Exploring the effects of birth control on the body, the podcast discusses post-birth control syndrome, disruptions in the menstrual cycle, the impact of birth control on various body systems, post-pill detoxification, and hormonal imbalances. It also covers nutrition and seed cycling for post-birth control syndrome, sources of zinc for a nutritious meal, the inflammatory effects of birth control, and the effects of birth control on the gut microbiome and inflammatory activity.
Post birth control syndrome is a combination of symptoms that can appear within four to six months of discontinuing the birth control pill, including painful periods, hair loss, acne, depression, anxiety, and digestive issues.
Hormonal changes associated with coming off birth control can impact various aspects of health and fertility, and it is important to address the underlying causes of these symptoms rather than relying solely on hormonal birth control.
The use of hormonal birth control can contribute to inflammation and disrupt the body's detoxification processes, emphasizing the importance of supporting the liver and providing adequate nutrients for optimal function.
Deep dives
Post Birth Control Syndrome: Symptoms and Impacts on Hormones
Post birth control syndrome is a combination of symptoms that can appear within four to six months of discontinuing the birth control pill. These symptoms can include painful periods, hair loss, acne, depression, anxiety, and digestive issues. Synthetic hormones in the pill can deplete essential nutrients, such as B vitamins, zinc, magnesium, and CoQ10, leading to hormonal imbalances and health complications. Going off the pill can also trigger an increase in testosterone, causing oily skin and acne. Furthermore, the pill can disrupt the gut microbiome, leading to inflammation and possible links to conditions like Crohn's disease. The pill can also impact the adrenal glands and contribute to adrenal dysfunction. Support for gut health, liver detoxification, and hormonal balance through a variety of nutrient-dense foods, prebiotics, collagen peptides, and castor oil packs can be beneficial. Coming off birth control can lead to improvements in weight management, relief from migraines and other symptoms, and the restoration of natural hormonal balance.
The Complexities of Hormonal Changes and Fertility
Hormonal changes associated with coming off birth control can impact various aspects of health and fertility. Returning to natural hormonal fluctuations can take time, with symptoms like painful periods, acne, and low libido potentially arising during the adjustment process. It is important to address the underlying causes of these symptoms rather than relying solely on hormonal birth control. Factors such as nutrient deficiencies, disrupted gut microbiome, and inflammation should be considered. Incorporating a variety of nutrient-dense foods, supporting gut health, and addressing adrenal function can aid in restoring hormonal balance naturally. It is vital for individuals to listen to their bodies, connect with their natural cycles, and address any symptoms or imbalances with holistic approaches.
The Impact of Birth Control on Inflammation and Detoxification
The use of hormonal birth control can contribute to inflammation and disrupt the body's detoxification processes. Synthetic hormones in the pill can lead to increased inflammation and insulin resistance, affecting overall health and potentially leading to conditions like cardiovascular disease. The liver plays a crucial role in metabolizing and detoxifying these hormones, and adequate nutrient support is essential for optimal liver function. Nutrients like zinc, antioxidants, and magnesium, which are depleted by the pill, play a crucial role in detoxification and regulating inflammation. Supporting the liver with bitter foods, adequate protein intake, and potentially using castor oil packs can aid in natural detoxification processes and reducing inflammation.
The Gut-Brain Connection and Birth Control
Hormonal birth control can have an impact on the gut microbiome and disrupt the gut-brain connection. The pill has been shown to decrease diversity in the microbiome and can contribute to leaky gut. This imbalance can lead to skin issues, such as acne, and hormonal imbalances. Supporting the gut and microbiome through a varied and diverse diet, including prebiotic-rich foods, collagen peptides, and bone broth, can help restore balance. Zinc supplementation and addressing any gut issues can also be beneficial. The gut-brain connection can affect mood and other aspects of health, highlighting the importance of a healthy gut in overall well-being.
Benefits of Coming Off Birth Control with Professional Guidance
Coming off birth control can lead to favorable results when done with professional guidance. With a holistic approach, addressing factors such as gut health, liver detoxification, adrenal function, and hormonal imbalances can lead to improvements in symptoms and overall well-being. Examples include weight loss, relief from migraines, improved skin health, and restored hormonal balance. Seeking support from qualified practitioners and participating in programs like your hormone revival can provide valuable guidance and personalized strategies for navigating the journey off birth control and regaining hormonal health.
Birth control - it’s a hot topic in more ways than one. There are many misconceptions and misguided information when it comes to understanding birth control and its effects on your body. So today Erin sits down with Rachel Mistry, RD, MSN, the Lead Practitioner on our team, as we dive in and discuss what is “Post-Birth Control Syndrome”, how birth control affects our cycle and different systems in the body, post-pill detoxification, and more. They also discuss therapeutic interventions and what to do when you’re on or off the pill.
In this episode, please keep in mind that we are not anti-birth control, we are pro-education. That being said, Erin’s stance on birth control is “You are the authority on you. You decide what to do with your body. I believe in informed consent. But in order for you to give informed consent, you must first be informed.”
In this episode:
Defining Post-Birth Control Syndrome, the symptoms & how the pill works [3:40]
How birth control can disrupt the phases in your cycle [8:07]
Listening & connecting your mind and body during your cycle [14:40]
The different systems that birth control can impact, nutrients & side effects of deficiencies [20:19]
Let’s talk about post-pill detoxification [27:46]
Hormonal imbalances when you’re on and off the pill & why acne post-pill so common [47:02]
Real-world examples of what we see in clinic with the pill – and what helps[49:51]
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms we discussed in today’s show, consider joining our 3 month hormone rebalancing program, Your Hormone Revival. We have helped hundreds of women feel good again - and this is the last time we will run this program live! Enrollment opens February 13th. Join the waitlist today!