitioners of every healing modality from Western or Eastern approaches are motivated by a love of people and an instinctive desire to end suffering.  

There is a crisis in the health care system today. More specifically, a conflict between health care modalities, techniques, and professionals.  A tension that has been reinforced with years of history.  

How can Eastern and Western medicine work in tandem?  Cura provides the science behind this quantum convergence that is the basis of all mind-body-spirit healing.  It is time for both schools to blend their approaches to medicine and healing; philosophically and functionally.  The body of evidence we seek is our own; each one of us individually and all of us collectively.  Every effort we make to discover the Cura - true healing - will reveal that this is an integrative process of science and spirit.  

Integration cannot occur without respect, willingness, and openness of mind.  We cannot access the many healing resources without broadening our understanding of the universe, of the body, and of the energies that comprise the tangible and intangible beings that we are.  

Eastern and Western approaches to Energy, Embodiment, and Spiritual Evolution are all intimately and inextricably connected to healing.  As individuals and as a society, we must open our minds to this conceptus in order to heal the division of science and spirit.  This is how we heal ourselves...and each other.  

This is how we heal the world. 

If you have come to the point in your journey where you know there is something beyond the limitations of culture and practice - and that “something” is the key to everything - this book is for you.”™

(Excerpt from The Cura Convergence: Healing through Science and Spirituality™)

All my relations, I honor you with love. 

Dr. Jill 

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Available Fall 2017.  Watch for more information and or to preorder a copy at www.curaintegrative.com 

Matter

 

I have been blessed with great teachers in my life.  Teachers that lead me into healing, awakening, awareness.  Teachers that help me develop my skill, my art form, my self. 

I met an amazing teacher a few weekends ago when I chose to embark on a new apprenticeship. 

After a full day of an inward journey, our teacher led us outside for an exercise in aligning with our Totem Animal.   We were to call in our animal ally, become and embody this animal, draw upon its medicine and wisdom, and then die to our Animal Totem. 

Jaime Sams explains in the book, Medicine Cards, that "When you call upon the power of an animal, you are asking to be drawn into complete harmony with the strength of that creature's essence...They are a part of the pathway to power.  The power lies in the wisdom and understanding of one's role in the Great Mystery, and in honoring every living thing as a teacher."

I found myself tearing up with the explanation of the exercise.  Truly unsure why, I gave myself space to feel the source of the tears.  And in that space of allowance, I realized that I was not at peace with myself.  I was not at peace with my life story.  And, in humble truth, this life has been hard.  So incredibly hard at times.  Disease, death, divorce, depression ... It can leave a person broken. 

There are times when I tend to gravitate to the realm of Spirit to escape the harsh reality of life.  Definitely to find guidance and love and healing.  But, there is a part of me that does it to escape. 

And after the last few years of life, I wasn't too keen on coming back to this physical form.  I just wanted to be done.  And thus, the tears.    

But there is no escaping the Universe.  There is no escaping Spirit and energy and consciousness.  There is no escaping healing and, ultimately, becoming. 

And so, in reverence and surrender, I allowed myself to fully embody the medicine of my Spirit Guide.  I laid on the cold ground, uncomfortable in my form and in the elements.  And yet, I followed the beat of the drum and the song of the Shaman. 

And I became a Wolf. 

The wolf is the teacher of medicine and as I embodied this animal, I felt Mother Earth under my paws; I felt grounded in her.  I saw with a clearness of vision the elements and energy around me.  I felt my power as I encircled my tribe.  I understood the depth of my loyalty to and protective nature of those that I call my family.  I felt my connection to Grandmother Moon and the illumination that her intuitive nature brings.

I felt complete alignment with the wisdom and knowledge that Wolf Medicine brings. 

And then, the moment came to die to the wolf.  To fully release attachment, embodiment, and form.  I shook.  Cried.  And fully allowed myself to break. 

And in this moment, there was no need to hold it together.  No need to hold my head up, wipe my tears, swallow it down, carry on.  No one needed me.  No one was counting on me.  No responsibility laid before me. 

