What to Expect When Coming Off Birth Control

This blog is the second installment in our Women’s Health series, authored by Rachel from The Alchemy of Wellness, where we delve into important topics that impact women's well-being. In our first post, we explored the hidden dangers in personal care products and how they can affect your health. Today, we’re shifting focus to discuss the holistic approach to coming off birth control, offering guidance, support, and natural solutions for your journey toward optimal wellness.

Like many young girls, I was put on the pill as a teenager before I was even sexually active. The reason? To "clear" my skin. But despite the promises, it didn’t work. Instead, it left me with questions and concerns I wasn’t prepared to navigate.

What I didn’t know at the time—and what many still don’t realize—is that hormonal birth control does much more than just prevent pregnancy. 

It's designed to shut down your entire reproductive system, interrupting the communication between your brain and ovaries. 

Not to mention the fact that I wasn’t informed that the so-called ‘periods’ I experienced while taking the placebo pills on hormonal birth control weren’t actual menstrual cycles. This process, while effective for birth control, raises significant concerns that often go undiscussed.

As I began to delve deeper into the world of hormonal contraceptives, I uncovered information that profoundly changed my perspective. For instance, I learned that these pills have far-reaching effects on your hormones and overall health—effects that are often downplayed or overlooked entirely in mainstream conversations. 

Considering that birth control pills are used by more than 100 million women worldwide, we should really be more educated on what it's doing to our bodies. (Read on to learn the shocking truth!)

This experience was a wake-up call for me, highlighting the complexities and potential risks associated with long-term hormonal birth control use. It became clear that a more holistic approach is crucial when considering coming off birth control, one that fully supports your body through the transition.

The Impact of Birth Control on Your Body: A Brief History and Overview

The journey of birth control dates back to ancient times when women used herbal remedies to prevent pregnancy. However, it wasn't until the 1960s that the first oral contraceptive pill was introduced, marking a revolutionary shift in women's health and autonomy. The original formulation, which contained mestranol and norethisterone, set the stage for modern contraceptives but also introduced a complex relationship between women’s health and hormonal manipulation.

Understanding Hormonal Imbalance and Long-Term Health Effects

Birth control pills, especially combined estrogen–progestogen oral contraceptives (OCs), work by altering your natural hormonal balance to prevent ovulation. Over time, this disruption can lead to several side effects, including:

• Increased Risk of Certain Cancers: According to a study by Cogliano et al. (2005), combined estrogen–progestogen OCs have been classified as Group 1 carcinogens by the World Health Organization, indicating a link to an elevated risk of breast, cervical, and liver cancers.
• According to the Breast Cancer Organization’s website: 
• “There are concerns that because birth control pills use hormones to block pregnancy they may overstimulate breast cells, which can increase the risk of breast cancer. The concern is greater if you’re at high risk for breast cancer because of: a strong family history of the disease, past breast biopsies showing abnormal cells, or you or someone in your family has an abnormal breast cancer gene.”
• Hypothyroidism: If you've been on birth control for 10 years or more, you have a staggering 283% increased risk of developing hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones to regulate the body's metabolism effectively according to a large-scale study. This finding highlights the profound impact that prolonged hormonal suppression can have on the body. 
• Emotional and Mental Health: A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found a significant association between hormonal contraception and the onset of depression. This connection is particularly concerning given the widespread use of birth control among young women.
• Gut Health Disruption: The pill can negatively impact gut health by contributing to intestinal permeability (leaky gut). This can lead to a host of other issues, including chronic inflammation and autoimmune conditions.
• Increased Risk of Blood Clots: Hormonal birth control, especially those containing estrogen, can increase the risk of blood clots, which can lead to severe complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism. This risk is particularly significant in women who smoke or have a history of clotting disorders.
• According to the American Society of Hematology’s website:
• “A new study suggests that this risk largely goes away within two to four weeks after one stops using these contraceptives.”
• Nutrient Deficiency: Long-term use of birth control pills can lead to nutrient deficiencies, particularly in B vitamins, magnesium, and zinc. These nutrients are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy production, immune function, and mental health. A deficiency in these nutrients can exacerbate the symptoms of hormonal imbalances and other health conditions.

These risks underscore the importance of understanding the full spectrum of effects that hormonal birth control can have on the body. When considering coming off birth control, it's crucial to take a holistic approach that addresses these potential issues and supports your body's natural balance.

Holistic Strategies for a Smooth Transition

Coming off birth control can be a liberating decision, but it's important to be aware of the potential challenges that may arise during this transition. After years of hormonal regulation, your body may take time to adjust, and this can manifest in various ways.

