3 Things I wish I knew before going on hormonal birth control.
Over 20% of women of reproductive age are currently using hormonal contraception in the US and Canada.
There are many reasons women go on hormonal birth control aside from not wanting to conceive. In fact, a study based on data from the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) found that only 42% of women on hormonal birth control take it exclusively to prevent pregnancy. Other reasons many women use or are prescribed birth control are menstrual pain (31%), menstrual regulation and painful “side effects” of menstruation (28%), treatment of acne (14%) and treatment of endometriosis (4%). I couldn’t find the statistics of women prescribed birth control for PCOS but I do know it is very common as well, claiming to manage the symptoms. In the US, some 762,000 women on the pill have never even had sex and use it only for non-contraceptive reasons.
I have spoken to tons of women who use or have used the pill or other forms of hormonal birth control to “manage their hormones” and were influenced by a doctor to start taking it. It seems to be the go-to prescription for anything menstrual related.
But how often are we given the knowledge to make informed decisions about it?
How often are we told about the side effects so we can make conscious choices?
How often are we educated about how we need to support our bodies while on birth control and if we chose to go off it?
I began taking hormonal birth control at 16 years old for contraceptive reasons. I remember being nervous to go into the doctor’s office and ask for a script. Yet, it was one of the easiest outcomes I had in a doctor’s office. I was given the prescription, told how to use it and that was it.
I was on the pill for almost a decade and as I got older I saw all of these symptoms arise that I intuitively knew were related to contraception, yet was dismissed when I spoke to my doctor about it.
I would get yeast infections almost every month, recurring UTI’s, feelings of anxiety and depression, low libido, and in the last 3 or four years I would bleed after sex…every single time. I became a hypochondriac thinking so many things were wrong with me.
I went to get tested regularly and I would get the “all clear” yet still experienced the symptoms. When I asked if it was the contraception, it would be an immediate “probably not”. Even when I switched from NuvaRing to the IUD and between doctor’s, it was always met with being dismissed.
I would ask about side effects and again, was dismissed. My doctors made birth control seem like it was this heaven sent pharmaceutical that could do no wrong!
When I hit my 20’s, my mind kept asking the same thing “do you even know yourself without synthetic hormones?”
I had been on them practically since I became pubescent. Basically, from the time I had reproductive hormones produced in my body I had been on synthetic ones.
I was so interested in the natural human body, nutrition, holistic health care, and wouldn’t even take Tylenol when I was sick because I didn’t like pharmaceuticals. Yet, from before I could even vote in an election or take a sip of wine, I had a steady stream of synthetic hormones coursing through my veins.
Looking back, the only thing I truly wish I was afforded was the knowledge of the pros and cons so I could make an informed decision and have conscious authority over my body.
In the healthcare system, we view our doctors as having our best interest in mind and we should have confidence that they know the effects of what they are giving us.
Unfortunately, I found out that this really isn’t the case.
I have spoken to multiple doctors and researched through podcasts and articles about the education given to doctors about hormonal contraceptives.
It seems that in medical school, the pill is revered as a valid option for women with reproductive issues, with little being spoken of the side effects and the detriment they can cause. Like many pharmaceuticals, it is used to treat symptoms rather than causes.
Furthermore, very little is spoken about nutrition in the 8 years it takes to become an MD. Some doctors I’ve spoken to say less than a day of coursework is focused on using nutrition as preventative and healing medicine.
Which, if you ask me, is one of the most significant disservices to society.
I digress. When I went to my doctor to tell her about my symptoms and that I wanted to take out my IUD I was actually dissuaded from taking it out and almost didn’t because the doctor I was speaking with told me the symptoms were unrelated and I was making things up.
I am so glad I listened to my gut and got it removed.
Unsurprisingly, I didn’t hear a peep about Post Birth Control Syndrome either. I am fortunate that my fascination with health and hormones led me to a path of understanding it for myself, and being able to support my body through the transition off of hormones.
I have since been off birth control for over 2 years and am SHOCKED that all of the intuitive feelings I was having about hormonal birth control were right.
It was only once I was totally free and clear of the synthetic hormones that I saw such significant differences.
The yeast infections I used to get became few and very far between, I haven’t had a UTI since, I am more aware and conscious of my emotions (in large part because I learned how to support them through cycle syncing), my body composition changed entirely, I became less boxy and had more feminine proportions (yet I didn’t gain weight), my hair got so much curlier (from a 2c to a 3b on the curl charts), I regained a healthy sex drive, and have not bled once after sex since.
Over the last 2 years of being off birth control, pursuing my education in advanced holistic nutrition and becoming fascinated by hormones it led me to begin my practice as a Cycle Syncing Nutritionist. My ultimate goal is to help women become more active participants in their health care through knowledge, connection and confidence.
When we are not given the answers to our questions, and don’t even know what questions to ask, we may be left lacking confidence and handing our health to someone else.
