Ways To Support Your Body When Transitioning Off The Pill
The good news is that there are many ways to support your body to ease the transition off of birth control with nutrients, herbs & lifestyle behaviors.
If youve already stopped birth control or youre on it currently and considering this transition, these tips will help you focus on some of the key areas for restore balancing and minimizing symptoms.
That Said You Might Experience Some Withdrawal Symptoms
“Some women find the side effects of shutting down their body’s internal hormonal signaling system through the use of synthetic hormones leads to a ‘crash-and-burn’ type response once the hormonal birthcontrol is stopped,” says Nayak. “Many women have reported mood swings as their brains are not yet used to coping with fluctuations in hormones. Other symptoms of a possible natural hormonal imbalance afterbirthcontrol pills include acne, decreased libido, weight changes, depression, anxiety, abnormal periods, PMS, and more.”
Brauer notes that some women might experience hot flashes as well. Again, if any of these symptoms persist after a few cycles, check in with your doc to ensure that your hormone levels have returned to normal. But in the meantime, you might help facilitate the process with some of the home remedies below.
The Problems With Taking Birth Control Pills
At this point, regulating hormone balance by taking the pill may seem like a good thing, right? Well, as with any medication, taking the pill can cause harmful side effects and disrupt your hormone balance, especially for those with autoimmune or thyroid conditions.
The main issue with birth control pills is that instead of natural estrogen, they contain synthetic estrogen, which is actually ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone. This does not provide a natural hormone balance. Instead, these synthetic hormones are not recognized or broken down by the body the same way natural estrogen is.
Taking the pill can disrupt your natural hormone balance, since they keep estrogen levels artificially high, which has a ripple effect across your endocrine system. These factors can cause a whole myriad of health issues including:
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The Most Accessible Method: Condoms
Condoms are probably the most accessible form of birth control to you. They can be bought online or at a supermarket. And, unlike most forms of contraception, you dont need a prescription.
Unless you have an allergy to latex or the lubricant commonly found on condoms, the side effects are usually pretty rare and mild.
A big advantage of using condoms is that they can also reduce your risk for contracting a STI.
They can also be used alongside other birth control methods, like an IUD and the pill, further reducing your chance of unwanted pregnancy.
However, in order for condoms to be effective, they need to be used correctly and consistently and its not always as easy as it looks. Even if you do use condoms correctly, theres a chance theyll break.
Four Step Hormone Reset
If you are coming off the pill, there are many effective ways to balance your hormones and ease symptoms post-pill. Here is my post pill reset plan. I recommend either incorporating all of the steps simultaneously, or pacing it by implementing Step 1 for 2 weeks, adding in Steps 2 and 3 for an additional 4 weeks while continuing Step 1, and if needed, at around 6 weeks on the plan, add in Step 4 while continuing the first three Steps. Some women need 6 to 12 months on the plan for a complete hormone reset its highly variable.
Of course, also get a proper exam and consultation with a midwife, nurse practitioner, or other appropriate licensed practitioner to make sure nothing more serious is going on, especially if its more than 3 months since youve had a regular cycle, or if you have other concerning symptoms.
Most of the herbal supplements below arent appropriate while youre pregnant, but can be taken if youre TTC just discontinue when you become pregnant.
Step 1: Dietary and Nutritional Strategies
Do this step for the first 2 weeks of the plan and then continue this step as a healthy way of life indefinitely.
Step 2: Clear Out Excess Estrogen and Reset Hormone Balance
This step is especially important if you were on a pill that contained estrogen, but is also beneficial for re-establishing healthy hormone balance generally.
Step 3: Reset Your Circadian Rhythm
Step 4: Add in Targeted Herbs and Supplements
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Birth Control Hormones Are Not Hormones They Are Endocrine Disruptors
If you went to the toxicology site at the US National Institutes of Health, you would find the ingredients of birth control pills listed as endocrine disruptors. You can look at environmental medicine research to see the impact of these birth control chemicals on wildlife. In the articles, these chemicals are always labelled as endocrine disruptors, not hormones. The fact that they are marketed widely around the world as contraceptives and are called hormones by most doesnt make them natural hormones. You can call a piece of glass a diamond but its still just glass and doesnt have the beneficial properties of diamonds.
Something like 6 decades ago, research was underway on the use of these synthetic hormones, at a time when natural female hormones were barely understood. The health implications were not comprehended. Only the fact that pregnancy could be averted was acknowledged, and heralded. Fast forward to today though we know so much more of the negatives of disrupting natural hormones and rhythms, its all brushed under the rug, and the anti-fertility impacts are applauded for good reason, but at what cost to a womans health?