And in that moment, there was permission to break.  To lose it.  To die. 

And I felt my form release. 
Break down. 
My flesh,
my bones,
my emotions,
my hurt,
my fears,
my life story. 

I broke down.

Into pieces. 
Into fragments of matter. 
Trace minerals. 
Elements. 
Blood. 
Water. 

And Earth Mother accepted me.  Drew me in.  Enveloped me.  Buried me in her depth.  Held me.  She released my charge.  Transmuted my hurt.  Allowed me to transform.  In my own time.  In my own way. 

Fragments of me poured into the pond and then evaporated into the sky.  I remained there and gathered essence, power.  And then I began to rain.  To cleanse.  To baptize the very ground that healed me.  To give back to the beautiful mother than held me. 

A distant voice called to me, beckoned me back into my physical form.  Called me home. 

And as I rained down, looking over my body - there was a sense of gratitude for this life story.  For the lessons and wisdom held within this form.  For the medicine of this animal ally that I embody. 

And for the first time in my life, I wanted to embody me.  To draw upon my own power.  My own medicine.  My own heart.  I wanted to retain my knowledge and wisdom and LOVE.

And as the rain fell over my form, I felt my essence come into more and more dense material form.  From energy into matter.

And then I realized,    

I Matter.    

And the medicine I hold is a vital part of Great Spirit. 



And so it is with you.  You Matter. 
And the Medicine you hold is a vital part of the Collective Great Spirit.



Aho.

Point of Connection

There are certain pursuits that propel a person forward.  

A Passion.  A Purpose.  A Drive.  A Calling.  

For me, I love creating space for the divine to be manifest.  For healing to occur.  For hearts to open.  I love helping people heal.  Helping the physical form manifest the beautiful spirit within.  

I always wanted to be a chiropractor and acupuncturist; since the 8th grade.  I didn’t even know what it was, and I had never received any treatment, but I knew that was what I was suppose to be.  Granted, I took a round about way to get there: english teacher, youth leader, yoga instructor, and THEN chiropractor.  But, truth be told, I always enjoyed the scenic route.  Plus, doctor translated actually means teacher, so I wasn’t too far off.  

My brother always wanted to be a doctor too.  Since before I was even born. And, for those of you that know my family, you know that my brother and I are, lovingly, at the exact opposite sides of a spectrum.  Truly. 

Eastern meets Western.  

Non-conformist verse Perfectionistic.

Feminine and Masculine. 

But the beautiful aspect about a spectrum is that there is always middle ground.  There is always a point where too extremes come together.  A point of connection.   

And, the best thing about family, is that our hearts beat with the same blood. That we are grounded from the same Mother, Family, Tribe.  

A mother who taught us from the same Passion.  Purpose.  Drive.  Calling.  Spirit.  

_______________________________

A few weeks ago, my brother sent me this beautiful vision statement.  It moved me and so I felt compelled to share.   

Sometimes “good medicine,” doesn’t come in the form of a pill or test.  It comes in the form of a person.  A person who is willing to go beyond the limits of their technical expertise and professional requirements.  A person who, at their core, seeks to understand and accept all that come along their path.  A person who never misses a chance for improvement or healing.  

Life is a journey – one that contains difficult terrain, unreliable landmarks and, often, changing destinations.  It requires a special type of guidance to navigate through.  A guidance that relies on questions, not commands; inner strength, not authority

personal involvement, not control.  

We commit ourselves to becoming trusted guides for our patients.  We will help them draw their own maps, as we realize their life and their health it is their journey to take.  At all times and in every way, we will guide our patients, and their families, so that we can plot a course uniquely suited to their individual path.  

We will embrace the insights found in nature’s four directions, and therefore approach everything we do with a beginner’s mind, a passionate heart, a nurturing spirit, and a soulful wisdom.  

