A Doctor’s Guide to Coming off Birth Control and Taking Control of Your Hormones

Are you thinking about getting off birth control but feeling a little overwhelmed and unsure what to expect? Don’t worry, you are not alone! As an Ayurvedic Doctor and women’s health specialist, I understand that the idea of getting off birth control can bring up a lot of questions and concerns, especially when it comes to managing the potential withdrawal symptoms.

But let me share a little Ayurvedic secret with you – birth control is not the only tool to manage these symptoms! There are many other natural tools and remedies that can help you to balance your hormones so that you can experience pain free regular periods. I’ve spent years studying and teaching these tools to my patients, and I’m excited to share them with you.

This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the process of getting off birth control and managing any potential symptoms that may arise. So whether you’re just considering getting off birth control or have already started the process, this guide is here to support you every step of the way. Let’s get started on this journey towards hormonal balance and wellness!

Benefits of Getting Off Birth Control

If you’re considering getting off birth control, it’s important to know that there are many benefits to doing so. Not only can it give you more control over your body, your reproductive hormones, but it can also improve your overall well-being in a number of ways.

Here are just a few of the benefits of getting off birth control that you will experience once you do so:

1. Improved fertility: One of the most common reasons women choose to get off birth control is to start a family. If you’re hoping to conceive, getting off birth control can help regulate your menstrual cycle and make it easier to pinpoint your ovulation window.
2. Restored natural hormonal balance: Birth control works by altering your hormones to prevent pregnancy. But this means that when you stop taking it, your body needs time to readjust and return to its natural hormonal balance. Many women find that they feel better overall once their hormones have had a chance to regulate naturally.
3. Reduced risk of certain health conditions: Some studies have suggested that long-term use of certain types of birth control may increase the risk of certain health conditions, such as breast cancer or blood clots. Getting off birth control may help reduce these risks.
4. Better sex drive: Some women find that birth control can decrease their sex drive. By getting off birth control, you may find that your libido increases and you enjoy sex more.
5. Improved mood: Hormonal birth control can also impact your mood, leading to feelings of depression, anxiety, or irritability. Getting off birth control may help alleviate these symptoms and improve your overall mental health.

Of course, it’s important to remember that every woman’s body is different and what works for one person may not work for another. But if you’re curious about the benefits of getting off birth control and want to explore your options, this guide can help you make an informed decision about your reproductive health.

Understanding Birth Control Pills

Before we dive into the Ayurvedic natural ways of coming off birth control pills, let’s first understand how they work. Birth control pills are a combination of hormones (estrogen and progesterone) that prevent ovulation, making it difficult for sperm to fertilize an egg. These pills are taken daily and require consistency to be effective.

Now, let’s take a closer look at how birth control pills work. When taken correctly, birth control pills are 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. The hormones in birth control pills prevent the release of an egg from the ovaries. This means that there is no egg for sperm to fertilize, making it virtually impossible to get pregnant. In addition to preventing ovulation, birth control pills also thicken cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to reach the egg. Together, these methods ensure that pregnancy does not occur.

Types of Birth Control Pills

There are two main types of birth control pills: combination pills and progestin-only pills. Combination pills contain both estrogen and progestin, while progestin-only pills contain only one hormone. Your healthcare provider will help you choose which type of pill is best for you based on your personal health history and needs.

Combination pills are the most commonly prescribed type of birth control pill. They work by preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and thinning the lining of the uterus. Progestin-only pills are typically prescribed for women who cannot take estrogen, such as those who are breastfeeding or have a history of blood clots.

Birth Control Pills are not only for birth control

As it turns out, birth control pills are now prescribed for about anything related to hormonal imbalance. Even if you are not necessarily looking to control birth, you can find yourself placed on a birth control regimen.

Other conditions/complaints, that might land you on a birth control regimen include:

• Menstrual cramps;
• Irregular or sporadic periods;
• Endometriosis;
• Acne and other skin conditions;
• Unspecified hormonal symptoms;
• Headaches or migraines;
• Hair loss or abnormal pattern of hair growth;
• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), etc.

With all these, it is no surprise that a significant number of women are on birth control pills for reasons other than contraception. More specifically, 60% of all women on the pill are using using it for other reasons, and not birth control. That’s more than half!

Maybe this wouldn’t even be so much of a problem. But it is. Why? The artificial hormones don’t solve the problem. They may mask the symptoms while the actual causative issue persists and is left to become worse.

That’s why it is common for women to experience withdrawal symptoms when they get off birth control. This is especially true if they started taking birth control for non-contraceptive reasons, such as menstrual cramps, heavy periods, or acne.

Birth Control Withdrawal Symptoms

“How long will it take for my hormones to balance after I stop taking birth control?” Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to this question, as every woman’s body is unique and will react differently to the change.

Some women may see a return to normal periods within a couple of months, while others may take longer – sometimes up to six months or more. It’s important to keep in mind that the post-birth control transition can be a bumpy ride for many women.

After stopping birth control, your body needs time to readjust and reestablish its natural hormonal flow and fluctuations. Many women come to me seeking help with symptoms such as irregular periods, acne, heavy bleeding, or mood swings. It’s important to be patient with your body as it adjusts and consider natural remedies and treatments to support your hormonal balance.

