7 Ways to Balance Hormones Post Birth Control

7 Ways to Balance Hormones Post Birth Control

From teenage acne, mood swings, digestive issues to contraception the ubiquitous birth control pill is one of the most prescribed pills to women of all ages.

But, there comes a time in most women's lives in their 20s or 30s when they question if taking synthetic hormones is still the best choice. Whether it’s deciding to get to the root cause of their acne or they are considering starting a family, it's important to know how to detox these synthetic hormones from the body safely.  Newer research is surfacing around what happens in a woman's physical and emotional body when they go off birth control. Aside from the effects after taking birth control pills, there are side effects stopping the birth control patch and side effects from stopping birth control nuvaring.

It's not uncommon for women to experience symptoms of hormonal imbalance, such as irregular periods, acne, and mood swings. As this is an inevitable process for so many women - here are 8 ways to balance hormones post birth control syndrome and how to make the transition with knowledge and feel your best.

First and foremost, it's essential to recognize that every woman's experience when going off the pill is unique. Some women may not experience any significant changes, while others may experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms. The most common physical symptoms of going off the pill include irregular periods, changes in menstrual flow, acne, weight gain and mood swings.

So what are the side effects of stopping birth control?

Irregular periods are the most common symptom when stopping the pill, as the body takes time to readjust to its natural hormonal levels. When taking the pill, it suppresses ovulation, which is why many women experience shorter, lighter periods or no periods at all. When you stop taking the pill, the body may take a few months to start ovulating again, leading to irregular periods, longer cycles, or heavier bleeding. Changes in menstrual flow are also a common symptom when stopping the pill. When taking the pill, it regulates the menstrual cycle, leading to lighter periods. However, when you go off the pill, you may experience heavier periods or more painful cramps.

Acne is another symptom that may occur when going off the pill. The synthetic hormones in birth control pills can help regulate oil production and prevent acne. When you go off the pill, your body may start producing more oil, leading to breakouts.

Weight gain is common. The synthetic hormones in the pill can cause water retention, leading to bloating and weight gain. When you go off the pill, the body may start to release excess water, causing a temporary drop in weight but continues to fluctuate as it re-adjusts itself. Below we talk more about how to balance hormones for weight loss.

Going off the pill can also have a significant impact on your mental health. The synthetic hormones in the pill can affect your mood, leading to anxiety or depression. When you go off the pill, your natural hormone levels may fluctuate, leading to mood swings, irritability, or anxiety.

As women, we all know how challenging it can be to maintain a healthy hormone balance. Our hormones can fluctuate due to a variety of factors, including stress, diet, and lifestyle choices. Hormonal imbalances can lead to a range of symptoms, such as mood swings, fatigue, and weight gain. While these physical symptoms can be uncomfortable, there are solutions for how to balance hormones naturally. 

How to balance your hormones after birth control.

Focus on Nutrition

How to balance hormones with food: Nutrition plays a critical role in hormone balance. After stopping birth control pills, it's important to focus on eating a nutrient-dense diet that supports hormonal health. This means eating plenty of whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. It's also important to avoid processed foods, sugar, and refined carbohydrates, which can all contribute to hormonal imbalances. Eating a balanced, high-fiber diet can help support the production of hormones, reduce inflammation, and promote overall health.

Detox Your Liver

How to balance hormones for acne: The liver plays a critical role in hormone metabolism. After stopping birth control pills, it's important to support your liver to help it properly metabolize and excrete excess hormones from the body that tend to be stored in the liver. To support liver health, focus on eating plenty of antioxidant-rich foods, such as berries, leafy greens, and cruciferous vegetables. You can also consider taking supplements, such as these chlorophyll drops that work to detox, debloat and cleanse, milk thistle or dandelion root, which have been shown to support liver function.

 

Manage Stress

Stress can have a significant impact on hormonal balance. After stopping birth control pills, it's important to find ways to manage stress, such as through meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises. Regular exercise can also help reduce stress levels and promote hormonal balance. By managing stress, you can help support healthy hormone production and reduce the risk of hormonal imbalance. We love these active botanical therapy rollerballs to shift your mood on demand.

 

Consider Supplements to regulate the nervous system and boost nutrients.

Certain herbal supplements have been shown to support hormonal balance after stopping birth control pills. For example, maca root, ashwagandha, and chasteberry have all been shown to support healthy hormone levels in women.  After stopping birth control pills, it's important to focus on the nutrient intake to support hormonal balance. Juna's  Detox Digestive Enzymes are super charged with adaptogenic herbs and probiotics and are the gold standard for boosting nutrient absorption, debloat, and optimizing overall gut health. 

Magnesium, vitamin B12, zinc, and vitamin D are all essential nutrients that can play a critical role in supporting hormonal health.

 

Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in hormone regulation. After stopping birth control pills, it's not uncommon to experience symptoms of magnesium deficiency, such as headaches, anxiety, and muscle cramps. Magnesium can help with relaxation, which can aid in managing stress, another factor that can impact hormonal balance.

Vitamin B12 is essential for many bodily processes, including hormone synthesis and metabolism. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and mood changes. Additionally, vitamin B12 can help reduce inflammation and support the nervous system, which can aid in stress management.

Vitamin D is another essential nutrient that plays a critical role in many bodily processes, including hormone regulation. After stopping birth control pills, it's important to ensure adequate intake of vitamin D to support healthy hormone levels. Additionally, vitamin D can help reduce inflammation and support bone health, which can be especially important for women who may experience bone loss after stopping birth control pills.

Focus on Sleep and resetting your circadian rhythms

Getting enough quality sleep is essential for hormonal balance. After stopping birth control pills, it's important to prioritize sleep to help support healthy hormone production. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night, and try to maintain a regular sleep schedule. If you have trouble sleeping, consider practicing good sleep hygiene, such as avoiding screens before bedtime and creating a relaxing bedtime routine. These clinically formulated and science backed sleep gummies will heelp you fall asleep stay asleep and wake up feeling refreshed.

 

Restore your gut

Synthetic estrogen and progesterone have been linked to negatively impacting gut flora, and altering gut permeability and certain inflammatory responses. This can lead to weight-loss resistance, increased risk of IBS, depression and anxiety, and unresolved digestive issues.

Juna’s Gut Therapy capsules were clinically formulated to nourish and repair the gut while strengthening the gut-brain axis and promoting a better mood.

How long does post birth control syndrome last?

While it's different from person to person, side effects post birth control can last upwards of 6 months. Tune into your body, listen to what it's asking for and seek professional support.

Recommended support: 

Sam Tahan - registered Dietician and Nutritionist with a specialty in hormone and gut health. https://thewell-society.com/services

Dr. Jaclyn Tolentino -  Functional Medicine Doctor specializing in women's health and hormones https://drjaclyntolentino.com/

Related Reading:

Cycle Syncing

References: https://avivaromm.com/post-pill-reset/#1-common-post-pill-symptoms

https://www.healthline.com/health/post-birth-control-syndrome#potential-causes

*This statements have not been evaluated by medical experts and we recommend you speak with your doctor when making any hormonal changes.