What If My Daughter Has Pcos How Do Birth Control Pills Help
If your child has PCOS, youre probably already aware that PCOS can cause irregular menstrual cycles, excess hair growth, and acne. One of the treatments prescribed for PCOS are birth control pills , because the hormones in the pill regulate menstrual cycles. Birth control pills allow the endometrial lining to be shed. Because birth control pills cause teens to menstruate regularly and shed the endometrial lining on time, they reduce the risk of endometrial cancer. Birth control pills also improve acne and lessen excess hair growth, which is another reason they are used to treat PCOS.
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What Hormones Are In Birth Control Pills
The combination pill contains estrogen and progesterone, which help regulate a womans reproductive health when they are in balance. The mini-pill only contains progesterone.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article intend to inform and induce conversation. They are the views of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Pandia Health, and are for informational purposes only, even if and to the extent that this article features the advice of physicians and medical practitioners. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.
Protecting Your Teens Brain
The final glaring reason not to put a teen on hormonal contraception is how it changes the structure and function of the developing brain. These changes include areas involved in affective and cognitive processing, such as the amygdala, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex and cingulate gyrus . According to a 2014 paper, Synthetic steroids not only cause a structural reorganization of the brain, buteven more importantlyinduce changes in neurochemistry and brain function .
The years following menarche have been called an organizational window for neural pathways to cement. These neural pathways are responsible for the way we process emotions, develop relationships, calculate risk, and make decisions. It is not an understatement to say that hormonal contraceptive use during these years can precipitate permanent organizational brain changes, with lifelong consequences on adult behavioral patterns . It could even affect the partners they choose. We also know that hormonal contraceptive use during teen years is correlated with increased risk of depression during adult years.
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How Hormones Work In The Brain And Body
In order to feel happy and healthy, you need to have balanced hormones. Here is some important information to note about the differences between natural and synthetic hormones.
Natural hormones bind to specific receptors and keep your body in balance:
- Estrogen binds to the estrogen receptor.
- Progesterone binds to the progesterone receptor.
- Testosterone binds to the testosterone receptor .
- There is no cross-reactivity.
Synthetic progesterone acts differently on the body:
- Progestins do not limit binding with just the progesterone receptor, but many other receptors as well.
- When a synthetic hormone binds to the wrong receptor, that receptor may convey inaccurate signals, which throws the body off balance.
Because synthetic hormones may bind to the wrong receptors, birth control pills may cause hormone imbalances and detrimental side effects. Not all women experience these problems, but for those that do side effects can be quite miserable.
What If My Child Has Endometriosis How Do Birth Control Pills Help
Hormonal treatment such as birth control pills either taken in cycles or continuously are felt to relieve symptoms associated with endometriosis in 8 out of 10 patients. The Pill does not cure endometriosis, but when prescribed continuously, it will stop your childs period along with the pain that is often associated with it and lessen the chance of the endometriosis growing.
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Do You Need A Birth Control Cleanse
You turn to Instagram for a little mindless scrolling and suddenly see a bunch of ads for birth control cleanses and detoxes. Are those ads suggesting products you actually need to buy if you think you might stop taking birth control? And are these products really necessary for resetting your hormone levels and uterine health after birth control?
We explain it all below, but heres the answer in a nutshell: No, you do not need to cleanse or detox from hormonal birth control. Read on for what you need to know about this myth and what actually happens after you transition off of birth control, whether youre doing it right now or sometime in the future.
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Start By Scrutinizing Your Diet And Stress Levels
Anything from alcohol to sugar can throw your entire endocrine system out of whack, so if you’re looking to find balance, it might be worth sticking to veggies, protein, and whole grains for a time. “One of the main staples of any protocol addressing the weaning off of synthetic hormones is the need for a plant-forward diet,” says Nayak. ” cruciferous vegetables, particularly dark and leafy greens such as collard greens, kale, spinach, broccoli, etc. These contain phytochemical that aid in the detoxification of hormones in your gut.”
The stress hormone cortisol can also directly impact the production of sex hormones, so it’s important to consider anything that might be causing unnecessary anxiety in your life. Logging gentle workouts, spending time outdoors, and getting enough sleep are easy ways to curb your cortisol levels.
Read Also: How To Increase Female Hormones
Is There Any Trouble Getting Pregnant After Using The Birth Control Pill
There is no change in fertility with using the birth control pill. Regular periods and ovulation usually start up again right away. However, teens who were very irregular before starting the pill may be irregular after they stop the pill. Teens who have PCOS or lose weight on the pill are particularly likely to be irregular, not because of the Pill, but because of their medical condition.
If your child was using the Pill for birth control, they should use another birth control method right away, if they dont want to get pregnant. They should talk to their health care provider before they actually stops taking the birth control pill.
