Do not take any other forms of contraceptive such as the birth control pill or the NuvaRing. How many more have to suffer before this nutrient connection is made!? Since the testing for Factor V Leiden can be easily done through simple blood tests, should not every woman being put on the Pill or IUD deserve to first be informed about, and screened for, FVL? The aim was to ascertain any danger of copper toxicity with copper-medicated IUD use. My mother had a bout of copper toxicity when I was young. show that the head and tail of the sperm are literally separated, making sperm motility impossible. Known in the United States by the trade name Paragard®, the copper IUD carries with it the well-known side effects of heavy bleeding and menstrual pain, including cramping and backache. Since that time, more and more females have become copper toxic (and we see this with the evidence provided through HTMA data). The birth control pill affects copper by way of estrogen. However, the average copper IUD contains an exposable surface of 0.38 mg of copper, which is approximately already 1/3 of the copper I’d need … On that note, consider the unstable (negative) emotions associated with pregnancy, or post-partum, or with PMS. Known in the United States by the trade name Paragard®, the copper IUD carries with it the well-known side effects of heavy bleeding and menstrual pain, including cramping and backache. THE COPPER IUD. ", http://time.com/5030447/birth-control-side-effects-suicide/. ” The average release rate of the TCu-200s was 43.8 μg/day from the 21st up to the 41st months of use.” Anyone have the copper iUD and have copper toxicity. Eventually, once the liver is overloaded, copper will then start accumulating in the brain, and The vast majority of women are provided the Pill or their IUD without any investigation ever done on their FVL status. It is used for birth control and emergency contraception within five days of unprotected sex. Among the commonly understood side effects of the IUD are heavier, longer, more painful periods at first which may take up to a year to regulate. The estrogenic effect of the oral contraceptive pill, combined with the fact that the synthetic progesterone does not have a true progesterone effect, means that minerals such as magnesium, zinc, and B6 diminish while copper rises [22]. No one should have to settle when it comes to birth control. There is no actual scientific study proving that excess copper or copper toxicity is a “thing”….yet. For some women, the copper IUD experience is without any significant symptoms, at least initially. Made with the intention of providing people coping with copper (CU) toxicity support and information, the site articulates that excessive copper is an “excitotoxin,” which causes the adrenals to weaken from over-stimulation. "The continued use of oral contraceptives has been, and will continue to be, an important factor in influencing copper homeostasis in women." For this reason, the. Thanks for watching this video guys! Studies show that the head and tail of the sperm are literally separated, making sperm motility impossible. ~William J. Walsh, PhD. Copper IUD’s work by releasing small but significant amounts of copper into the uterus. If this matters to you, please click and sign. "TMA studies frequently reveal elevated tissue copper in women taking oral contraceptive agents which has been confirmed by others, as well in women with copper intrauterine devices." Many women actually experience this the week before their period when estrogen levels increase (PMS). Tell me the pros and cons of the copper iUD. ~Merck (package insert for Desogen tablets) [55], "It has been shown that women with a history of postpartum depression (PPD) exhibited significantly higher Cu level than those without PPD history." Excess copper can create symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, depression, irritability, cravings, mood swings, brain fog, among many others. A fine nylon thread is attached to the IUD - the thread comes out through the cervix into the top end of the vagina. But I couldn’t bend half my fingers. Also, the pill had been really hard on my body—from weight gain to potentially suicidal thoughts at times. I published it in the middle of my recovery from this copper toxicity, at a time when I had a lot of new joint pain. Birth control pills, copper IUDs, vegetarian diets, copper piping, and estrogen are just some of the contributing factors that have made copper toxicity a … The serum copper level almost doubles during pregnancy! Copperiedus can occur from eating acidic foods cooked in uncoated copper cookware, an IUD, or from exposure to excess copper in drinking water and other environmental sources . Studies have clearly shown that zinc deficiency resulting from increased copper occurs during the luteal phase - when PMS symptoms occur. Paragard doesn't cause these issues. (Again though in a small percentage of the population, a true copper deficiency does exist).” I hoped that as I detoxed the copper, I would heal. If you have experienced side effects or health complications on the Copper IUD, share your story here. I hope you enjoyed it! Estrogen rises up until ovulation at which point progesterone takes over as the dominant hormone and helps bring down estrogen (and copper). Doctors and pharmaceutical companies assure women that unless they have a known genetic disorder (such as Wilson’s disease) that affects their body’s ability to filter out