Hormone-free? Absolutely. Why I recommend the symptothermal method
An article by Dr. Dascha Berek
Many women are looking for exactly this: an alternative to the pill that doesn't interfere with their hormone balance – and still works. The symptothermal method is precisely that! It's scientifically sound, hormone-free, and surprisingly practical for everyday life. Here you'll learn how this method works and how to use it in your daily routine.
Natural instead of hormonal – A growing need among women*
The pill was long the standard – but for many women*, it's a thing of the past! More and more patients in my practice want a hormone-free alternative for contraception. And preferably without invasive procedures. The reasons are varied : uncertainty about possible side effects , the desire for more control – or simply the feeling of not wanting to have their body invasively altered.
Not everyone is familiar with the symptothermal method . Yet it is scientifically sound, hormone-free, and easy to integrate into everyday life . The method combines two bodily characteristics – basal body temperature and the quality of cervical mucus – to identify fertile and infertile days in the cycle.
"I don't want to put hormones into my body every day."
Many conversations with women* who come to my consultation hours begin in this way or something similar. They've stopped taking the pill but feel uncomfortable using condoms alone , don't like the feeling, or are simply annoyed . An IUD? For many, a no-go .
Women who do not wish to have children are looking for a method that is reliable, simple, and hormone-free. They want to get to know their bodies better without having to do everything based on intuition.
What exactly is the symptothermal method and does it really work?
The symptothermal method combines two measurable bodily signs:
- Basal body temperature (morning body temperature before getting up)
- Quality of cervical mucus (changes during the cycle)
This data can be used to determine when you are fertile and when you are not . The method is considered scientifically sound and, when used correctly, is a reliable alternative to hormonal contraception.
Cycle tracking with an app: Sounds complicated, but it isn't.
Three minutes – that's all it takes in the morning to track your cycle.
Many users measure their basal body temperature immediately after waking up using a basal thermometer. They also assess the quality of their cervical mucus.
Based on this data , they calculate the fertile and infertile days.
After just three cycles, most users develop extensive knowledge about their own fertility and cycle.
Sources & further reading:
- Frank-Herrmann, Petra et al. (2007): The effectiveness of a fertility awareness based method to avoid pregnancy in relation to a couple's sexual behavior during the fertile time. Human Reproduction, Volume 22, Issue 5, Pages 1310–1319.
- Freundl, Günter et al. (2003): Natural family planning with and without barrier method use in relation to pregnancy rates. Advances in Contraception, Volume 19, Pages 231–239.
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