Hormonal Acne

Acne is often linked to higher levels of androgens in the body. While hormonal birth control can reduce the amount of circulating androgens, such as testosterone, it’s not uncommon for women to experience acne flare-ups as their hormone levels return to normal after stopping birth control.

If you continue to experience persistent acne, it may be worth exploring potential underlying causes for elevated androgens, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or increased sensitivity to androgens.

Heavy periods

Hormonal birth control can limit the growth of the uterine lining, resulting in a lighter monthly period. However, if you initially started taking birth control to manage heavy periods and the underlying cause was never addressed, heavy bleeding may return after stopping the medication.

Persistent heavy bleeding can be a sign of hormonal imbalance and may be caused by conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, or fibroids.

Period cramps

Hormonal birth control works by suppressing the amount of bleeding and prostaglandins in the body, which can contribute to menstrual cramps. This often results in decreased cramping while on birth control. However, when you stop taking birth control, it’s not uncommon for cramping to increase as the body adjusts to its natural hormonal fluctuations.

PCOS

PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, is a hormonal disorder that can cause a range of symptoms, including irregular periods, weight gain, acne, and hair growth. Hormonal birth control can be used to regulate periods and manage these symptoms, but when coming off of birth control, PCOS symptoms may return and become more severe. Additionally, the hormonal fluctuations associated with PCOS can cause acne breakouts, increased hair growth, and weight gain.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside of it, causing pain and discomfort. Hormonal birth control can be used to manage endometriosis symptoms by regulating menstrual cycles and reducing the amount of tissue growth. However, when coming off of hormonal birth control, endometriosis symptoms may return and become more severe.

Withdrawal symptoms of birth control in women with endometriosis may include heavy, painful periods, cramping, and abdominal pain. These symptoms can be quite severe and can greatly impact a woman’s quality of life.

Headaches

When you stop taking hormonal birth control, it’s not uncommon to experience headaches as your body adjusts to the change in hormones. Additionally, natural hormone fluctuations that occur throughout your menstrual cycle can also contribute to headaches.

However, if headaches persist after stopping birth control, it could be a sign of an underlying hormonal imbalance. This may be the case if you experienced headaches before starting birth control and they returned after stopping, or if the headaches are severe and affecting your quality of life.

Irregular or missed periods

When you stop taking birth control, it’s normal for your period to be sporadic or even absent for a few months. However, if you had irregular periods before starting birth control and the underlying cause was never addressed, you may be more likely to experience irregular periods once again.

Irregular periods after stopping birth control can also be a symptom of underlying conditions such as hypothyroidism or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Ayurvedic Natural Ways to Get off Birth Control Safely

Are you ready to take control of your reproductive health and explore the benefits of getting off birth control? Perhaps you’re feeling the call to start a family, or maybe you’re looking to reconnect with your natural cycles and explore your body’s rhythms. Whatever your reasons, I commend you for taking this step towards holistic well-being!

However, I know that this can be a challenging transition for many women. When they come off birth control, they may experience painful, heavy, or irregular periods, and wild PMS symptoms.

However, you don’t have to suffer them so bad. You can help your body regain its natural balance. Its a way of easing yourself into it. In fact, you should start planning towards it some three months before you stop. It will significantly help you to reduce the severity of the post birth control symptoms.

Preparing Your Body to Get Off the Pill Safely

Here are some steps you can take to have a smooth transition into a life beyond the pill:

1. Before quitting, adequately map out your menstrual cycle. Sync your diet and lifestyle to match up with that. This will help you ease up the transition. Furthermore, it reduces side effects like acne, insomnia, mood swings, irregular cycles.
2. Supplement your body’s nutrients. Synthetic hormones deplete essential nutrients like vitamins B, C, E and minerals like magnesium, zinc, selenium. So, you want to restore those to optimal levels.
3. Help your body return to natural hormone production. Of a truth, the synthetic hormones are not good enough to replace the natural ones. Vitamin B6 helps for progesterone. If your progesterone levels are low, you will be quite grumpy.
4. Post-Birth Control Detoxification: This is necessary to prevent estrogen dominance and what comes with it. With estrogen dominance, there is hormonal dysfunction. Also, optimize liver functioning to assist it in general detoxification of the body.
5. Heal Your Gut: Synthetic hormones can cause leaky gut (intestinal hyper-permeability) and can increase risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease. If you don’t, you are putting yourself further at risk of estrogen dominance. This is because your gut might over produce an enzyme (glucuronidase) that puts estrogen back into circulation.