We know, understand, and have experienced that there is nothing more debilitating than a sense of powerlessness.  So we commit ourselves to nurture them, and make them strong in spirit – ever changing and exploring various options and paths.  We will nourish their sense of control in the midst of uncontrollable events and we will walk beside them – never in front and never behind.  

We seek to transform each patient and their family, and reconnect with the healing power of faith, love, and caring – of which medicine was intended to be.  

We will turn concern into comfort, pain into purpose – and will change medicine, our patients and ourselves during the journey.  We will be a source of light and life – an inspiration to all that we touch, with caring, compassion, nurturing and guidance.   

“The path will not always be easy, the choices will not always be clear, but the cause is sure and the Spirit will bear witness to the truth”, and we are excited about taking the journey with you.  

____________________________

There are certain pursuits that propel a person forward.

I am a nonconformist and I would follow that vision statement anywhere.    

BASIC IMMUNITY

There is a lot of controversy around vaccinations.  There is a tendency to create separation and “camps.”  Those that vaccinate.  Those that don’t.  The “anti-vaxers,” the “non-vaxers,” the “pro-vaxers.”  Research, life experience, informed discussions, negative talk, judgements, ignorance, fear, guilt, shame...you name it.  It is all part of the  current conversation around vaccination.  

The conversation I would love to have, the one that I think should be the basic foundation of any vaccine discussion, is not necessarily about vaccinations at all.  The foundation, to me, starts with the immune system.  

How it works.  

Why it works.  

What it does.  

How to support it.  

How to nourish it. 

Then the discussion can lead to vaccinations: what they do, how they are introduced to the body, how that effects the immune system, long term immunity vs short term immunity, Th1 vs Th2 immunity, first/second/third lines of defense... etc.  Then we can have a true, informed discussion about physiology, pathology, immunity, and the role that vaccinations play.

The purpose of our immune system is to recognize invading pathogens, prevent their spread, and ultimately clear them from our body.  Our basic immunity has 3 lines of defense that our bodies use to fight off pathogens.   

THE FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE

The first line of defense involves natural barriers: our skin and the mucosal linings in our respiratory, gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts. The skin forms a tough, impenetrable barrier formed by layers of keratinized cells. The internal surfaces are specialized for interaction and communication with their environment and are more vulnerable to pathogens.  The cilia in the lungs, the acid in the stomach and the urogential tract, and the mucus in the gastrointestinal tract all help to create a barrier from invading pathogens.  One specific enzyme, lysozyme, that is secreted in tears, sweat, and saliva breaks down the cell wall of the invading pathogens.   

The cell wall is the brain AND the protective barrier of any pathogen.  Breaking down the cell wall of the pathogen allows the rest of the immune system to render the pathogen null and void.  Without this essential step, the pathogen can reek havoc on our immune system and our body. 

If there is a breech of any of the barriers of our first line of defense, the next line of our innate immune system steps in. 

THE SECOND LINE OF DEFENSE

If a pathogen breeches the epithelial lining, the immune system will mark, or “flag”, the pathogen as “non-self.”  Antigens will bind tightly to this pathogenic invader which will inhibit its growth, replication, or interaction with human cells.  This mechanism is called neutralization. 

Mast cells, neutrophils, macrophages, antibodies and immunoglobulins can all work together to render the pathogen inactive and trigger an inflammatory response (redness, swelling, heat, pain).  The presence of an antigen triggers the activation of complement. When complement is activated it attaches to the pathogen and acts as a flag for effector cells. Effector cells then bind to the antigen-complement complex, and engulfs and destroys the pathogen.

THE THIRD LINE OF DEFENSE

The third line of defense involves the adaptive immunity; an immune response that adapts and changes to what we’re exposed to in our environment. The third line of defense recruits mature lymphocytes and various other cells) to increase the power of the immune system.  

