Coming Off Birth Control: What Your Body Needs Before Pregnancy (Ep. 145)
In this episode of Healthy As A Mother, we’re joined by Dr. Leah Gordon to explore why so many women struggle with fertility, even when their labs look “normal.”
We discuss how hormonal birth control, chronic stress, gut health, inflammation, and nervous system dysregulation can quietly block conception and implantation.
Dr. Leah explains why ovulation alone doesn’t always equal fertility, how the body’s stress response impacts reproductive hormones, and what it really means to support the body before pregnancy.
This is a compassionate, root-cause conversation for women navigating unexplained infertility, coming off birth control, or preparing their body for pregnancy, and a reminder that the body isn’t broken, it just needs the right support.
RESOURCES MENTIONED
- Womanhood Wellness Membership: Where functional medicine meets feminine wisdom—guiding you to balance hormones, awaken libido, and prepare for pregnancy with intention. 👉 Join today
- The Birth of the Pill — A deep dive into the origins and long-term implications of hormonal birth control 👉 https://amzn.to/4slrNfw\
- Episode #4 - Preconception: What It Is and Why It Matters 👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/healthy-as-a-mother/id1663942916?i=1000593847905
In this episode, we cover:
00:00 Coming Off Birth Control & Preconception Overview
02:55 Why Preconception Matters More Than We’re Taught
06:10 What Really Happens When You Stop Hormonal Birth Control
10:55 Why “Wait and See” Isn’t Enough After Birth Control
14:45 How Birth Control Disrupts Hormone Communication
19:05 Post-Pill Hormone Surges & Acne Explained
22:20 Why Your Cycle May Not Return Right Away
25:05 The Hidden Nutrient Depletions From Birth Control
29:45 Birth Control as Symptom Masking (The Fire Alarm Analogy)
34:50 The Key Nutrients Needed for Fertility & Pregnancy
40:20 Why Most Prenatals Aren’t Enough
43:30 Liver Health, Detox & Hormone Clearance
48:35 How Birth Control Impacts the Gut & Microbiome
53:10 Inflammation, Stress & Fertility Challenges
57:40 Nervous System Regulation & Preparing for Pregnancy
01:02:10 Final Thoughts on Healing Before Conception
Find more from Dr. Leah:
Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram
Dr. Leah Gordon | Website
Womanhood Wellness | Website
Find more from Dr. Morgan:
Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram
Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website
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