In normal cycling women, the risks to your bones are less extreme. “If you’ve got some oestrogen in the bank and your bones are strong then you will probably not suffer from low bone density because of taking the pill. Your oestrogen will still be flatlined, but your other hormones like your thyroid will still be working normally to support your bones. It’s most problematic if you’re starting already in a bad situation of low hormonal profiles,” says Keay.

A 2020 paper by Stanford University noted that bone mineral density is similar or greater in women who have used combination oral contraceptives as compared to non-users. The one caveat is that “it is age dependent”, says Keay. Puberty is a key time for us to put down bone mass. Simultaneously, it’s a time when many girls begin hormonal contraception. “There is research to show that switching off the hormones during teenage years can stop initial bone mass developing. It’s a time when you really need those hormones to ensure that you’re in good stead for bone health,” explains Keay.

The pill and bone health: does hormonal contraception impact bone mass?