During lymphocyte maturation, each cell is programed to make a single species of cell surface antigen receptors. The population of circulating lymphocytes targets millions of receptor species, which enables all possible pathogens to be recognized. During an infection only those lymphocytes bearing receptors that recognize the specific pathogen are selected to participate in the response.  The immune system asks that their numbers be expanded and matured to produce more effector cells of the same type. The full benefit of the adaptive response occurs about a week after the infection began. After the infection is resolved, we are left with an abundance of lymphocytes and antibodies for that particular pathogen.   We hold memory of that infection so that if the same pathogen breeches the 1st and 2nd lines of defense again, the system remembers it and may destroy it before external symptoms arise. 

Our bodies also have to clean up the mess of the killed pathogen, the inflammation or histamine response, the battlefield if you will. This looks like sneezing, coughing, vomiting and diarrhea, etc. These are normal responses and should not be repressed. They should be closely monitored for signs of imbalance or emergency. 

_________________________________________________________________

In order for natural immunity to formulate the appropriate defense and produce a memory of the infection, the pathogen needs to pass through all three defensive layers of immunity.  

If the pathogen is not flagged.  If it is not denoted as “non-self,” there creates confusion and the immune system starts attacking the pathogen as “self.”  Let me repeat and restate that...  If the pathogen skips the first and second line of defense and is not flagged as “non-self,” then it is classified as “self.”  If the pathogen is classified as self, and the immune system becomes aware of it, then the immune system starts attacking “SELF.”  When self/non-self recognition is lost and the body starts attacking itself, it is called autoimmunity.

There is so much more to this discussion: 

How to support the immune system.  

How to nourish the immune system.  

How to rebuild the immune system.  

What throws the immune system off.  

What does an infant and child immune system look like?  

How does the immune system transfer from mother to child?  

How does the immune system mature?

And then, 

What is the purpose of a vaccine?

How does it effect the immune system?

What happens when reactions occur?  

... The discussion can go on forever.  

Chew on this for now.  More later.  

Searching for the Succulent

Searching for the Succulent

 

 

We dress her up.  We pin her up.  We touch her up.

We expect a poster, a magazine spread. 
We expect a woman not to age.  Not to change.

Where did we go wrong?  What happened? 
Where did we lose our perspective? 
When did we start teaching women that they were not good enough? 
That they had to change in order to be noticed. 

When did we start teaching women that they had to be noticed in order to have worth?

A resent study reported a significant increase in breast augmentation for 'women' age 13-19.  When I read this study my heart dropped.  What are we teaching our young? 

 

And when, as women, did we come to believe we had to change the female form in order to accept the female form?  In order to be beautiful.  Perfect.  Put together.  Confident? 

Why do we have to hold it all together in such a way that we are compared to the air brushed pictures we have come to emulate?  What happened to the succulent, wild woman that let her hair down?  That danced barefoot in the rain? 

We cover ourselves up with makeup.  We unground ourselves with heels.  We tummy tuck, get breast implants, botox, liposuction.  We wrap ourselves up in plastic.  We bake ourselves in tanning beds. 

We do all of this in order to present, and ultimately, to accept ourselves as beautiful. 

I understand we live in a culture where certain things are expected.  Taking care of ourselves out of self love is imperative.  Dressing up and presenting ourselves with confidence and beauty is an expression of self respect. 

 

Being a woman is about striking a balance between our soul-self and our expression of that self.  As a woman we have to pick and choose what represents who we really are.  What represents and reflects our Spirit and stay true to that. 

 

And the only way to do that is to know our Self. 

Not who culture tells us to be.  But who we really Are.  On the inside 

Sadly, our culture and, it seems, our belief systems about ourselves ask us to represent and reflect who we think we SHOULD be.  Expressed in our form.  Which, as culture would lead us to believe, defines our Essence, Spirit, Worth. 

Actually, we are created in such a way that our spirit and our body thrive on living honorably and being authentic.  I am sorry to say, our culture has long forgotten that. 