I really wish that when I began taking hormones at the ripe age of 16 and every year after that when I got my prescription refilled that my doctors would have afforded me information about the side effects and how to support my body while on birth control.
I am not trying to demonize hormonal contraception, I am just trying to help women understand it so they can make informed decisions!
So without further adieu, these are the three things that I wish I knew before going on hormonal birth control.
1. Birth control depletes nutrients.
I was so surprised to find out that birth control depletes at least 9 essential nutrients! I feel like this should be common knowledge, that women are informed about this when they begin taking hormonal birth control as depleted nutrients have far reaching effects. Let me break it down a little for you so that if you choose to be on birth control you can support your body through it and limit negative symptoms related to nutrient deficiencies.
I will list out the nutrients that birth control depletes, their roles in your body, potential signs of deficiency and where you can supplement them naturally in your diet.
Vitamin B2 - riboflavin
B2 is converted to coenzymes needed for energy metabolism. It promotes healthy eyes and vision, helps grow and repair body tissue and may reduce migraines.
Signs of deficiency include dry cracks and sores around the mouth, red/purple inflamed tongue, swollen & sore throat.
Some Ideal foods to increase B2 intake are bamboo shoots, broccoli, mackerel, cabbage, pumpkin, tomatoes, beansprouts, mushrooms, wheat germ, milk, asparagus, watercress.
Vitamin B6 - Pyridoxine
B6 is required for the metabolism of protein (the more protein you eat, the more B6 you need). Helps immune system, glucose regulation, hemoglobin production & reduces homocysteine levels
Signs of deficiency include skin disorders, eczema, cracked/sores around or in mouth, numbness of hands/feet, depression/ confusion.
Some Ideal foods to increase B6 include broccoli, cauliflower, peppers, eggs, cabbage, asparagus, squash, watercress, lentils, chickpeas, onions, wheat germ, tuna, salmon, bananas, spinach.
Vitamin B9 - Folic Acid
B9 is essential for almost all body functions, growth & development, cell production, blood circulation, prevents changes to DNA that lead to cancer as well as aids in the metabolism of macronutrients.
Signs of deficiency include diarrhea, grey hair, fatigue, and headaches.
Some ideal foods to increase B9 include sesame seeds, asparagus, hazelnuts, cashew nuts, walnuts, avocados, cauliflower, wheat germ, liver, boiled lentils, boiled chickpeas, spinach, broccoli, peanuts, sprouts.
Vitamin B12 - Cobalamin
B12 supports healthy nerves & skin, energy production, red blood cell formation, and metabolism.
Signs of deficiency include neurological symptoms, pale skin, lost appetite, and muscle weakness.
Some ideal foods to increase B12 include turkey, chicken, eggs, cheese, shrimp, milk, lamb, sardines, oysters, tuna, nutritional yeast, cottage cheese.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant necessary for normal growth and maintenance of most body tissue. It is important for immunity, collagen production, iron absorption & bone health.
Signs of deficiency include hair loss, slow wound healing, weakened immune system, nose bleeds, gingivitis, and anemia.
Some ideal foods to increase Vitamin C include kiwi fruit, lemons, oranges, grapefruit, limes, peas, melons, broccoli, peppers, watercress, cabbage, cauliflower, strawberries, tomatoes.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant working synergistically with other nutrients. It aids the production of sex hormones & helps menstrual symptoms. It also prevents cataracts and aids vision.
Vitamin E deficiency can cause nerve and muscle damage that results in loss of feeling in the arms and legs, loss of body movement control, muscle weakness, and vision problems. Another sign of deficiency is a weakened immune system
Some ideal foods to increase Vitamin E are sesame seeds, peanuts, other seeds, foods such as beans, tuna, sweet potatoes, peas, sardines, salmon, unrefined cold-pressed corn oils, sunflower seeds, and wheat germ.
Selenium
Selenium is another antioxidant, especially important in immune, reproductive, and thyroid health. Selenium promotes longevity and works synergistically with Vitamin E. It is also effective in counteracting mercury buildup.
Signs of deficiency include dull hair, weakened immune system. It also impairs the body’s ability to fight heavy metal toxicity.
Some ideal foods to increase selenium are chicken, cottage cheese, cabbage, courgettes, Brazil nuts, oysters, herrings, molasses, mushrooms, tuna, beef liver, and cod.
Zinc
Found in almost every cell, zinc is integral for wound healing, skin elasticity, tissue and cell formation. It aids in hydrochloric acid production, metabolism of digestive enzymes and is important in immune function.
Signs of deficiency include hair loss, acne, slow wound healing, white spots on nails, loss of taste and smell.
Some ideal foods to increase zinc are whole wheat grain, rye, oats, peanuts, almonds, haddock, green peas, shrimps, turnips, oysters, ginger root, lamb, pecan nuts, dry split peas, Brazil nuts, and egg yolks.
