Birth control. A topic that honestly stirs the pot in many conversations that I’ve had. I want to start off by saying that I am here to provide you with information, resources, and tools! I’m not here to shame anyone for their choices around birth control or what they choose is right for them and their body. 

With that being said, I’ve worked with SO many clients who have a history of birth control use at some point in their life and are now dealing with either hormone imbalances, gut issues, or fertility struggles. Actually, I may have only worked with maybe 2-3 women who have not ever used birth control! Most women have at some point in their life. 

Why is that relevant to mention? Because hormonal birth control has a huge impact on a few key areas of the body: 

• Impacts your gut microbiome
• Impacts liver & bile health. Alters liver enzymes, affects bile production, impacts you liver’s ability to detox
• Depletes certain micronutrients: b vitamins, zinc, magnesium, selenium
• “Turns off” your brain to ovary connection- this is what stops you from ovulating. 

My personal opinion on the topic is that we can’t shut down & alter major systems of the body for years and years on end and not expect something to be a bit off. It’s what I see daily working with clients in this field. 

Deciding to come off hormonal birth control is a big choice, especially if you're planning to grow your family or want to focus on balancing your hormones naturally. Whether you've been on the pill, patch, IUD, or another form of hormonal contraception, your body will need time to recalibrate as it transitions back to its natural rhythm. During this period, many women can experience what’s known as Post-Birth Control Syndrome (PBCS)—a range of symptoms that can include irregular periods, acne, mood swings, and digestive issues.

Special note on those of you who have plans to conceive: it’s a good idea to come off birth control sooner rather than later. Many women are surprised to learn that it can take several months for their cycles to regulate after stopping hormonal contraceptives. By allowing your body time to adjust and re-establish a natural rhythm, you set yourself up for a smoother transition when you're ready to try for a baby.

In addition, there are several benefits to being off birth control, whether or not you’re planning to conceive or not. Without synthetic hormones, your body can restore its natural hormones, which often leads to clearer skin, improved mood, enhanced libido, and better overall energy. Plus, getting back in tune with your natural cycle can empower you to understand your fertility, which will help you either prevent or plan for pregnancy with more accuracy.

Here are the steps to balance your hormones after hormonal birth control use: 

1. Nourish Your Body with Nutrient-Dense Foods

Hormonal birth control can deplete key vitamins and minerals like B-vitamins, zinc, magnesium, and selenium, all of which are essential for hormone production. To replenish these nutrients, focus on a diet rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods. Check out THIS blog post for more hormone & fertility friendly foods! 

• Good Fats: Incorporate omega-3 fatty acids found in wild-caught fish, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and walnuts. Healthy fats support hormone production and help regulate inflammation.
• Leafy Greens and Cruciferous Vegetables: Vegetables like spinach, kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts provide fiber and antioxidants that aid in detoxifying excess hormones.
• Protein: Ensure you’re getting enough high-quality protein from sources like eggs, grass-fed beef, and poultry, which provide amino acids that support hormones.

2. Support Liver Detoxification

Your liver plays a critical role in metabolizing hormones, and after (and during) birth control use, it may need some extra help. You can support this natural detoxification process by:

• Incorporating bitter foods: Foods like dandelion greens, arugula, and artichokes stimulate bile production and help the liver detoxify.
• Drinking plenty of mineral rich water: Staying hydrated helps your body eliminate waste and support proper digestion.
• Adding liver-supportive herbs: Milk thistle, dandelion root, and turmeric are known to support liver function
• Caster Oil Packs

3. Prioritize Gut Health

Many women experience digestive issues after coming off birth control, as hormonal contraceptives can disrupt the balance of good bacteria in your gut. Since your gut is also crucial for estrogen detoxification and hormone balance, healing it is essential.

• Probiotics: Incorporate probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kombucha to repopulate your gut with beneficial bacteria. Targeted supplements can also be helpful here!
• Fiber: Ensure you’re getting enough fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole foods to help your body eliminate excess hormones and feel the good gut bacteria!
• Collagen and bone broth: These can help soothe inflammation in the gut lining, aiding digestion and nutrient absorption.

4. Consider Herbal Support (Of course talk with your doc or medical professional before implementing these).

Herbs that can be helpful: 

• Vitex (Chasteberry): This herb is known for supporting progesterone production and regulating menstrual cycles.
• Maca Root: Maca can help balance hormones and improve energy and mood, particularly for women dealing with stress after stopping birth control.
• Ashwagandha: As an adaptogen, ashwagandha supports the adrenal glands and helps lower cortisol, which can be elevated during the transition period.

5. Manage Stress and Get Adequate Sleep- Always a basic that can’t be overlooked

Stress is a major disruptor of hormone balance, and transitioning off birth control can be stressful both physically and emotionally. When your body is under stress, it produces cortisol, which can suppress the production of other hormones like progesterone, leading to imbalances.

• Practice stress-reducing activities: Yoga, meditation, journaling, and walking in nature 
• Prioritize sleep: Sleep is critical to regulate hormone production. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. 

Balancing your hormones after birth control can feel daunting, but with an intentional approach, you can support your body through this transition! I’ve seen it firsthand! If you’d like more personalized guidance or are experiencing many symptoms after coming off of hormonal birth control, you might consider 1:1 work!

-Kylie