Our women need to ground.  We need to see more of the sacredness of women.  The real, raw, unapologetically authentic woman.  A beautiful mess of emotion and passion and heart.  A woman who grounds herself into Mother Earth.  A woman who considers and connects to her Spirit.  Her purpose.  The reason for her life on the planet.  A woman who is in touch with herself and gets a bigger picture of Life and Spirit and Sacredness.  A woman who is comfortable in her skin, in the temple that was created for her.  A woman that takes care of her form in a loving and honorable way. 

A woman who understands that it’s not about what heels you wear.  It’s about how you fill your shoes.  It’s about how you stand.  How you treat people.  How you treat yourself. 

_______________________________________________________

 

I want the wild.  I want the heart. 

I want her hair down and her heels off. 

 

I want the succulent, wild woman. Created in God’s perfect image. 

Just the way you are. 

Then What?? Understanding My Birth Control Options

Unfortunately, not all health practitioners present birth control measures objectively.  According to Dr Christine Northrup, MD, during her experience “in medical school and residency, there was a tendency to push oral contraceptives as the optimal method of birth control and to downplay the reliability of the diaphragm and condoms... The pill is easy to prescribe, easy to take, very reliable, and very convenient.  We can use it to manipulate our menstrual cycles, avoiding periods all together or on weekends.  In short, it fits our cultural ideal.”  

To simplify the discussion of various forms of birth control, let's divide methods in two camps: Hormonal and Non-Hormonal Contraceptive options.   

There are a number of Hormonal Contraceptives.  They can be injected (‘The Shot’), implanted (IUS and ‘The Ring’), applied to the skin (‘The Patch’), or taken orally (‘The Pill’).  These methods contain progesterone and or estrogen in order prevent ovulation and limit the fertility phase of the menstrual cycle, or eliminate the cycle all together.  

Menstrual suppression, via Birth Control, for an entire month, or year(s), seems extreme when the window of fertility is a matter of a few days.  However, birth control is easy to take and places 100% control of a woman’s fertility in her own hands - requiring nothing of her partner.  

If a woman chooses that Birth Control is the best option for her, an oral contraceptive is the best way to go (in my opinion).  Eliminating the cycle for a year or longer is devastating to the endocrine system and physiology of the body.   Monthly suppression is the better choice, in this case.  Though she is not truly cycling - her body does get a reprieve from the suppression every three weeks.  Be mindful not to place metal in the body.  Be mindful not to stay on birth control long term.   Be mindful to choose this option only if you are actually sexually active.  

The next logical question would be, if not The Pill (or any other hormonal method), then what?  How do I prevent pregnancy?  What are my other Non-Hormonal options?

There is one other common contraceptive method that is non-hormonal but is not natural.  The IUD is a copper intrauterine device that is inserted into the uterus.  It is a long acting (5 year) contraceptive that changes the environment of the uterine lining and prevents the sperms ability get through the cervical mucous and to fertilize the egg.  In my clinical practice, there seems to be a correlation between IUDs and an increased risk of acidity in the female as well as a significant need to detoxify the body in order to increase fertility.  Women with IUDs do have an increased risk of infection and are associated with an increased risk of tubal pregnancies.  Just as I mentioned above, be mindful not to place metal in the body.        

There are a number of options for natural pregnancy prevention that does not include traditional birth control.  These options require more education about the body and more active participation than the pill.  The level of responsibility and accountability increases depending on the method a person chooses.  

Current culture would assume that fertility and the responsibility for birth control measures lay solely in the hands of the female.  While it is imperative for a woman to come to know and take responsibility for her own body, birth control methods (in my opinion) should be a shared responsibility between partners.  

Charting a woman’s cycle in order to be informed about where a woman is in her fertility is always my first choice.  There are a number of charting methods for fertility awareness.  Natural Family Planning or the Creighton Model Ovulation Method are excellent choices.  Couples who use fertility awareness as their chosen form of birth control experience no side effects and often find increased intimacy in their relationships.  Three major studies regarding Fertility Awareness Methods showed effectiveness rates to avoid pregnancy between 95% and 97%.  

