Post Birth Control Syndrome: What you need to know
Post birth control what?!?
That’s right…Once someone goes off of hormonal birth control, their systems can be so out of whack that they experience post birth control syndrome and you may not even know that’s what your experiencing!
I definitely didn’t because I was consistently dismissed by my doctors whenever I asked if the symptoms that I had while on birth control and after I came off of it had anything to do with the contraceptives.
My intuition told me that I was right to make the connection. That is why I started doing the research and eventually became a Cycle Syncing Nutritionist. The evidence is out there, we just need access to it! So in this article, I’m going to break down all the things I wish I had known about post birth control syndrome!
What is Post Birth Control Syndrome?
Post Birth Control Syndrome is the series of symptoms that often arise within the 3-6 months after stopping hormonal birth control. Although symptoms may begin quickly after getting off birth control, many women will gradually experience more symptoms in the months following.
This can become a little bit confusing. Because time has passed a woman may not recognize that the symptoms were connected to stopping hormonal birth control. Another reason many women won’t connect their symptoms is because the many of the symptoms don’t seem related to reproductive health, such as cognitive issues, weight gain, or mood disorders.
Birth control affects many systems within the body, so just like you may not have realized the symptoms of birth control while on them, you may also not connect the symptoms while transitioning off them!
There is evidence that symptoms that began while on birth control and new symptoms of PBCS will likely persist unless you address the systems that have been impacted.
It is important to note that oftentimes, menstrual related issues that were present prior to going on contraceptives will likely return and it is important to differentiate prior hormonal disorders from PBCS so they can be specifically addressed.
Why have I never heard of Post Birth Control Syndrome?
Post Birth Control syndrome became widely known through the work of Dr. Jolene Brighten, a functional medicine naturopathic doctor.
The syndrome is not widely accepted as a medical condition by conventional doctors and many dismiss the correlations. This is an antiquated outlook on women's health and dismisses symptoms without direction toward support.
There is tons of research and evidence that shows birth control affects many systems within the body. We have all seen that newspaper sized pamphlet that states the side effects of birth control. Yet, overwhelmingly, the majority of women’s health concerns are dismissed and the only recommendation is to go onto, or back onto birth control because the medication will suppress symptoms.
It is often difficult, disheartening and frustrating for women to navigate their health through conventional medicine when their concerns are dismissed and disregarded, having their only options medication or further dismissal of “you’re overreacting”, “just lose weight”, “it’s just part of being a woman”.
Unfortunately, many of us are not provided with informed consent when it comes to hormonal birth control. If you want to read more about the 3 Things I wish I knew before going on birth control, this link will take you to that post.
Can all types of hormonal birth control lead to PBCS?
The short answer is, yes.
There may be varying degrees of PBCS with different types of birth control, but they all have the potential to disrupt the natural state of your systems leading to symptoms.
The combination birth control that is found in most oral contraceptive pills (combination pills), inserts like nuvaring or the patch has both synthetic estrogen as well as progestin (the synthetic version of progestin).
These may cause worse symptoms, especially when it comes to dysbiosis (imbalanced gut bacteria), gut health and immunity as estrogen has a very close relationship with the microbiome.
Other forms of progestin only birth control such as the mini pill, IUD, depo shot, and implant may also disrupt systems that lead to PBCS.
Progestin only contraceptives suppress ovulation but not consistently, and are also introducing endocrine disruptors into your system, regardless of the hormonal birth control you are or have been on can have significant risk of PBCS.
What systems does birth control affect?
Birth control affects many systems within the body specifically the:
Endocrine system
Birth control doesn’t contain “hormones” it contains endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC’s) that disrupt your body’s natural hormone production and function.
Birth control has been shown to have an impact on insulin resistance, thyroid hormones, and cortisol as well as reproductive hormones.
Reproductive system
Birth control inhibits your body from producing its own reproductive hormones such as estrogen, progesterone LH, FSH, and testosterone. This can be even more detrimental as you get off of the pill because the connection line between your brain and ovaries that is responsible for your menstrual cycle and fertility is out of service. Once you eliminate the pill your body may have a difficult time re-establishing this connection
Can have a negative influence on vaginal flora and PH levels which can increase susceptibility to infections like BV, yeast infections and contracting UTI’s
May lead to reproductive issues such as post pill PCOS and infertility if the body is not supported adequately and systems are left in disrepair
Digestive system
Birth control has a negative effect on gut microbiome and increase the risk of leaky gut which can influence hormones, immune system, metabolism, neurotransmitters like serotonin, and more!