Magnesium
Magnesium regulates muscle tone, helps muscles relax, is essential for energy production, fat and protein synthesis, prevents tooth decay as well as supports PMS, migraines, acid reflux, diabetes, and osteoporosis.
Signs of deficiency include muscle cramps/spasm, anxiety, chronic constipation, menstrual cramps, body odor, fatigue, and chocolate cravings!
Some ideal foods to increase magnesium include Brazil nuts, peanuts, pecan nuts, cooked beans, garlic, raisins, green peas, potato skin, crab, wheat germ, almonds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, cashew nuts, brewer’s yeast, and buckwheat flour.
2. Birth control harms your good bacteria.
Studies have shown that hormonal contraceptives negatively affect your gut flora.
Your gut bacteria is responsible for so many functions including your immune system, metabolism, synthesizing nutrients, producing and regulating other hormones such as serotonin, as well as overall digestive health.
The bacteria in your gut needs to be in balance, otherwise opportunistic bacteria can over run your system and lead to more issues and poor health.
Oral contraceptives that harm good gut bacteria can lead to weight-loss resistance, increased risk of IBS, depression, anxiety and unresolved digestive issues.
One study of 75,000 women showed that oral contraceptives increased risks of developing Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis regardless of its specific formula.
Furthermore, research shows that oral contraceptives also increase the risk of Candida albicans.
Candida albicans is an overgrowth of yeast. Candida overgrowth is responsible for many issues including yeast infections, UTI’s other fungal infections such as athlete’s foot and ringworm, skin issues, autoimmune diseases, fatigue, mood swings, brain fog, difficulty concentrating, seasonal allergies and sugar cravings.
Support your body by limiting sugar intake, avoiding triggering foods, and implementing probiotics.
3. Post Birth Control Syndrome exists.
Many women go on birth control to “manage” hormonal symptoms and reproductive issues. The thing that most doctors won’t tell you is that it can actually cause many negative hormonal issues when you go off of birth control!
Post Birth Control Syndrome is a set of symptoms that generally arise within the first 4-6 months of going off of birth control. The symptoms can include issues such as acne or hair loss or more severe symptoms such as a complete loss of your period and post birth control PCOS!
Other symptoms may include:
Acne, cystic acne, rosacea
Amenorrhea (loss of menstruation), average 3-6 months
Blood sugar dysregulation
Depression, Anxiety, and other mood symptoms
Changes in bowels
Hair loss
Headaches
Heavy, painful periods
Gas or bloating
Gut dysbiosis
Inflammation and other immune imbalances
Intestinal hyperpermeability (commonly referred to as “leaky gut”)
Migraines
It may be difficult for women to realize the symptoms are connected because they may not even show up for a few months.
Furthermore, when you are actually on the pill, the glands that release hormones and the organs that signal for them to be released don’t communicate. There is a steady flow of synthetic hormones that cause those communication lines to be broken because they don’t need to be used.
When you go off of birth control your body may have difficulty reestablishing the lines as they have been out of use for so long. This can greatly affect your hormonal cycles, leading to many of these irregular symptoms and post birth control PCOS.
It is essential that once you choose to go off of birth control that you implement a post birth control protocol to support your body in rebuilding the hormonal communication lines and regulating your cycle.
We have all heard that birth control doesn’t negatively affect your fertility, which may be true in the grand scheme of things, but Post Birth Control Syndrome definitely can affect fertility. That is why it is so important, especially if you go off birth control to begin trying to conceive to implement the protocol. It may take time to heal post birth control so give yourself the best chance by learning about and supporting your body through its transitions.
Another thing to note is that if you went on birth control to manage reproductive issues, these problems are very likely to return, often worse, once you go off the pill.
Bonus. I wish I knew I had other options.
For whatever reason you have been put on birth control, whether it was to avoid getting pregnant, to manage PCOS or endometriosis, clear acne or regulate your cycle, you have other options!
It is quite disappointing that when I chose to go on birth control that I wasn’t presented with any other options.
It seems to be the case for many women, regardless of why they are on it.
But the fact of the matter is, there are always other options. Many of which are simple, effective, and natural.
If you are avoiding pregnancy, the Fertility Awareness Method is up to 99% effective when in perfect use! Just the same as hormonal contraceptives!!
If you suffer from PCOS, Endometriosis, Amenorrhea, Dysmenorrhea or acne, nutritional, supplemental, and lifestyle changes are highly effective in managing these issues.
If you suffer from PMS symptoms, download my PMS-Type Guide to understand your specific form of PMS and how to heal it naturally!
If you are on birth control, wanting to try it, or planning on coming off of it, know that you have resources and options available to you to become an active participant in your health care!
What are some things that you wish you knew before going on hormonal birth control? Let me know in the comments!
If you want to chat about your specific options feel free to hop on a call with me and we can discuss!