A woman who knows her body and her cycle reclaims her power and creative force.  Since there is a small period of time that a woman is fertile throughout a given month, barrier methods or abstinence can be utilized during this window. Condoms, Female Condoms, and Diaphragms would be the most effective if utilized properly during the fertility phase of a cycle.  

Condoms require the male partner to be cooperative and share responsibility of prevention.  They have a 98% effectiveness rate if used conscientiously.  Condoms can protect against STDs and help decrease the risk of cervical dysplasia.  

There are also female condoms that have a 95% effectiveness rate.  Much like condoms, they protect against STDs and require a one time use only.  Diaphragms with contraceptive cream or gel is another option during the fertility phase of a cycle.  Diaphragms will need to be fitted by a health professional and faithfully used at each intercourse.  They have a 96% effectiveness rate.  

Cervical caps are used as well.  The caps come in three sizes and are not fitted specifically for the individualized female.  Therefore, accurate fit is not always assured.  The effectiveness rate for a cap is 74% (compared to the 96% of a diaphragm). This effectiveness rate drops drastically in women who have already had children.  For these reasons, I recommend a diaphragm over a cap.  

These four methods of birth control (Fertility Awareness, condom, female condom, and diaphragm) help to maintain the normal, natural cycle of hormones without suppression or dis-regulation.  They require cooperation and mutual responsibility for a couples combined fertility.  

Below is a chart that diagrams the effectiveness of each choice.  It is important to distinguish between the failure of a birth control method itself and the failure of a woman or couple to use it properly. I prefer this chart because is shows both perfect use and typical use (accounting for user error). 

http://www.sexualityandu.ca/uploads/files/refContraceptiveComparativeChartFinalENG09.pdf

This post was intended to be a starting point for discussion regarding various birth control options outside of typical oral contraceptives for sexually active individuals.  

Women or teenagers who are not sexually active and are having hormone dis-regulation or severe periods should seek natural care to help balance their systems.  Birth Control is not the best option to reduce symptoms and balance their bodies.   

The Basics of Birth Control

Birth Control is widely used to help regulate a cycle, eliminate acne, reduce painful periods, help prevent against pregnancy or to eliminate a cycle all together.  A common misconception about birth control lies in thinking that it actually regulates hormones, which it does not.  Rather, birth control suppresses your hormones, eventually turing OFF your hormone production.  

The process of birth control is like asking the body to stop cycling (stop menses); which is the same as asking the body to pause menses; which is the same as asking the body to go into menopause.  

And women are on birth control for 5, 10, 15, sometimes 20+ years.  In menopause for YEARS.  And when women come off birth control, they wonder why they struggle to become pregnant.  They wonder why they struggle with fertility, after they have asked their bodies to be infertile for years.  Years.  

Rest your heart.  In most cases of fertility, hormone balance can be restored.  We will discuss this at length.  Today we need to understand what birth control does and how the body is effected by it.  

There are other misunderstandings we need to clarify when discussing birth control.  First and foremost, cycling is extremely important for a woman.  A period allows the female body to cleanse, shed, detoxify, purify, release, and balance.  It prepares the uterus to hold life.  To build a lining, to strengthen the muscle, to perfect the womb.  Not allowing ourselves to bleed undermines some of the most creative and healing cycles of the female form.  Birth control puts women in menstrual and fertile suppression.  

Second, a woman does not have a true period on birth control.  Bleeding on birth control is with-drawl bleeding, not  cyclical bleeding.  Hence, a woman will not cleanse, balance, detoxify, etc.  The following is an explanation of menstrual suppression from the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals.  

Understanding Menstrual Suppression:

“Menstrual suppression, sometimes called “skipping your period,” is a way of using certain types of hormonal birth control to avoid having monthly bleeding. With many birth control pills, women take three weeks of pills containing active hormones, which prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation (when an egg is released from a woman’s ovaries) and keeping the uterine lining thin. During the fourth week of their cycle, women take pills that do not contain active hormones; this is the time when they experience bleeding. This monthly bleeding is not a “true” period; instead, this is withdrawal bleeding – the body’s reaction to not having the hormones it gets the other three weeks of the cycle."