Your Diet and Nutrition to Balance Your Hormones

Hormonal birth control pills can deplete the body of essential nutrients, such as vitamins B2, B6, and B12, as well as vitamins C and E, folate, zinc, and magnesium. That’s why after stopping birth control, it is important to focus on a nutrient-dense diet to support the natural balance of hormones in your body. Here are some dietary recommendations that may be helpful:

1. Focus on whole, unprocessed foods: This means eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid processed foods and sugar as much as possible.
2. Eat a balanced diet: Aim to have a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fat in each meal. This can help to stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation in the body.
3. Include healthy fats: Healthy fats such as avocado, nuts, seeds, and olive oil can help to support hormone production and reduce inflammation in the body.
4. Prioritize protein: Protein is important for hormone production and can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied. Aim to include protein with every meal.
5. Consider adding in supplements: Supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and vitamin D may be helpful for supporting hormonal balance. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements.
6. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help to support healthy hormone balance and keep you feeling energized.
7. Consider reducing caffeine and alcohol: Caffeine and alcohol can disrupt hormone balance, so it may be helpful to reduce or eliminate these from your diet.

Practicing a Hormone Balancing Lifestyle

After discontinuing birth control, it is important to support your body in its natural detoxification process and hormone balance. Here are some lifestyle tips that can help:

1. Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help improve circulation, support detoxification, and reduce stress, all of which can support hormone balance. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
2. Manage stress: Stress can disrupt hormone balance, so it’s important to manage stress levels. Try techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to reduce stress.
3. Prioritize sleep: Lack of sleep can disrupt hormone balance, so it’s important to prioritize sleep. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night and establish a regular sleep routine.
4. Support liver function: The liver plays a crucial role in hormone balance and detoxification. Support liver function by avoiding alcohol and processed foods, and eating plenty of leafy greens, beets, and cruciferous vegetables.
5. Consider supplements: Certain supplements, such as magnesium, zinc, and vitamin B6, can support hormone balance and detoxification. Consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplements.

Tracking Your Cycle and Fertility

If you are planning pregnancy, then it’s important to track your cycle and fertility after you stop taking birth control pills. Knowing your fertile window by tracking ovulation will help to increase your chances of conception

There are a variety of methods to track ovulation, including ovulation predictor kits and tracking basal body temperature. Ovulation predictor kits work by detecting a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) in your urine, which occurs 12-36 hours before ovulation.

Tracking basal body temperature involves taking your temperature every morning before getting out of bed and recording it on a chart. Your basal body temperature will rise slightly after ovulation, indicating that you have ovulated.

In addition to these methods, some women also track changes in cervical mucus to determine when they are most fertile. Cervical mucus changes in consistency and color throughout your menstrual cycle, becoming thin and stretchy around ovulation.

In addition, you should track your cycle and document any PMS symptoms, including cramping, breast tenderness, headaches, backaches, mood changes, days of period, quality and quantity of flow.

Herbs and Supplements to Balance Your Hormones

Ayurveda is a holistic health system that has been practiced for thousands of years. In Ayurveda, herbs and supplements are used to support and balance the body’s natural functions, including hormonal balance. Here are some Ayurvedic herbs and supplements that can help balance hormones after stopping birth control:

1. Ashwagandha – Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that helps the body adapt to stress. It has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, which can be beneficial for hormonal balance. Ashwagandha can also improve thyroid function and balance estrogen levels.
2. Shatavari – Shatavari is an herb that is traditionally used to support women’s health. It is known for its ability to balance hormones, regulate menstrual cycles, and reduce symptoms of PMS. Shatavari can also improve fertility and support lactation.
3. Triphala – Triphala is an Ayurvedic herbal blend that supports digestion and detoxification. It can help remove toxins from the body and support liver function, which is important for hormone balance.
4. Vitex – Vitex, also known as chasteberry, is an herb that is commonly used to support women’s hormonal health. It can help regulate menstrual cycles, reduce PMS symptoms, and improve fertility. Vitex works by supporting the pituitary gland, which regulates hormone production.
5. Turmeric – Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory herb that can help reduce inflammation in the body. It can also support liver function and detoxification, which is important for hormonal balance. Turmeric can also balance estrogen levels and improve fertility.
6. Maca – Maca is a root vegetable that is traditionally used to support hormonal balance. It can help regulate menstrual cycles, reduce PMS symptoms, and improve fertility. Maca is also an adaptogenic herb that can help the body adapt to stress.
7. Dong Quai – Dong Quai is an herb that is commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to support women’s health. It can help regulate menstrual cycles, reduce PMS symptoms, and improve fertility. Dong Quai is also known for its ability to support blood circulation and balance estrogen levels.

Do make sure to consult with an experienced Ayurvedic doctor before starting any new herbal supplements or herbs, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medication.

Conclusion

Getting off birth control can be a challenging experience for many women, especially when dealing with hormonal imbalances and the accompanying symptoms. It can feel like there are no natural solutions to these issues, and many women feel frustrated with their bodies and their choices.

However, there are highly effective Ayurvedic tools that can help to balance hormones and support detoxification after birth control. By addressing the root cause of the hormonal imbalance, Ayurvedic treatment can provide permanent relief from symptoms such as irregular periods, heavy menstrual bleeding, acne, headaches, and more.

If you’re ready to come off birth control and explore natural solutions for your menstrual symptoms, know that you’re not alone. I’m here to support you on this journey and help you find the tools you need to thrive. Together, we can empower you to take control of your reproductive health and embrace the beauty and power of your natural cycles. Don’t struggle alone; take the first step towards hormone balance and schedule a consultation today.

References

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