You Can Get Pregnant Rather Quickly
Increased libido combined with uninhibited ovulation is a recipe forâ¦pregnancy! If getting pregnant is your goal, then great, you are on the right track. One study found that at 12 months post oral contraceptive use, women had a quick return to fertility. Another study following 21 women of childbearing age showed that 18 of the 21 women were pregnant within 13 months of cessation of birth control.
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What Are Irregular Periods
Most women have menstrual cycles that last between 21 and 35 days. Up to one quarter of women experience irregular periods. This includes having periods that are shorter or longer than usual or periods that are lighter or heavier than usual. Some women who have irregular periods may experience abdominal cramping or a lack of ovulation. Amenorrhea is a medical term that refers to an absence of periods for at least 3 months even though a woman is not pregnant. Menorrhagia is the term that means excessive menstrual bleeding. Dysmenorrhea refers to pain and cramping during periods. Prolonged menstrual bleeding involves periods in which bleeding routinely lasts for 8 days or longer. Oligomenorrhea is a condition in which periods occur infrequently or more than every 35 days. See your doctor if you believe hormonal imbalance is affecting your menstrual cycle.
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How Much Does It Cost
Money matters, so remember to factor in the cost of the medication or device and any related doctors appointments.
Remember, you may have options to help you get your birth control for a lot less or even free, depending on:
- if you have health insurance
- if you qualify for Medicaid or another government program
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Exacerbation Of Mental Health Problems
Estrogen is believed to have a protective effect on the brain. It appears to positively impact brain chemicals , cognition, and the ability to withstand stress. Dropping estrogen levels appear to be associated with an increased risk of psychosis. The age of menopause is associated with a second peak of schizophrenia onset in women. Results of preliminary research suggests selective estrogen receptor modulators may improve cognition and other symptoms in women who have psychiatric disorders. They may even reduce the frequency of manic episodes in women who have bipolar disorder. However, these drugs are not without potential risks. See your doctor if you believe decreasing estrogen levels are contributing to serious mental health symptoms.
There Isnt A Right Age If Youre Ready Youre Ready
Theres no right age to start having sex, whether thats solo or partnered.
Some people have sex as teenagers, others wait until their twenties, and others choose to be celibate forever and theres nothing wrong with that. Its your choice!
Choosing to have sex is a personal decision, and its up to you whether you want to or not. Just remember to practice enthusiastic consent when youre with your partner and take measures to prevent unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections .
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Short Acting Hormonal Methods
Prevent pregnancy by interfering with ovulation and possibly fertilization of the egg. If you want to get pregnant, you can stop using them at any time.
Combination Oral ContraceptivesThe Pill
What is it?
- A pill that has two hormones to stop the ovaries from releasing eggs
- It also thickens the cervical mucus, which keeps sperm from getting to the egg.
How do I use it?
- You should swallow the pill at the same time every day, whether or not you have sex.
- If you miss one or more pills, or start a pill pack too late, you may need to use another method of birth control, like a condom and spermicide
How do I get it?
-
You need a prescription from a healthcare provider.
Chance of getting pregnant with typical use
-
Out of 100 women who use this method, about 9 may get pregnant.
Some Side Effects
- Spotting or bleeding between periods
Less Common Serious Side Effects
- It is not common, but some women who take the pill develop high blood pressure.
- It is rare, but some women will have blood clots, heart attacks, or strokes.
Does it protect me from sexually transmitted infections ? No.
- A pill that has only one hormone, a progestin.
- It thickens the cervical mucus, which keeps sperm from getting to the egg.
- Less often, it stops the ovaries from releasing eggs.
How do I use it?
How do I get it?
-
You need a prescription from a healthcare provider.
Chance of getting pregnant with typical use (Number of pregnancies expected per 100 women who use this method for one year
Some Side Effects
+ Birth Control Withdrawal Supplement Protocol
+ Magnesium Magnesium deficiency is a major cause of menstrual cramping. Thus, magnesium supplementation can help relax muscles, ease cramping, and improve sleep. It also helps relieve constipation, allowing the GI tract to function better and help maintain normal estrogen levels. I like this brand.
+ Vitamin B Complex The birth control pill depletes B vitamins significantly, which impacts your energy, sleep, mood, fertility and weight.
+ A ProbioticAs mentioned earlier, birth control pills disrupt the normal gut flora and may even cause leaky gut. Healing the gut after being on the birth control pill will go a long way toward you feeling better in ALL areas of your life. This is by far my fave brand and you can use the code SOFRESH15 to get 15% off.
+ Di-indole Methane This is a compound naturally found in cruciferous vegetables. It supports the liver during detoxification to remove excess estrogen and also helps the liver clear out any artificial estrogens left over in the body from being on the pill. This helps your body start making its own natural estrogen again.
+ Vitex This herb inhibits prolactin, which helps the body begin ovulating again and can also help calm the nervous system. I recommend waiting at least three months after going off the pill to see if you start ovulating on your own first.
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