Consider a normal Cycle:

                  

At the beginning of the cycle, the ratio and balance of estrogen and progesterone communicate with the pituitary to release FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone).  The ratio of estrogen and progesterone significantly alters and signals to the pituitary that the follicle is fully developed and it is time to ovulate.  Therefore, the pituitary releases LH (Leutinizing Hormone) in order to tell the ovary to release the follicle/egg and hence, ovulation occurs.  In the first phase of the cycle, the uterine lining sheds, we know this as a period.  The second phase of the cycle rebuilds and thickens that unterine lining.  This shedding and thickening does not fully occur on birth control. 

On Birth Control, there remains a static level of hormone throughout the cycle, preventing the signaling for the need and release of FSH or LH.   On Birth Control, the woman's body will make less of her own hormone, since the pill provides hormone for her.  Therefore, the pititary and the ovaries step down in a way.  Eventually, after years, they will shut down.   

Dr Lesley Miller, at the University of Washington in Seattle, describes that “when a woman is on the birth control pill, every day becomes the same hormonally.  The woman has a set dose of progesterone and a set dose of estrogen. (Therefore) every day becomes the same pattern.”

On the minipill (progesterone only) estrogen will flux, progesterone will remain ‘stable.’  

The important aspect to remember about the body is that it is a dynamic system that continuously moves toward homeostasis/balance.  Eventually, after a period of time when the hormones constantly remain the same (which they are not supposed to do) and the pituitary does not need to release FSH and LH, it will eventually STOP producing certain hormones that they body is asking for it not to produce.  Prolonged suppresson causes a cascade of hormone disruption that effects the pituitary, hypothalamus, adrenal glands, ovaries, thyroid, etc.  

Hormonal suppression is only one aspect of the side effects of birth control.  The endocrine system is intimately linked to the immune system and the nervous system.  Therefore, headaches, digestive issues, endometriosis, PCOS, infertility, autoimmunity, thyroid disorders, toxicity in the body, mood swings... the list is endless.  The body is not made up of separate parts that work in their own little cubical.  The body is a dynamic organism that constantly works in concert with itself, every aspect of itself.  

Third, birth control cannot only lead to hormone dis-regulation and suppression, it can also lead to reproductive disorders

                              

Diagram Explained: 

Endometrial tissue is stimulated by estrogen to thicken the uterine wall, break down, and bleed EACH month.  

Endometrial tissue that is located outside the uterus thickens, breaks down, and bleeds.  HOWEVER this blood/tissue cannot exit the body as it is not in the uterus.  

The blood becomes trapped and forms cysts or irritates the surrounding tissue.  Leading to more endometrial tissue surrounding the uterus or other organs and cause pain (back pain, shoulder pain, etc).  Endometrial tissue has found and surgically removed from the abdominal cavity, shoulder joints, brain tissue, etc.  

Or the blood forms cysts as it adheres to the ovarian wall or within the ovarian wall.  This leads to scar tissue and adhesions.  This leads to infertility. 

Lastly, as if the aforementioned was not enough, lets add a cherry on top!

The Association of Reproductive Health Professionals consider it common and acceptable that “hormonal contraceptives can be used by women to decide when, or if, they get their monthly withdrawal bleeding. Women may choose to have shorter or less frequent withdrawal bleeding, skip bleeding when it’s inconvenient, or eliminate bleeding completely for up to a year or more. Menstrual suppression also helps women cope with or get rid of uncomfortable side effects or conditions that are connected to their bleeding. For years, women have suppressed their periods for things like honeymoons or vacations, and new surveys show that many women are interested in bleeding less than once a month, or not at all.”

Clearly we are missing the mark.  Clearly we misunderstand the importance of a normal cycle.  Birth Control prevents pregnancy, it does not regulate hormones.