Birth control has also been associated with crohn’s, colitis, IBS, and other digestive issues.
Elimination system
The EDC’s that birth control introduces into the body adds additional stress on the elimination system, especially the liver. This depletes many nutrients that the body needs to effectively eliminate toxins thus causing a negative cycle which increasingly makes it more difficult for the elimination system to function well.
Due to birth controls potential effect on the digestive system, worsening elimination may happen.
When the liver and the elimination system is not functioning optimally it can lead to hormonal imbalances, cell damage, inflammation, etc
What are the major causes of Post Birth Control Syndrome?
The major causes of post birth control syndrome include birth controls impact on:
Nutrient deficiencies
Severed communication lines within your endocrine system
Disruption to digestive system and microbiome
Added stress on the elimination system and toxicity
Progestin’s neurological effect on mood
Impact on insulin resistance, thyroid & cortisol
What are the symptoms of PBCS?
Post Birth Control Syndrome can present itself as a mixture of different symptoms such as
Post pill amenorrhea (loss of menstruation)
Heavy or painful menstruation
Infertility
Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
Mood disorders
Anxiety
Depression
Brain fog
Lack of desire or motivation
Mood swings
Irritability
Digestive issues
Leaky gut
Dysbiosis
Inflammation
Immune issues
Acne, rosacea, or other skin concerns
Hair loss or odd hair growth
Breast tenderness
Headaches and migraines
Fatigue
Insomnia
Blood sugar dysregulation
Hypothyroidism
Adrenal dysfunction
Excess androgens & post pill PCOS
How to transition off hormonal birth control to reduce the risk of Post Birth Control Syndrome & repair the systems that birth control effects.
While you are on birth control and as you transition off of it, you want to address the systems that birth control has affected.
While you are taking birth control it is important to mitigate some of the negative effects by ensuring proper nutrition, gut health, and elimination. Although this may be more difficult when on birth control, it is important nonetheless to counteract its impact.
As you are transitioning off it is helpful to follow a specific strategy that supports your systems and can help to reverse many of the negative effects while assisting your body in aligning with the natural rhythm of the menstrual cycle.
What is the Ditch Birth Control Strategy?
The Ditch Birth Control Strategy is a specially designed 6 step protocol for those who wish to or have recently stopped taking hormonal birth control in order to reduce expression of post birth control syndrome and realign with their holistic menstrual health.
What are the benefits of the Ditch Birth Control Strategy?
You will reduce the risk and severity of post birth control syndrome
You will repair the systems that birth control has affected
You will rid the body of synthetic hormones
You will improve your gut health, hormonal health, elimination system, menstrual health and more
You will likely experience:
Better mood
Enhanced focus
More energy
Better sleep
Better digestion
Clear skin
Healthier hair and nails
You will begin to connect to your menstrual cycle and realize the potential in living in tune with your cycle
What are the 6 steps in the Ditch Birth
Control Strategy?
Step 1: Replenish Nutrients
Step 2: Heal your gut
Step 3: Naturally detox
Step 4: Identify hormonal imbalance
Step 5: Repair your metabolism
Step 6: Begin to cycle sync
How can I learn how to safely and effectively ditch birth control?
In The Sync Society Academy's Ditch Birth Control course, I provide a step by step strategy to help repair the systems that birth control impacted in a strategic, simple and effective way.
The course also includes:
Over 35 quick and easy to understand video lessons within 9 modules
A step-by-step guide to repair systems while on, and transitioning off of hormonal birth control
The ideal timeline to break up with hormonal birth control
How to gently detox
Supplement and fitness recommendations
4 additional meal plans with recipes for each phase of the strategy, nutritional breakdowns and grocery lists.
A private facebook group with other badass people who are going through a similar journey, community support, and more
All the courses in The Sync Society Academy are self paced and you have lifetime access to them to ensure you always have a resource to turn to!
Bundle with the Get Synced Program for savings and to learn how to support your long term holistic menstrual health through cycle syncing your nutrition, fitness and lifestyle to each phase of your menstrual cycle!