Common Post-Birth Control Symptoms

Once you stop taking birth control, your body begins to recalibrate. You may experience symptoms like:

• Irregular periods or amenorrhea (lack of periods)
• Acne flare-ups and other skin changes like Rosacea 
• Weight fluctuations
• Digestive issues, such as:
• Gas or bloating
• Changes in bowels
• Gut dysbiosis
• Intestinal hyperpermeability (AKA “leaky gut”)
• Blood sugar dysregulation
• Depression, Anxiety & Mood Swings 
• Hair loss
• Headaches
• Heavy, painful periods
• Inflammation and other immune imbalances
• Migraines

These symptoms, often referred to as post-birth control syndrome, are your body's response to the sudden shift in hormonal regulation. It's not uncommon for women to feel overwhelmed during this time, but there are holistic strategies that can help ease the transition.

Holistic Strategies for Supporting Your Body

1. Support Your Hormonal Balance with Diet:

Your diet is one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal when coming off birth control. Focus on nutrient-dense foods that support hormone production and balance, such as:

• Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts
• B vitamins from whole grains, eggs, and legumes
• Magnesium from leafy greens, nuts, and seeds

These nutrients can help regulate your cycle and stabilize your mood.

2. Herbal Allies and bioformulas for Hormone Regulation: 

Certain herbs can support your body’s hormonal transition. For instance, chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) is known for its ability to promote a regular menstrual cycle. Alongside these, consider integrating Dr. Garber’s Fem Cycle bioformula into your routine. This formula is designed to ease menstrual irregularities, alleviate PMS symptoms, and support your reproductive system as it finds its natural balance again.

3. Prioritize Thyroid Health: 

Since the thyroid gland is deeply connected to hormonal balance, ensuring its optimal function is essential during this transition. The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism and overall hormonal balance. And, as we just exposed, long-term use of birth control has been linked to an increased risk of hypothyroidism — so it’s really crucial to show your thyroid some love. Dr. Garber’s Thyro Support bioformula can be an invaluable ally during this time, helping to normalize thyroid function and support your body's natural healing processes.

4. Liver Support for Detoxification: 

The liver is essential for metabolizing and detoxifying hormones, including those from birth control. To support liver health:

• Include leafy greens, beets, and turmeric in your diet
• Consider supplements like milk thistle or dandelion root
• Stay hydrated to aid in flushing out toxins

5. Mind-Body Practices for Stress Relief: 

Managing stress is crucial during this transition. Practices like yoga, meditation, and deep-breathing exercises can help calm the mind and support your body’s natural healing processes. These practices also help regulate the nervous system, which can be especially beneficial if you're dealing with mood swings or anxiety.

6. Navigating the Emotional Terrain:

The decision to stop taking birth control is deeply personal and can bring up a variety of emotions, from relief to anxiety. Supporting your emotional health during this time is crucial. Dr. Garber’s Mood Boost and Anxiety Relief bioformulas are specifically designed to help manage the emotional impact of this transition. These formulas contain natural ingredients that work to stabilize your mood and alleviate feelings of anxiety, providing a gentle yet effective way to support your mental well-being.

7. Non-Hormonal Pregnancy Prevention: 

If you're concerned about pregnancy prevention after coming off birth control, there are several non-hormonal options to consider. Barrier methods like condoms or diaphragms, as well as fertility awareness methods (FAM), can be effective alternatives. It’s essential to educate yourself on these options and consult with a healthcare provider to find the method that works best for you.

Final Thoughts: Embracing Your Journey to Wellness

Coming off birth control is a deeply personal journey that requires patience, self-awareness, and support. Whether you're motivated by a desire to reconnect with your natural cycle, address underlying health issues, or explore alternative pregnancy prevention methods, this transition can be an opportunity for profound healing and growth.

Understanding the impact of birth control on your body and knowing how to navigate this transition with holistic solutions is key to reclaiming your natural balance. As you move forward, remember that you're not alone—there are natural remedies available to help ease the process, and we're here to support you every step of the way.

Every woman's journey is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Our goal at Dr. Garber’s is to empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to make informed decisions about your health.

For those seeking to balance their cycles and support their thyroid health after coming off birth control, Dr. Garber's Fem Cycle and Thyro Support bioformulas offer targeted relief and support. By following these holistic strategies and incorporating these bioformulas, you can help your body transition off birth control with greater ease and confidence. Additionally, the Mood Boost and Anxiety Relief bioformulas can be invaluable allies in managing the emotional aspects of this transition. By choosing natural, effective solutions, you can confidently embrace this new chapter in your wellness journey, empowering yourself to take charge of your long-term well-being.