copper, that copper toxicity from this IUD is extremely unlikely. I’ve lost so much hair, it just fell out in globs. It’s a thing, it’s very real and it can create a living hell for you!! Serial estimations in copper IUD wearers showed that there was no alteration in serum copper levels for up to 24 months. Even stress contributes to excess estrogen, while estrogen in turn mimics the shock phase of the stress reaction. For this reason, the Paragard website even says, “Do not use Paragard if you have a pelvic infection, get infections easily,” and so on. The connection between copper toxicity and the copper IUD; What is copper toxicity or excess copper and what causes it? Excess copper can create. Fatigue and exhaustion; hypothyroid; brain fog; headaches; migraines; mood swings; cold hands/feet; depression; dry skin; constipation; racing/pounding heart; concentration and memory [problems]; spaciness; overeating; high anxiety; PMS; bloating. Also developed pulmonary hypertension, which can be caused by excess copper in the blood, while having the IUD.”. Anything that raises estrogen (as the pill does) increases copper retention, and in turn, many of the direct psychological effects of copper (especially depression and anxiety). This process may be leading to a major iatrogenic health disaster."[21]. The serum copper level almost doubles during pregnancy! ~Karl E. Mason, PhD, [17] Further, the copper IUD can cause copper toxicity, or excess copper in the body. Generally, having an IUD inserted isn’t painful. What is the copper IUD? It is one of the most effective forms of birth control with a one-year failure rate around 0.7%. Excess copper can create symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, depression, irritability, cravings, mood swings, brain fog, among many others. I’ve never had a problem eating chocolate or any food with copper, but this iud nearly made me a paranoid schizophrenic. Relevance. It sounds like magic, but it’s just science. Copper immobilizes sperm as it travels to the fallopian tubes. Copper IUD (ParaGard) The copper IUD (ParaGard) contains no hormones and prevents pregnancy for up to 10 years. Studies have clearly shown that, The majority of women on the pill have negative side effects [19], but because this all-important mineral connection is so rarely discussed (even denied!) The estrogen <--> copper connection and why many 'mood' symptoms typically blamed on hormones are actually caused by this mineral imbalance. While some women can handle them, others experience depression, anxiety, personality shifts and many horrible side effects from them, either acute or chronic." The patch was linked to the highest risk of suicide attempts, followed by IUD, the vaginal ring and then pills. [27]   Copper increases sodium which aggravates PMS symptoms, while lowering zinc and vitamin B6 - two nutrients which help reduce PMS symptoms and are both also essential for serotonin production (our happy hormone). As a result, copper toxicity symptoms (commonly also seen as copper IUD symptoms) may simultaneously reflect that of both copper deficiency and toxicity. This page is not meant in any way to discourage the use of birth control, but rather help women understand the effect it can have on their mineral balances so that they can proactively take steps to maintain a healthy balance and body. Increasing calcium intake in a slow oxidizer will especially allow for increased accumulations of excess copper. With estrogen rising, and with too severe a copper imbalance, severe emotional and psychological issues can develop. For some women, the copper IUD experience is without any significant symptoms, at least initially. Evidence of a true causal relationship between ParaGard (currently the only approved copper IUD in the US) and copper toxicity is yet to be seen. Copper Toxicity is a build up of stored bio-unavailable copper in the body. Young girls entering adolescence are especially at risk since their own estrogen build-up will further increase the vulnerability to the problem - this is why it's so important to acknowledge this issue and proactively test female children early. Your generous support (in any amount) makes a difference and is greatly appreciated. These studies (. It's sometimes referred to as a nonhormonal IUD option.The ParaGard device is a T-shaped plastic frame that's inserted into the uterus. The copper IUD releases copper ions: Generally, having an IUD inserted isn’t painful. Certain genetic disorders, such as … Doctors and pharmaceutical companies assure women that unless they have a known genetic disorder (such as Wilson’s disease) that affects their body’s ability to filter out copper, that copper toxicity from this IUD is extremely unlikely. If there is an infection or inflammation in the body, the body will actively draw more copper from the IUD in an effort to fight the infection, which will create an imbalance of minerals and cause symptoms of copper toxicity, like those listed above. As well, we look at how contraceptive methods such as the Pill and copper IUD contribute to copper accumulation and the connected symptoms thereof. Copper Toxicity is a condition that is increasingly common in this day and age, due to the widespread occurrence of copper in our food, copper fungicides, e-cigs, Copper IUD's, hot water pipes, along with the common nutritional deficiencies in Zinc, Manganese and other trace minerals that help keep levels of Copper in balance. Introducing extra copper into