From naturopathic doctor Lara Briden and Sensible-Alternative Hormone Clinic in Sydney. April 2017  View this email in your browser Hi everyone,  I'm a natural doctor but I'm also a pragmatist. I know that women need reliable contraception. And I know that some women need help with serious conditions such as heavy periods and endometriosis. That's why I've put together a few posts about contraceptive implants and IUDs. In the implant post, I provide an updated list of the best non-hormonal alternatives such as the new contraceptive phone app and the copper IUD. I also invite you to attend the upcoming Red Circle Summit, where host Stasha asks me all about contraceptive implants and IUDs.   If you'd like to join the conversation, please follow the link to one of the blog posts and add your comment. I'd love to hear from you.  The Serious Downside to Contraceptive Implants and Injections When it comes to hormonal birth control, is a contraceptive implant (rod) or injection any better than the Pill? Pharmaceutical companies would like you to think an implant is better because they want you to choose it as your alternative birth control. But let’s be honest. A true alternative would be a non-hormonal method such as Fertility Awareness or the copper IUD. Implants or rods are basically “business as usual” and here’s why. Continue reading.. The Pros and Cons of the Hormonal IUD (Mirena and Skyla) Of course, I'd love for everyone to be able to choose non-hormonal birth control such as Fertility Awareness Method (FAM). But twenty years of clinical work has made me a realist. I know that some women like the simplicity of the copper IUD. And I know that some women like (or even need) the flow-reducing effect of a hormonal IUD (Mirena or Skyla).  Continue reading.. I'm excited to be part of The Red Circle Summit, a free online event starting May 26. The topic of my interview is: "The truth about hormonal birth control, including the IUD and implant".  I'm a naturopathic doctor with 20 years experience in women's health. Read more about me My book is available from Amazon and iTunes.  Buy my book How your gut affects your hormones. My latest guest blog for Clue period app.  My next Sydney clinic dates are June 15-24 and then September 18-27. Book an appointment Need natural birth control? Check out Daysy contraceptive device.