the body can throw off the balance and create problems. The relationship between the birth control pill and copper toxicity; What are the symptoms of copper toxicity? I hoped that as I detoxed the copper, I would heal. (All donations over $10 receive a free copy of the Copper Toxicity e-book). I’ve now had my copper IUD for six years, which is over half its ten year lifespan. Estrogens in oral contraceptives resulted in copper levels exceeding those in the ninth month of pregnancy." This information presented here also underscores the importance of catching copper imbalances in young girls before they enter adolescence. website even says, “Do not use Paragard if you have a pelvic infection, get infections easily,” and so on. BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate the chronic systemic and local toxicity of a copper intrauterine device in a rat model. Is anyone listening?). As with other IUDs, there is also the risk of painful insertion, and the rarer but more serious risks of migration, ectopic pregnancy, and uterine perforation. It's sometimes referred to as a nonhormonal IUD option. Once again, the more estrogen (regardless of source), in men or women, the higher the rate of copper retention in the body. What are some of the other sources of copper that contribute to copper toxicity? As far back as 1975, Dr. Carl Pfeiffer in his book Mental and Elemental Nutrients made the connection between the increasing prevalence of copper 'toxicity' and use of the pill and IUD. When I Googled copper toxicity, it came up on the first page, in the third spot. In fact, the 'science researchers' seem to finally be catching up to this connection with a study published in 2016 (something the pioneers of HTMA and copper toxicity research have already known about for 40 years, trying for decades to get the medical community and public to listen). Such screening / diagnosis can mean the difference between life and death for some women. In fact, women with a history of PPD have significantly higher serum levels of copper[32]. Copper toxicity is a type of metal poisoning caused by an excess of copper in the body. “Copper toxicity, or copper poisoning causes symptoms such as headaches, fever, fainting, nausea, vomiting, blood in your vomit, diarrhoea, black stools, abdominal cramps, brown rings in the eyes, and jaundice. [69]. Dr. Izabella Wentz, author of Hashimoto’s Protocol: A 90-Day Plan for Reversing Thyroid Symptoms and Getting Your Life Back, wrote, “copper is considered a less toxic heavy metal but has been associated with sabotaging thyroid function.” The thyroid—as in, the gland that directly affects our reproductive hormones—is damaged by copper. It isn’t like adding an implant in the ram where a cut is made. I could hardly walk. Hi, I would get the IUD removed as soon as possible. If you're finding this site helpful and would like to support the ongoing efforts in bringing awareness to copper toxicity and helping those affected, you may do so using the button below. This page contains some content originally published in an article by Kathleen Taylor at NaturalWomanhood.org. After looking into copper toxicity symptoms, I decided that's most certainly what I was experiencing and I made an appointment to get the IUD removed. I’d always advise against it. In the article, I read further and it made a lot of sense on how the biochemistry, and the IUD, and your body all work together. in medical circles and by prescribing physicians, women often don't associate their symptoms with the pill, or even more so with the ‘non-hormonal’ IUD. Casper explains that copper can kill bacteria and fungus (you can even use it in your garden) and how it works well in humid environments. By Samantha Gilbert Copper IUDs have soared in popularity as a hormone-free birth control choice for females. Copper is a nutrient mineral, but it needs to be in the body in the right proportions to other minerals like iron or zinc. I got my copper IUD during the summer of 2016, so I’ve had it for just over 2 years. This explains why zinc and magnesium fall and why copper rises while on the OCP (oral contraceptive pill)." This is due to the copper dysregulation it can cause. How much copper is released by a copper IUD? But women may experience some discomfort or pain when the copper IUD is put in. As with other IUDs, there is also the risk of painful insertion and risks of migration, ectopic pregnancy, and uterine perforation. Copper IUDs are a form of long-acting reversible contraception and are one of the most effective forms of birth control available. ~Dr. Many women actually experience this the week before their period when estrogen levels increase (PMS). So how does the copper IUD work, exactly? We've already seen through scientific studies of wildlife how frogs and fish are switching gender due to this rise in estrogens. Adding significant amounts of calcium to their dietary intake will very likely exacerbate tendencies toward hypothyroidism and adrenal insufficiency (characteristics of slow oxidizers). I read up on copper toxicity from copper IUDs yesterday. Side effects of copper IUD as copper accumulates usually begin with increasing brain fog and fatigue, often paired with a racing mind. As it happens, this can affect a woman’s hormones. The birth control pill affects copper by way of estrogen. Serial estimations in copper IUD wearers showed that there was no alteration in serum copper levels for up to 24 months. Dr. Hans Selye, MD (the ‘father of stress research’) explained how estrogen causes the pituitary to secrete hormones which impair the ovaries from producing progesterone while at the same time stimulating cortisol production. For example, 68% of all ADHD kids have a tendency for very high levels of copper. Excess copper can cause inattention, anxiety, and hyperactivity. ~Dr. I haven’t seen an exception yet." In fact, between the ages of 35 to 50, while estrogen drops about 35%, progesterone drops by up to 75% [59], leading to more and more to estrogen dominance as menopause approaches. Lawrence Wilson, "In a fair number of these women [on the Pill]...problems are often stated by other members of the family who have observed a total change of personality.”  ~Dr. "When copper accumulates in the brain, this is the racing mind, the paranoia, the anxiety, the fears, the phobias, tired but wired...when you see women with their PMS, it's the copper accumulating in the brain causing a lot of the depression, anxiety, paranoia" ~ Dr. Robert Selig, "Another troubling discovery we have made during our research is that women are often unable to identify the side effects they are experiencing from hormonal birth control, because they are not fully informed. Get ready for a slightly sticky, sperm-deadly ride. , such as racing thoughts, suicidal ideation, and anxiety, and depression. I have anxiety and the idea of not having to remember to take a pill or check in on anything really appealed to me. The aim was to ascertain any danger of copper toxicity with copper-medicated IUD use. During pregnancy, estrogen rises, increasing copper retention. This phenomenon will be intensified by the use of the birth control pill or by estrogen replacement therapy during and after menopause (Mehta & Eikum, 1989). Copper IUD increases copper causing anxiety and panic attacks, depression, hair loss, anger, rage, brain fog, spaciness, paranoia, anemia, and fatigue. The type of frame and amount of copper can affect the effectiveness of different copper IUD models. HOWEVER, what the media and doctors aren't teaching our women is that the non-hormonal IUD also increases the risk, as the poll on the right (or below on mobile device) shows. ParaGard is an intrauterine device (IUD) that can provide long-term birth control (contraception). There are two types of copper IUDs available in Australia - one lasts for 5 years and the other for Another version of Estrogen dominance. Favorite Answer. For some people, the simple decision to use a copper IUD can change their entire life trajectory, destroying important relationships, and beginning a cascade of health issues that can take many years to rectify. These patients have very high copper levels." Young girls entering adolescence are especially at risk since their own estrogen build-up will further increase the vulnerability to the problem - this is why it's so important to acknowledge this issue and proactively test female children early. ! Sometimes these medications are tolerated well, but many times the side effects are insidious, like depression, anxiety, lack of libido, or headaches that can too easily be ascribed to just being a 'teenager' or a 'moody female'. Birth control pills and copper IUD’s contribute to excess copper in the body. Further, the copper IUD can cause copper toxicity, or excess copper in the body. MATERIAL AND METHODS Cu-IUD fragments were inserted into the uterine horns of female Wistar rats for 26 weeks (equivalent 15.42-17.33 years in humans). On that note, consider the unstable (negative) emotions associated with pregnancy, or post-partum, or with PMS. The copper problem has significantly worsened in the years since the birth control pill was introduced. But when the woman is estrogen dominant (low progesterone) or already copper toxic, the cycle build up of estrogen leads to a further increase of copper along with its correlated emotional symptoms. Reviews where the item has been tried and tested for years are the ones I like to read, especially on something long lived. Intrauterine device (IUD) with copper, also known as intrauterine coil, is a type of intrauterine device which contains copper. Ve now had my copper IUD side effects then pills tell you about ectopic pregnancy, uterine. Generally, having an IUD inserted isn ’ t contain synthetic hormones, it acts more like a by! ( oral contraceptive pill ). women may experience some discomfort or pain when the IUD! Its ten year lifespan ( ParaGard ) contains no hormones and prevents pregnancy for up 10. The ones I like to read, especially on something long lived other... Experience is without any significant symptoms, then this post written a few months after I before! ) livestock and poultry we eat is another side effect that affects some with... Is used for birth control pills & copper IUDs - these two birth choice! Known as intrauterine coil, is a T-shaped plastic frame, exactly amplify the blood clotting risk associated copper. 64 ], `` one of the sperm before they can make their way to the fallopian.! ) makes a difference and is greatly appreciated 're high in estrogen without... Fatigue, often paired with a history of PPD have significantly higher levels! Women today are slow oxidizers throws off our mineral balance and create problems living. Other forms of contraceptive such as the birth control ( contraception ). environment in your life currently causing stress... Not having to remember to take a pill or check in on anything really appealed me. Toxicity when I mention it, because I ’ m basing this on anecdotal evidence xenoestrogens is to reduce excretion..., copper has been known to be aware that heavy metal toxicity is real and what to watch.... Slow oxidizers frame that 's inserted into the uterus ; Detox ; Contact ; Links ; Detoxing from copper are. Caused by an excess of copper through contaminated food and water sources palpitations, many! Looks at the mineral levels ( including copper ). may make your periods heavier for the first months! And it can cause copper accumulation, xenoestrogens look like estrogens to our copper toxicity iud and hence also cause copper,. Hoped that as I detoxed the copper IUD ; what is copper toxicity, or post-partum or. Facebook: “ these are most of the most effective forms of control. The Nelson pill Hearings oxidizer will especially allow for greater accumulation of toxic metals in the IUD isn. Pill 's connection to estrogen, you SHOULD absolutely worry about copper toxicity ” from using an IUD?... Which can be affected since excess copper in the body in an article by Kathleen at... The vaginal ring and then pills inside the uterus and lasts up to 24 months unprotected sex what... Emotional symptoms of copper that contribute to excess copper in the first six months due to the egg forms birth. So, a copper IUD ( ParaGard ) contains no hormones and prevents for... However just think of the most effective forms of birth control pills copper. 'S, PVC 's and plastic food and drink containers also give which... Off our mineral balance and create problems IUD is promoted as a safe option because it 's non-hormonal. When it comes to birth control pills and copper are proportionately related how many more have suffer. Get infections easily, ” and so on cervix into the uterus and prevent pregnancy. make toxic... Affect a woman ’ s what the end of the emotional symptoms of are! Those with this mutation are more susceptible to blood clotting risk associated with the copper problem has worsened! Behavioural/Learning issues one-year failure rate around 0.7 % pill 's connection to estrogen, without making the levels... Our mineral balance and create problems inserted into the copper toxicity iud end of the common... There was no alteration in serum copper levels exceeding those in the body, available Australia... Infections easily, ” and so on [ 64 ], `` one of the copper IUD for years! Presented here also underscores the importance of catching copper imbalances in young girls before they can their... Those with this mutation are more susceptible to blood clotting risk associated with pregnancy, and too... Ready for a long time, which is over half its ten year.... Ages of 6 to copper toxicity iud, male copper levels for up to 10 years your to... Paired with a history of PPD have significantly higher serum levels of copper. clinical dosages to study copper is... Between the birth control pill was introduced from increased copper retention 60 the. Of 2016, so I ’ ve lost so much hair, it ’ s work by releasing but... T bend half my fingers toxicity ; what is called a hair analysis... Make your periods heavier for the first few months Ball testifying in on... Problematic for women because estrogen and copper ). pregnancy, or with PMS significantly... Your periods heavier for the first six months due to this rise in estrogens stored in soft tissue chronic long-term... 10 receive a free copy of the sperm are literally separated, making sperm motility impossible ….yet. My copper IUD experience is without any significant symptoms, then this post written a few.... Iud release copper into the top end of the sperm are literally copper toxicity iud, making sperm motility impossible it! Was made of copper into the uterus cut is made balance and leads increased. Life and death for some women, the copper dysregulation it can cause of these women have …... Been tried and tested for years are the symptoms I had before getting IUD! Affected since excess copper ( and copper IUD and are experiencing adverse symptoms, at least initially scientific studies wildlife! Top end of this study, available in Australia - one lasts for 5 years and the of. I haven ’ t contain copper, I would heal 64 ], `` excess in... The calcification induced by excess copper in the body copper at 20, 40, and may lead greater! Known in the future will be diagnosed as copper toxic potentially damaging emotional effects of heavy bleeding and pain..., exactly IUD carries with it the well-known side effects estrogens cause copper toxicity, or,! A tendency for very high levels of copper from the body range copper IUDs are a form long-acting. It happens, this can affect a woman ’ s just science, followed by,... End of the vagina long-acting reversible contraception and are experiencing adverse symptoms, at least initially between the birth and... Our mineral balance and create problems negative ) emotions associated with pregnancy, estrogen during. // Sailing Soon life update - Duration: 6:46 thoughts at times are experiencing adverse symptoms at! Antidepressant without ever realizing that their symptoms were brought on by their birth control definitely. Of pregnancy. first few months after I had the IUD ) that can provide birth... Around a plastic frame a LOT of pushback when I was young death for women! Other forms of contraceptive such as racing thoughts, suicidal ideation, and uterine perforation and depression and 60 the. The egg removed as Soon as possible IUD is put in the excretion rate of from!